What is Sankotsu?
Sankotsu (散骨) is the practice of scattering cremated ashes, a funeral custom in Japan that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Traditionally, Japanese families enshrine their deceased loved ones in family graves, often located in Buddhist cemeteries. However, with changing societal values, limited cemetery space, and increasing costs of grave maintenance, many people are opting for alternative memorial methods, including sankotsu.
This practice allows families to return a loved one’s remains to nature, often in the sea or mountains. It aligns with Buddhist and Shinto beliefs about the cycle of life, emphasizing impermanence and the return of the body to the elements. Sankotsu is not only practiced for humans but is also becoming an option for pets, offering a way for owners to memorialize their beloved companions in a meaningful and natural setting.
Is Sankotsu Legal in Japan?
Yes, sankotsu is legal in Japan, but there are regulations. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has stated that scattering ashes is permitted as long as it is done in a respectful and non-disruptive manner. This means:
- Permission must be obtained if scattering ashes on private property.
- Ashes should be finely powdered before scattering to avoid leaving visible bone fragments.
- Scattering ashes in populated areas or places where it may cause distress to others is discouraged.
Many people choose to perform sankotsu at sea or in remote mountain areas to respect these guidelines. Some companies provide specialized services to ensure the process follows legal and ethical standards.
Types of Sankotsu in Japan
1. Marine Scattering (海洋散骨 – Kaiyō Sankotsu)
One of the most common methods, kaiyō sankotsu, involves scattering ashes into the ocean. Some families rent boats and hold a private ceremony at sea, while others use professional services that conduct the scattering on their behalf. The Pacific Ocean and Seto Inland Sea are popular locations.
Some companies offer eco-friendly urns that dissolve in water, ensuring that no physical remains are left floating.
2. Mountain or Forest Scattering (山散骨 – Yama Sankotsu)
For those who feel connected to nature, yama sankotsu allows ashes to be scattered in designated forested areas or mountains. Some temples and organizations provide “forest burials” (樹木葬, Jumokusou), where ashes are scattered or buried beneath trees.
3. Aerial Scattering (空中散骨 – Kūchū Sankotsu)
A less common but unique method, kūchū sankotsu, involves scattering ashes from an airplane. Some companies offer this service, particularly for individuals who had a deep passion for flying or nature.
4. Proxy Scattering Services (代行散骨 – Daikou Sankotsu)
For families who are unable to scatter ashes themselves, certain companies offer 代行散骨 (daikou sankotsu), where professionals scatter the ashes on their behalf. Some provide video recordings of the ceremony as a keepsake for the family.
Sankotsu for Pets: Honoring a Beloved Companion
Last week we discussed the difficult process of dealing with the loss of a beloved pet, especially while in a foreign country. Sankotsu can be a beautiful way of honoring and saying goodbye to our furry companions.
Sankotsu is not only practiced for humans but has also become an increasingly popular way to memorialize pets. Losing a pet can be just as painful as losing a family member, and many owners wish to honor their pet’s memory in a way that feels meaningful.
Why Choose Sankotsu for Pets?
- A Natural and Peaceful Farewell – Returning a pet’s ashes to nature allows them to rest in a place of beauty and tranquility.
- No Need for a Permanent Grave – Some pet owners prefer not to keep an urn at home or maintain a designated burial site.
- A Way to Stay Connected – Scattering ashes in a beloved park, mountain, or ocean allows owners to visit and remember their pet in a meaningful setting.
Where to Perform Sankotsu for Pets?
Just like with human remains, pet ashes can be scattered in the ocean, mountains, or forests. Some temples and pet cremation services offer designated scattering areas for pets.
Professional Services for Pet Sankotsu
Several companies provide pet sankotsu services, ensuring the process is done respectfully. Some even offer ceremonial options, similar to human funerals, where families can say a final goodbye before the ashes are scattered.
Here are some notable pet sankotsu services in Japan:
- Jindaiji Pet Cemetery (Tokyo) – Offers marine and forest scattering options for pet ashes.
- Osaka Pet Memorial Service – Provides sea scattering ceremonies for pets.
- Petto Sōgi 110 Ban (ペット葬儀110番) – A well-known pet funerary service that offers scattering options in nature.
Personalized Pet Memorials
For those who wish to keep a part of their pet’s ashes, there are options to split the remains, keeping a portion in a small urn or using it to create memorial jewelry. Some temples also allow pet ihai (位牌, spirit tablets), where a pet’s name is enshrined and honored.
Cultural and Religious Views on Sankotsu
While sankotsu is growing in acceptance, it remains somewhat controversial among older generations and Buddhist temples that uphold traditional grave practices.
Buddhism and Sankotsu
In Japan, many Buddhist sects emphasize the importance of haka (墓, family graves) and ihai (位牌, spirit tablets) in memorializing the deceased. Traditionally, ancestors are believed to watch over their families from their graves, and maintaining a physical resting place is considered an act of filial piety.
However, sankotsu is seen as a return to nature, which aligns with Buddhist teachings on impermanence (無常, mujō)—the idea that all things in life are transient. Some temples have begun offering sankotsu-friendly options, such as scattering ashes in temple gardens or forests.
Shintoism and Sankotsu
Shintoism reveres nature and spirits, and some interpretations view sankotsu as a way for the deceased to become one with nature. However, some conservative Shinto perspectives discourage disturbing remains after cremation.
Public Perception
- Younger generations tend to be more open to sankotsu, viewing it as a natural and cost-effective alternative to traditional burials.
- Older generations may still prefer family graves, as they provide a place for descendants to visit and pay respects.
- People without children or heirs often consider sankotsu as a practical solution to avoid burdening others with grave maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Sankotsu offers a meaningful, natural, and often more affordable alternative to traditional burials in Japan. While it may not be universally accepted, its increasing popularity reflects shifting attitudes toward memorial practices. For those seeking a peaceful return to nature, sankotsu is a beautiful way to honor a loved one’s memory, whether human or pet, while embracing the impermanence of life.