Japan Plans First-Ever Survey on Unclaimed Bodies and Remains
The welfare ministry of Japan is set to launch the country’s inaugural fact-finding survey this summer to assess how municipalities handle unclaimed bodies and remains. With a rising number of elderly individuals living alone, local governments often struggle to locate relatives of those who pass away without assistance. Additionally, some family members may refuse to claim the bodies.
Through consultations with municipalities and experts, the ministry aims to pinpoint key challenges and compile a list of best practices. According to the Cabinet Office’s 2023 report on an aging society, the percentage of elderly individuals living alone is projected to increase significantly by 2040.
While existing laws mandate that municipalities are responsible for cremating unclaimed bodies, the exact procedures vary across regions. As of October 2021, approximately 60,000 unclaimed remains were being held by local authorities. Despite calls for standardized protocols, the welfare ministry is proceeding cautiously considering regional and religious differences.