Reason for Preferring Cremation-Only Funerals: Approx. 58% Cite 'Cost Savings,' While 'No Formal Ceremony, Just a Quiet Farewell' Tops List for a 'Satisfying Goodbye'

■ Survey on Attitudes Towards Cremation-Only/Direct Cremation Funeral Plans

The nature of funerals has been changing significantly in recent years.

Options have diversified, ranging from traditional general funerals with many attendees to small-scale services for family only, and even 'cremation-only/direct cremation' services that omit a ceremony altogether.

The reasons behind this shift are varied, including cost issues, a decrease in attendees due to an aging population and declining birthrate, and changes in religious views. What do people today think about funerals?

Therefore, NEXER Inc., in collaboration with Memolead Co., Ltd., conducted a survey on 'Attitudes Towards Cremation-Only/Direct Cremation Funeral Plans' targeting 500 men and women nationwide.

■ 31.2% Choose 'Cremation-Only/Direct Cremation'; Half Prefer 'Family Funerals'

First, we asked about their preferences for funeral formats.

The most common answer was 'family funeral (a small-scale funeral mainly for family and relatives),' accounting for 50.0%, or half of the respondents.
This was followed by 'cremation-only/direct cremation (only cremation without a ceremony)' at 31.2%, 'one-day funeral (a funeral held in one day, omitting the wake)' at 10.2%, and 'general funeral (a traditional funeral inviting many attendees)' at 8.6%.

■ 58.3% Cite 'Cost Savings' as Reason for Choosing Cremation-Only/Direct Cremation

Next, we asked those who preferred cremation-only/direct cremation for their reasons.

The top reason was 'to save money' at 58.3%.
This was followed by 'no religious preferences' at 37.2%, 'to reduce the burden on attendees and the bereaved' at 25.6%, 'want to be sent off/send off in my own way, not bound by formalities' at 19.9%, 'the deceased's wishes' at 19.2%, and 'few attendees due to aging/declining birthrate' at 14.1%.

While emphasizing cost and burden reduction, many also expressed a desire for a freer farewell, unbound by religion.
The popularity of family funerals seems to stem from a psychological desire to balance a resistance to large-scale general funerals with the feeling of 'wanting to say a proper goodbye.'
As more than half of those who choose cremation-only/direct cremation cite 'cost,' it reflects a strong awareness of funeral expenses and a realistic judgment characteristic of the current era.

■ 29.2% Feel Anxious About 'Unclear Costs and Plan Details'

Next, we asked what anxieties they feel when they hear 'cremation-only/direct cremation.'

The most common answer was 'unclear costs and plan details' at 29.2%.
This was followed by 'concern about not having enough time to say a slow goodbye to the deceased' at 22.2%, 'not knowing what to prepare' at 21.0%, and 'concern about not gaining understanding from others' at 17.4%.
Furthermore, 17.2% worried that 'it would be over in a flash, leaving no time for emotional closure,' 16.0% felt they 'might regret it later,' and 13.8% chose 'other.'

We also asked for specific reasons for each answer, and here are some of them.

Those who answered 'unclear costs and plan details':
- 'Because I don't know how much it will cost.' (Male, 30s)
- 'It seems like there would be many options since the base cost is low.' (Male, 40s)
- 'While it saves money, time, and effort, it might be too simple and not understood by others.' (Female, 30s)

Those who answered 'concern about not having enough time to say a slow goodbye to the deceased':
- 'I'm simply anxious about whether I can have a proper farewell.' (Male, 20s)
- 'I feel like I might regret it, thinking, 'I should have given them a better send-off.'' (Female, 30s)
- 'I understand it's a plan without a ceremony, but I'm anxious because I have no knowledge of the process from death to cremation.' (Female, 30s)

Those who answered 'not knowing what to prepare':
- 'I don't know how to arrange it.' (Female, 30s)
- 'A simple funeral with only cremation? I don't know what's being omitted.' (Female, 30s)
- 'I feel anxious because I don't know what it is.' (Male, 30s)

The anxiety about unclear costs is linked to the top reason for choosing cremation-only/direct cremation: 'to save money.'
Many people feel the contradiction of wanting to save money but not knowing the actual cost.
Also, the anxiety about having less time for farewells and the psychological hurdle of gaining understanding from others are not insignificant.

