ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter, I argued that a growing section of the Japanese population is choosing or compelled to renounce the conventional generational grave model. Supporting evidence suggests that three main factors are at play. First, we observed that following post-war demographic changes a growing number of families are lacking a proper successor (that is, a son or adopted son) who will inherit and maintain the grave of his ancestors. Second, I have suggested that some Japanese people refuse to or are incapable of meeting the heavy financial costs necessary for the establishment of an ancestral grave of their own. Third, I have argued that Tree-Burial reveals changing family values among its subscribers. For example, some reject the principles of the household system including the continuity of the family line in favour of nuclear family based values. As a result, the inadequacy of the generational grave system for a growing section of the Japanese population has prompted the development of new forms of burial, including Japanese tree burial.
