Amazon Japan offers Monks for memorials
JAPAN – A new service from Amazon Japan – ‘Mr Monk Delivery’ – provides Buddhist monks who will perform memorial services.
According to Forbes magazine, the Japanese are losing connections with their local temple so subsequently do not know how to find a monk to perform a traditional memorial service for a loved one. It costs 35,000 Yen ($300) for the basic memorial service in your home.
The Japan Buddhist Federation is critical of the business as it could further weaken community ties with local temples. The service could also affect valuable donations as money would instead go to ‘Mr Monk Delivery’.
The basic service includes a memorial in your home or another location. Upgraded plans allow for services in multiple locations and the deceased can be given a posthumous Buddhist name. This can be very expensive at temples. Many rural temples are expected to close due to dwindling community attendance.
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