■ 43.4% Say 'No Formal Ceremony Needed, Just Want a Quiet Farewell'

Next, we asked what kind of time or presentation would make for a 'satisfying farewell' if they were to choose a cremation-only/direct cremation.

The most common answer was 'no formal ceremony is needed, just want to see them off quietly' at 43.4%.
This was followed by 'time to offer flowers' at 25.8%, 'a quiet space where all attendees can gather around the deceased' at 25.0%, and 'time to place letters or memorabilia for the deceased' at 19.4%.
'Other' accounted for 11.6%, 'farewell words/proceedings by a master of ceremonies' for 8.8%, and 'playing music (like the deceased's favorite songs)' for 8.4%.

While the top answer was 'no ceremony needed,' many also expressed a desire for simple yet heartfelt moments, such as offering flowers or gathering in a quiet space.
The desire to have a smaller funeral does not contradict the feeling of 'wanting to say a proper goodbye.'
Rather, it seems that a sentiment of valuing 'time that is personal to the individual,' rather than scale or formality, is spreading.

■ 28.4% Most Value 'Simplicity and Clarity of Plan Contents'

Finally, we asked everyone what they value most when choosing a funeral home or plan.

The most common answer was 'simplicity and clarity of the plan contents' at 28.4%.
This was followed by 'flexibility to have a farewell that is characteristic of the deceased' at 19.6%, 'staff responsiveness and reliability' at 17.2%, 'other' at 13.8%, 'good access from home or desired area' at 8.8%, 'ease of contact, such as 24-hour availability' at 7.0%, and 'flexible accommodation of religion/sect' at 5.2%.

We also asked for specific reasons for each answer, and here are some of them.

Those who answered 'simplicity and clarity of the plan contents':
- 'I want to take my time choosing from a wide range of plans.' (Male, 20s)
- 'Because it would be difficult if the plan becomes complicated and costs add up.' (Female, 30s)
- 'I think a modest and simple ceremony without excessive presentation is good.' (Female, 30s)

Those who answered 'flexibility to have a farewell that is characteristic of the deceased':
- 'Since it will be the last meeting, I want the deceased to feel happy.' (Female, 20s)
- 'I want to send them off with their favorite things.' (Female, 20s)
- 'I want to send them off in a way that the deceased would have found acceptable.' (Female, 30s)

Those who answered 'staff responsiveness and reliability':
- 'Because I want to consult with the staff about various things.' (Female, 20s)
- 'If the staff is courteous, it's reassuring in many ways.' (Female, 30s)
- 'When you're already down, an unfriendly staff member could be traumatizing.' (Female, 40s)

The demand for 'plan clarity' is linked to the previously mentioned anxiety about 'unclear costs and plan details.'
People have to choose a funeral in a state of physical and mental exhaustion immediately after losing a loved one. That's why simple plans that are easy to understand at a glance, without complicated explanations or fear of additional costs, are sought after.
Trust in the staff is similar; whether you can confidently entrust matters to professionals affects whether you have regrets later.

■ Summary

This survey revealed that while half of the people prefer 'family funerals,' 31.2% also choose 'cremation-only/direct cremation.'
Behind this choice are realistic reasons such as wanting to save money, not being particular about religion, and reducing burdens. However, anxieties like 'unclear costs' and 'not having enough time for farewells' are also deeply rooted.
The most common request for a satisfying farewell was the simple desire to 'see them off quietly without formal ceremony.'
This can be seen as a reflection of modern values that emphasize how time is spent with the deceased, rather than the scale of the funeral.
When choosing a funeral plan, it is important that the plan details are clear, the pricing is transparent without additional costs, and there is support from reliable staff.
These two points seem to be crucial conditions for a farewell without regrets.
For those who want to find a 'satisfying send-off' for themselves and their families, regardless of formality, considering a simple and clear cremation-only/direct cremation plan might be a good option.