We handle the applications required to move a grave (reinterment) on your behalf. We also arrange scattering of ashes at sea.
You may be in one of these situations
- There is no one to succeed to the grave and I do not know what to do
- I want to move a grave that is far away to somewhere closer
- I am considering scattering at sea but do not know how to proceed
What grave closure means
It means removing the gravestone, returning the plot to bare ground and giving up the right to use it.
We increasingly hear from people who can no longer manage a distant grave, and from those who would prefer a scattering.
Taking the remains out of the current plot and interring them elsewhere is called reinterment. This office obtains the permit required for it on your behalf.
How a grave closure proceeds
- Tell the cemetery manager, and obtain the burial certificateLet the manager of the present cemetery know that you intend to close the grave. At a temple cemetery, a farewell offering may be payable.
- Decide where the remains will goThe options include a new cemetery or ossuary, perpetual memorial services, keeping the remains at home, or scattering. The receiving side issues an acceptance certificate.
- Obtain the Permit for ReintermentYou apply to the municipal office, attaching the burial certificate and the acceptance certificate. This is the part we handle for you.
- Closing service and removal of the remainsYou ask the priest to hold the closing service, and the remains are taken out.
- Removing the gravestone and returning the plotA stonemason removes the gravestone. If the grave is far away, we recommend doing this on the same day as the removal of the remains.
- Interment or scattering at the new placeYou submit the Permit for Reinterment to the new cemetery manager, and the remains are interred or scattered.
Things to keep in mind before you start
-
Agree with relatives in advance
Always discuss the matter among relatives before starting the procedure. It is important to agree beforehand on whether to move the grave, where to, and who bears the cost.
-
Show appreciation to the present cemetery manager
Explain your circumstances and reasons carefully, so that the manager of the present cemetery understands them.
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Check that the contractor is licensed for industrial waste
A gravestone must be disposed of as industrial waste. Check that the contractor holds a licence for handling industrial waste, so that nothing is dumped illegally.
About scattering at sea
More people are choosing to return the remains to the sea, for instance when there is no one to succeed to the grave. We make the arrangements with all due care.
Watch a scattering at sea (YouTube)
What we handle, and the fees
| Procedure | Professional Fee (incl. tax) |
|---|---|
| Obtaining a burial certificate | From 55,000 yen |
| Obtaining an acceptance certificate | From 22,000 yen |
| Obtaining a Permit for Reinterment | From 55,000 yen |
| Arranging a scattering of ashes at sea | From 55,000 yen |
All amounts shown include consumption tax. Fees may vary according to your circumstances; please confirm the exact amount when you consult us.
The cost of pulverising and cleaning the remains for a scattering at sea is charged separately. Fees payable to the municipal office, the offering for the closing service, the cost of removing the gravestone and any farewell offering are also not included.