~Keeping Remains at Home While Unable to Choose a Grave~ Survey on 'Reasons Why Grave Selection Isn't Progressing'

Kamakura Shimbun Co., Ltd. (Chuo City, Tokyo; President and COO: Fumio Kobayashi; Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime: 6184; hereinafter 'the company'), which provides various services related to 'end-of-life preparation' amid Japan's super-aging society, operates 'Ii Ohaka,' Japan's largest online information site for graves. The company has conducted a real-world survey targeting users who possess cremated remains but have not yet purchased a grave, focusing on the reasons why grave selection is not progressing. Additionally, to address the 'hesitation' revealed by the survey, the company is now offering a free 'grave diagnosis' tool.

Grave Diagnosis URL: https://www.e-ohaka.com/diagnosis/

For those wishing to cite survey results: https://www.kamakura-net.co.jp/contact/cite-contact/

Survey Background

'Ii Ohaka,' the company's portal site—the largest in Japan for grave-related information—introduces appropriate cemeteries and stonemasons to those considering grave purchases. Through daily consultations, the company has learned that a significant number of users already possess cremated remains but struggle to advance in selecting a grave.

In recent years, grave types have diversified into tree burials, columbariums, perpetual memorial graves, and standard graves, expanding consumer choices. At the same time, an increasing number of people are getting stuck mid-process, saying, 'I don't know what criteria to use for selection' or 'I can't make a final decision while comparing options.'

This survey was conducted to identify exactly where such indecisive individuals are getting stuck. In response to the challenges revealed, the company has launched a free 'grave diagnosis' tool that helps users identify the type of grave best suited to them—even without specialized knowledge.

Survey Overview

Survey Name: 'Real-World Survey on Reasons Why Grave Selection Isn't Progressing'

Survey Period: June 2026

Survey Target: Users who, between November 2024 and May 2026, requested materials or booked cemetery viewings via the company's 'Ii Ohaka' service, possess cremated remains, but have not yet purchased a grave

Survey Method: Online survey

Valid Responses: 219 (127 within six months of material request/viewing reservation; 92 after more than six months)

* Survey results (%) are rounded to the first decimal place after rounding the second decimal, so totals may not sum to exactly 100%.

Key Survey Findings

Approximately 80% (78%) of respondents keep cremated remains at home. About one-quarter have done so for over three years since the passing.

The top reason for not choosing a grave is 'still in the process of comparing various information and cemeteries' (around 40%), followed by 'too many types to choose from.'

Around 60% are considering 'tree burials,' and about 50% are considering 'perpetual memorial graves,' clearly showing a trend toward memorial types that do not require successors.

The most common response to 'by when would you like to decide?' was 'no particular deadline.' The lack of urgency contributes to prolonged decision-making.

Over time, emotional reasons such as 'wanting to keep remains at home until a milestone' fade, while reasons like 'comparison fatigue' and 'too many types to choose from' persist without resolution.

Survey Results

1. About 80% keep remains at home, and the situation is becoming long-term

When asked about the storage status of cremated remains, approximately 80% (78%) reported keeping them at home. The time since passing was '7 months to 2 years' for about half, and '3 years or more' for about one-quarter (26%). This reveals a reality where grave selection is being prolonged while remains are kept at home.

2. The main reason: unable to decide while still comparing

When asked why they cannot decide on a grave immediately, the most common response was 'still in the process of comparing various information and cemeteries' (around 40%). This was followed by 'too busy to find time,' 'too many types to choose from,' 'don’t feel urgency—keeping at home is fine,' and 'family members disagree,' each cited by about 20% of respondents.

There is no single decisive reason; many are stuck in a state of indecision due to ongoing comparisons.

3. Interest focused on tree burials and perpetual memorial graves

Among grave types under consideration, 'tree burial' was the most common (56.4%), followed by 'perpetual memorial graves / communal graves' (47.4%), and 'columbariums' (32.1%). In contrast, 'standard graves' with tombstones accounted for only 16.7%. This clearly shows growing interest in accessible memorial forms that do not require successors.

4. 'No particular deadline' is most common—lack of urgency fuels prolonged decisions

When asked 'by when would you like to decide?', the most common response was 'no particular deadline' (about 34%). Those with clear deadlines mentioned milestones such as 'by the first anniversary memorial' or 'by the third anniversary.' Overall, the lack of a sense of urgency appears to contribute to prolonged decision-making.

5. 'Comparison indecision' persists over time

Comparing users who began grave selection within the last six months versus those beyond six months, emotional reasons such as 'wanting to keep remains at home until a milestone' were found to fade over time. However, reasons like 'still comparing' and 'too many types to understand' did not decrease—in fact, they remained high. This suggests that time alone does not resolve the issue, and support is needed to help users conclude their comparison process.

Summary

This survey revealed that many people, while keeping cremated remains at home, are experiencing prolonged grave selection due to indecision caused by ongoing comparisons. As a flip side of the diversification of grave options, more people are getting stuck at the beginning or midway through the decision process.

To address these challenges, 'Ii Ohaka' has launched a free 'grave diagnosis' tool. In response to the top barrier identified in the survey—'unable to decide while comparing' (about 40%)—the tool helps users narrow down options through a series of questions, presenting suitable grave types and candidate cemeteries to help conclude the comparison process. We will continue to fully support 'family connections through graves,' helping users make satisfying choices by empathizing with their hesitation in grave selection.

About the Grave Diagnosis

The 'grave diagnosis' is a free web-based diagnostic tool that helps users identify the type of grave best suited to them and recommend candidate cemeteries by answering just 13 questions—no specialized knowledge required. It supports users at the 'next step' of their grave search by organizing their criteria and presenting tailored options, especially when overwhelmed by too many choices.

Grave Diagnosis Question Screen (example result shown)

Diagnosis Result Screen (example result shown)

Cost: Free (no membership registration required)

Diagnosis Content: Based on 13 questions, it suggests suitable grave types (e.g., tree burial, perpetual memorial grave, columbarium, standard grave) and matching candidate cemeteries

Support: Free consultations with specialist advisors are also available

Grave Diagnosis Special Page: https://www.e-ohaka.com/diagnosis/

About Ii Ohaka

Japan's largest grave information website, offering over 10,000 cemetery and burial site listings nationwide. With over 320,000 annual consultation cases, it helps users find graves based on area, reviews, price, and other preferences.