ABSTRACT
The concept of death among the Japanese has been closely associated with the relationship between the spirit and the body. Death is perceived to be the separation of the two, that is, the spirit is immortal while the body is not. Various rites and services are performed for the deceased, especially within the forty-nine days of the interim period between life and death (Shijuukunichi) to pray for the spirit to be able to safely cross the River Three Ways (Sanzunokawa) and settle peacefully in the other world of the dead.
