Where do foreign residents in Japan want to die?
The question can be a difficult one for many, particularly those with religious beliefs that might not conform with how death is traditionally handled in Japan.
The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery is one of the few cemeteries in Japan that allows burials, albeit with conditions for the deceased, including foreign nationality and permanent residency in Kanagawa Prefecture. | AFLO
Aug 11, 2026
Across Japan, people are preparing to return to their hometowns to honor the spirits of their ancestors with traditional dances and grave visits during the annual Bon summer holiday period.
But as the native Japanese population plummets and the number of foreign residents continues to rise — topping 4 million for the first time in 2025 — a morbid question emerges: Where do foreign nationals want to die?
The question can be a difficult one for many, particularly those with religious beliefs that might not conform with how death is traditionally handled in Japan.
In a time of both misinformation and too much information,
quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
SUBSCRIBE NOW