Making a Killing on Death

Japan's funeral industry is said to be worth some $10 billion and growing as Japan ages.

I remember when my Japanese father-in-law died. I was out teaching when I got the news. Around 10pm I made my way to the morgue in the basement of the hospital where he spent the last year and half of his life.

Family was sitting around him, mourning him, and tears flowed freely.

The local funeral director came in, lowered himself to his knees, bowed, "I am sorry for your loss."

We returned his bow.

He then opened up a book of funeral plans, and said "Okay, let's get started."

Right there. Right then. When the family was most vulnerable, he negotiated the best flowers, the best layout, the most costly priest, our family could afford.

At one point, "That much money will get your father/husband a better name on his tomb stick and a happier eternity."

More money = happier after life….and, well you get the picture.

How about a sushi buffet during the dinner while the loved one is being cremated? Or a better pick of karaoke songs?

It takes about two hours for a loved one to be cremated. The family 'enjoys' a dinner with family and close friends while that happens.

Japan's Rising Sun is setting:

* 25 million of Japan's 127 million people are 65 or older amid increasing life expectancies and record low birth rates.

* Around 36 per cent will be aged 65 or over in 2050.

* By 2050 Japan expects to have the world's largest proportion of pensioners.

VIP services, individuals are thinking, planning overtime, on how they can capitalize even more, yep, make a killing on the death of the ever greying Japanese.

What do you think?