A 120-year-old funeral home in Japan has introduced a unique concept aimed at encouraging reflection on life and death. The Kajiya Honten funeral home, located in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, has created a “coffin cafe” where visitors can lie in a casket and reflect on their mortality in a serene and introspective environment.
Founded during the Meiji era, Kajiya Honten has long served the local community with traditional funeral services. However, its latest innovation seeks to provide a different kind of experience – one that allows individuals to contemplate their own lives and eventual passing in a peaceful setting. The concept was launched in September in collaboration with a funeral supply company and is housed in the funeral home’s main building, South China Morning Post reported.
The coffin cafe is situated on the first floor, separate from the area where grieving families typically gather. Inside, visitors are invited to lie in one of three coffins, each designed in calming hues of gold, green, or yellow, and decorated with floral patterns and artistic motifs.
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These coffins, though still symbolic of death, are crafted for comfort, allowing people to reflect in peace. The atmosphere is designed to be tranquil and inviting, encouraging contemplation rather than sadness.
The price for a visit to the coffin cafe is set at 2,200 yen (roughly $14), making it accessible to a wide range of people. Surprisingly, the concept has become quite popular, drawing in individuals from various walks of life, including couples who have used the opportunity to take photos inside the coffins.
Kiyotaka Hirano, the 48-year-old president of Kajiya Honten, shared that the idea was deeply personal to him. He was inspired by his own experience of losing his father unexpectedly at the age of 24. Hirano hopes that this new offering will help people view life through a different lens. “Coming out of the coffin can symbolise a rebirth, a reset of one’s life,” Hirano explained. His vision is that visitors leave the cafe feeling renewed, with a fresh perspective on life and the opportunity for a new beginning.
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(Image: Facebook/@wasoukukankajiya)
