TOKYO - Tokyo's 23 wards have decided to establish a new small-scale public crematorium to address rising fees at privately operated facilities and growing concerns that cremation capacity could become insufficient around 2040 as the city's aging population drives up the number of deaths.
Cremation fees at privately operated facilities across Tokyo's 23 wards have continued to rise, placing an increasing financial burden on bereaved families. At the same time, the number of deaths is expected to increase as the population ages, raising concerns that existing crematoriums may struggle to meet demand by around 2040.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and a panel of experts have been examining possible measures to address the situation, with specialists recommending the construction of additional publicly operated crematoriums to ensure adequate capacity.
At a meeting with the metropolitan government scheduled for October 14, representatives of the 23 wards are expected to formally present a plan to establish a new small-scale crematorium within the wards.
The proposal marks a step toward expanding publicly operated cremation services in Tokyo, where rising private-sector fees and demographic changes have highlighted the need for additional facilities.
The precise location of the new crematorium and the timetable for its construction have yet to be determined and will be considered in subsequent discussions.
Source: FNN
