Buzz
According to statistics, approximately 1.6 million people died in Japan in 2023. This number speaks volumes, as death is no longer seen as a frightening prospect. Consequently, a unique event called the 'Death Festival in Japan' is held for six days, beginning on April 13. The primary goal of the festival is to offer participants a 'near-death experience'.
What is the Death Festival in Japan?
The Death Festival in Japan is an event that lets participants explore the afterlife through virtual reality. First, they will create a list of things they want to accomplish before they die. Then, they will experience being inside a coffin. Everything unfolds exactly like 'a real funeral'.
Participants lie in a coffin and begin reflecting on life (Image source: Collected)
This strange festival runs for six continuous days in the Shibuya district. Surprisingly, the event has gained strong popularity in Japan.
Unexpected Experience Only at the Death Festival in Japan
It’s no coincidence that the Death Festival in Japan is so famous. Most participants have unique experiences while lying in the cold coffin. And once the experience concludes, they seem to gain profound insights about life.
The Moment of Crossing Between Two Worlds
The Death Festival in Japan is run by a group of organizations based in Tokyo. These groups come from reputable entities, including non-governmental organizations, media companies, and funeral experts.
This annual festival takes place in the Shibuya district – the vibrant heart of Tokyo.
Although the number four is homophonic with the word 'death' in Japanese, the founders still chose April 14th every year to celebrate 'Day of the Dead'. To participate in this festival, participants must pay 1,100 yen (7 USD) to lie in a coffin for 3 minutes. After the time is up, staff will open the coffin and greet them with, 'Welcome back to the world.'
The cost of a fake funeral is relatively expensive (Image source: Collected)
The Death Festival lasts for six days and offers the chance to explore the afterlife using virtual reality technology. It also serves as an opportunity for participants to learn about the Japanese burial traditions. Players will experience the burial process in the most realistic way possible.
Facing Death
The main goal of the Death Festival in Japan is to help modern individuals reduce their fear of death. Moreover, it becomes a powerful motivator for participants to overcome the pain and pressures imposed by society. After going through the simulated death experience, participants reflect on valuable lessons and realize the significant meaning of real life.
It can be seen that the theme of death in this festival is not something to fear. In fact, death helps participants realize many beautiful aspects of life, such as: love, gratitude, and connection.
After the experience, many participants gained valuable insights and recognized the importance of the real world (Image source: Collected)
According to statistics, Japan has a high mortality rate, a very low birth rate, and an aging population. The festival provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect on how to live in the present after crossing the threshold between life and death.
Mr. Nozomi Ichikawa – one of the founders of the festival, said: "If you begin contemplating life from its final moments, you will gain access to an entirely new world."
The Death Festival is not just in Japan
Not only Japan, but China and South Korea are also countries facing daily stress and pressure.
In cities like Shanghai and Shenyang (China), similar funeral and cremation simulations have been organized.
Since 2012, tens of thousands of people in Seoul (South Korea) have participated in "living funerals." They spend about 10 minutes experiencing the near-death moment inside a sealed coffin.
In addition, Japan also organizes a similar spiritual festival, the Obon Festival. Lasting three days in mid-August, it includes various traditional activities such as honoring ancestors through Bon dances, welcoming the spirits of the deceased with lantern releases, and visiting graves.
The Onsen Festival also shares a spiritual theme but is organized differently from the Death Festival in Japan (Image source: Collection).
China continues to celebrate the Zhongyuan Festival (also known as the Ghost Festival). This traditional event, held annually, aims to appease the spirits of ancestors. People offer food and release lanterns into the water to ensure wandering souls find their way home.
Here is all the detailed information about the Death Festival in Japan. We hope that with the information shared by Mytour, you will discover many new insights. If you wish to book a Japan tour, please contact the hotline 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!
