Cultural Transformations in the Approach to Death and Funeral Rites in Japan

Abstract

This article presents cultural changes in the approach to the deceased, death and burial practices in Japan. From mythical history, described in Japanese chronicles, through antiquity to modern times and the impact of Shintō as a native religion, Buddhism and technological development on the perception of these phenomena. Performing treatments on cadavers in Japanese culture is associated with various threats, spiritual above all, so I will also write about rituals purifying both the body of the deceased, as well as theirs living family and home. Consequently, issues related to the cult of the dead, beliefs in the Land of Darkness and the caring ghosts of the ancestors will also be discussed.