Cremation in Tokyo’s 23 Wards: How Can Price Gap between Public, Private Facilities Be Narrowed?

Editorial

17:43 JST, April 18, 2026

There have been a series of complaints about crematoriums in Tokyo from residents regarding fees and other matters.

As the place where bereaved families and others bid farewell to the deceased, are these facilities being operated appropriately? Government entities must consider measures to improve the situation.

There are 18 crematoriums in Tokyo, excluding those on remote islands that are under the capital’s administration. Of these, nine facilities are located in Tokyo’s 23 wards — two operated publicly and seven privately. Six of the seven private crematoriums are run by the same company.

Based on a notification issued by the now defunct Health and Welfare Ministry in 1968, crematoriums are supposed to be operated by local governments, in principle. However, if authorized by the relevant local government, based on the law on cemeteries and burials, entities such as religious organizations and private companies are also allowed to run crematoriums.

In the 23 wards, the privately run crematoriums have been in operation since before World War II. On those grounds, the wards have authorized their operation.

In recent years, fees for cremation services charged by private operators have been at issue. While the two public facilities charge in the ¥40,000 to ¥50,000 range, all seven private facilities charge in the ¥80,000 range.

The privately operated crematoriums used to charge in the ¥50,000 range as well, but they have raised prices, citing the soaring costs of fuel for cremation furnaces and labor.

Residents of the wards have voiced discontent, saying such things as, “It is unfair that prices vary depending on where you live despite crematoriums being facilities that significantly impact the public.”

Given such remarks, the Tokyo metropolitan government plans to establish a study group that includes experts this fiscal year to discuss the future of crematoriums.

Because these facilities that significantly impact the public are being entrusted to the private sector, it is only natural that local governments should take responsibility for their operation. One idea would be to establish a system in which approval from local governments is required for operators to revise fees for cremation services.

The law stipulates that cities, wards and other local governments can request reports from operators regarding crematorium management. While the law permits local governments to revoke licenses in cases involving public health concerns, it does not explicitly grant them authority to regulate cremation and other fees.

Another matter to consider is revising the law to clarify the responsibilities and authority of local governments in order to make it easier for them to provide guidance to crematoriums.

Problems related to cremation and funeral services are not limited to Tokyo.

There are about 1,300 crematoriums nationwide, but it is not uncommon that bodies are unable to be cremated promptly due to waiting lists caused by congestion. There also have been notable cases in various places where bereaved families have had trouble with crematorium operators regarding not only fees but also matters such as the quality of funerals.

With the progression of the declining birth rate and the aging population, the nation has become a “high-mortality society” where deaths outnumber births. People have different views on life and death, but many surely want to have their final ceremonies handled peacefully. The central and local governments must resolve these various issues.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2026)