Wiping away the 'guilt' of grave relocation. Proposing a new way of thinking about memorial services to 'welcome ancestors', launching face-to-face consultation services nationwide

E-tie Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Genki Kabayama; TSE Growth: 369A), which develops perpetual memorial graves and tree burials nationwide, will launch 'Ancestor Welcoming Support,' a consultation service to reduce the psychological and practical burdens of grave relocation and support positive memorial choices, at approximately 100 partner temples nationwide. Through face-to-face consultations, the company aims to reduce the psychological burden of grave relocation and create an environment where people can choose their next memorial service with peace of mind. ■ 'Grave Relocation' reaching a record high of 176,000 cases and reasons for stagnation: In recent years, due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and concentration of the population in urban areas, the demand for grave relocation (reburial) has surged, reaching a record high of 176,000 cases according to the latest Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare data (FY2024 Health Administration Report). On the other hand, many cases do not progress due to psychological reasons such as guilt about 'being sorry to ancestors' or difficulty in explaining or persuading temples and relatives. Temporary financial burdens such as temple withdrawal fees, grave demolition costs, and preparation for new graves are also hurdles. ■ From 'Ending' to 'Welcoming' — A shift in thinking about memorial services: The company redefines grave relocation not as an 'act of ending a previous grave,' but as an 'act of welcoming ancestors to a new memorial site.' Moving from a grave that has become difficult to manage to an environment that is easier to visit and where memorial services are continuously performed is one way of memorializing in modern times. Through this shift in thinking, the company aims to create an environment where grave relocation can be considered as a positive option rather than a negative one. ■ 'Ancestor Welcoming Support' available at approximately 100 locations nationwide: This service systematizes grave relocation consultations that have been handled individually in the field and deploys them using the nationwide network of partner temples. At information desks set up at each temple, dedicated staff will accept face-to-face consultations and provide support tailored to each individual's situation. ● Support through face-to-face consultation: We will carefully listen to issues that are difficult to resolve over the phone or internet, such as coordination between relatives, relationships with temples, and regional customs. Because it is handled individually for each group, you can consult with peace of mind about your anxieties and worries. ● Presentation of a procedure roadmap: We will organize the flow of administrative procedures, including the application for a 'reburial permit,' in an easy-to-understand manner to support first-timers in proceeding smoothly. ● Proposal of optimal memorial sites: We propose memorial sites that fit modern lifestyles, such as perpetual memorial graves and tree burials that do not require annual management fees or successors. ■ Support for reducing burdens: As support to reduce temporary costs associated with reburial, we will present a QUO card to those who contract for perpetual memorial graves introduced by our company. By easing the burden from both psychological and economic aspects, we will create an environment where you can take a step toward a new memorial service with peace of mind.