Ocean Scattering Costs: About 72% Hope for Under 100,000 Yen. Trustworthiness of Provider Tops List of Priorities Over Price

■Cost image is most commonly '50,000 to 150,000 yen'. Yet over 70% hope for under 100,000 yen.

The form of memorial service called 'ocean scattering', where ashes are scattered at sea without a grave, has been gradually gaining attention in recent years.

However, it seems that a general consensus on the actual cost and the acceptable price range has not yet been established.

Therefore, this time, in collaboration with Iko Kuyo Una, we conducted a survey on 'cost perception and price reasonableness for ocean scattering' targeting 400 men and women nationwide who indicated in a preliminary survey that they are aware of 'ocean scattering'.

*When citing the content of this press release, please comply with the following:

- State that the source is 'a survey by NEXER Inc. and Iko Kuyo Una'
- Link to Ocean Scattering Una (https://una-kuyou.jp/kaiyousankotsu/)
- Link to Recommended Ocean Scattering Providers Top 5! (https://kaiyosankotsu-hikaku.com/area/)

Survey Overview: 'Questionnaire on Cost Perception and Price Reasonableness for Ocean Scattering'

Survey method: Internet questionnaire

Survey period: May 22, 2026 to May 28, 2026

Survey target: Men and women nationwide who answered in a preliminary survey that they know about 'ocean scattering'

Valid responses: 400 samples

Question items:

Q1: What amount of cost do you imagine for ocean scattering?

Q2: Up to what amount would you be willing to pay for your own or a family member's ocean scattering?

Q3: Please tell us the reason for choosing that amount. (Free text)

Q4: Are there any aspects you prioritize over price when requesting ocean scattering? (Multiple choice)

Q5: Please tell us the reason. (Free text)

Q6: Do you feel anxious about providers whose prices are 'too cheap' compared to the market rate?

Q7: Please tell us specifically what you are anxious about. (Free text)

*Note: Figures are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not equal 100%.

■40.8% answered '50,000 to 150,000 yen'. Cost image shows clear variation.

First, we asked about the cost they imagine for ocean scattering.

The most common answer was '50,000 to 150,000 yen' at 40.8%.

This was followed by 'under 50,000 yen' at 29.8%, '150,000 to 300,000 yen' at 18.5%, and 'over 300,000 yen' at 11.0%.

Combining 'under 50,000 yen' and '50,000 to 150,000 yen', about 70% imagine costs 'under 150,000 yen', suggesting many people perceive it as 'not very expensive'.

On the other hand, about 10% answered 'over 300,000 yen', showing considerable variation in cost perception.

The cost of ocean scattering varies greatly depending on the provider and the plan.

This variation in perception seems to indicate that the market price is not yet widely known.

■72.0% answered they would pay 'under 100,000 yen'

Next, we asked about the amount they would be willing to pay for their own or a family member's ocean scattering.

An overwhelming majority of 72.0% answered 'under 100,000 yen'.

This was followed by '100,000 to 200,000 yen' at 19.0%, '200,000 to 300,000 yen' at 7.0%, '300,000 to 500,000 yen' at 1.5%, and 'over 500,000 yen' at 0.5%.

While the most common cost image was '50,000 to 150,000 yen', when it comes to what they can actually 'pay', the tendency is to narrow it down to under 100,000 yen. There is a gap between cost perception and willingness to pay, with the honest desire to 'keep it cheaper than imagined' reflected in the numbers.

We also asked the reasons for choosing that amount, and introduce some of them here.

Those who answered 'under 100,000 yen':

- It's not something that remains, so I can't pay that much. (Female, 20s)
- I thought the boat charter fee would be around that. (Female, 30s)
- I don't understand why it would be so expensive. (Female, 30s)

Those who answered '100,000 to 200,000 yen':

- It's neither too expensive nor too cheap, just the right amount. (Female, 30s)
- I think that amount is reasonable considering various tasks are included. (Female, 30s)
- It just feels like an amount within my means. (Female, 30s)

Those who answered '200,000 to 300,000 yen':

- Any funeral costs about that much. (Female, 20s)
- Because I want to scatter the ashes with care. (Male, 30s)
- Considering the cost of launching a boat and that there are no future maintenance costs unlike a grave, I thought I could pay up to this amount. (Male, 40s)

While many voices wanted to 'keep costs down', there were also opinions from the perspective that 'unlike a grave, there are no ongoing maintenance costs', leading some to be willing to pay a certain amount.

Views on cost seem deeply connected to one's philosophy of life and death and feelings for family.

■49.0% prioritize 'trustworthiness and track record of the provider'. There are things more important than price.

Next, we asked in a multiple-choice format what aspects they prioritize over price when requesting ocean scattering.

The most common answer was 'trustworthiness and track record of the provider' at 49.0%.

This was followed by 'compliance with laws and etiquette (scattering area and procedures)' at 42.8%, 'safety and equipment of the boat' at 35.0%, 'carefulness of bone pulverization' at 33.8%, 'issuance of scattering certificate' at 32.8%, and 'politeness of staff response and explanation' at 28.3%.

Only 24.3% answered that 'price is the top priority'.

Only one in four people considered price the top priority, indicating that many people place importance on 'who to ask and how'. Because it is difficult to visually confirm the scattering process, trust in the provider may be particularly important.

We asked for the reasons for each choice and introduce some of them here.

Those who chose 'trustworthiness and track record of the provider':

- I think it's an act that pollutes nature, so I want the preparation and procedures to be thorough. (Female, 30s)
- I don't want problems later. (Female, 30s)
- I'd be in trouble if they were doing something illegal. (Female, 30s)

Those who chose 'compliance with laws and etiquette (scattering area and procedures)':

- It's meaningless if you can't tell whether it was done or not. (Female, 20s)
- I can't comfortably request a provider that doesn't follow the law. (Female, 30s)
- I don't want to break the law. (Female, 30s)

Those who chose 'safety and equipment of the boat':

- I don't want to have an accident on the way. (Female, 30s)
- I want an environment where I can scatter the ashes with peace of mind. (Female, 30s)
- I don't want to do it casually without knowledge, so I want to understand the content thoroughly. For that, the response of specialized staff and trustworthiness are important. (Female, 40s)

Comments like 'I wouldn't know what happened without a scattering certificate' and 'I'm worried about whether they follow the law' reflect a desire for certainty in the memorial service.