Tokyo Hakuzan Celebrates Over a Century of Higan Memorial Services in Tradition

A Tradition of Reverence: Tokyo Hakuzan's 201st Higan Memorial Service

On March 12, 2025, Tokyo Hakuzan Co., Ltd., a prominent name in bereavement services based in Minato, Tokyo, will host its 201st Spring Higan Memorial Service at the Horinouchi Funeral Hall. This event marks over a century of honoring the deceased, having been established in 1921.

Tokyo Hakuzan has been conducting memorial ceremonies in alignment with the Higan festival seasons every spring and autumn for over 100 years now. The upcoming ceremony will see the attendance of distinguished guests, including the head priest, Yamada Nichiyo, from the Nichiren-shu Horinouchi Myohoji temple, alongside company representatives who will participate in the solemn observance.

A Deeply Rooted Tradition

The Higan Memorial Service is a time-honored practice rooted in Japan's unique cultural and spiritual heritage. During the ceremony, priest Tsutsui Daishuu will elaborate on the origins of Higan and underscore the significance of this ancient Japanese custom. The sermon will touch on the essential spiritual practices to be observed during Higan, including generosity (fuse), moral discipline (jikai), patience (ninjitsu), diligence (shojin), meditation (zendou), and wisdom (chie). This reflective moment aims to enrich the hearts of all participants, encouraging a deeper connection with their spiritual and familial roots.

CEO Wada Shohei will address attendees, pointing out that the Higan Memorial Service is a heartfelt opportunity for expressing gratitude towards the living and mourning for those who have passed. He will also emphasize the fundamental role of cremation services as a form of community service, supporting families in their time of need. The significance of Higan is further echoed in the history of the event, which has successfully paired with revered local temples throughout its history, ensuring a deeply spiritual context for remembrance.

Committing to Excellence in Services

Beyond its cultural significance, Tokyo Hakuzan is committed to evolving its facilities and services to better serve the community. The organization operates six comprehensive funeral halls across Tokyo and one post-mortem care facility, focusing on creating barrier-free environments and implementing state-of-the-art cremation systems that prioritize safety and cleanliness. The aim is to provide a dignified space fitting for remembering the lives of loved ones.

In recent years, Tokyo Hakuzan has grown to handle a significant portion of cremations within the 23 wards of Tokyo. They strive to continue this trajectory while ensuring that grieving families and funeral homes can confidently entrust their services to them. Tokyo Hakuzan promises enhanced operational safety and service reliability, forging a sense of peace for all who come to them in times of loss.

About Tokyo Hakuzan

Founded on April 27, 1921 (initial operations began in 1887), Tokyo Hakuzan embodies a legacy of over a century of exceptional service in the funeral industry. Managed by President Wada Shohei, the company is located at Shibura 1-2-3 Shibans S Building, 13F, Minato, Tokyo. Their vision is to redefine the experience of funerals, providing a space that truly honors the final journey of individuals and offers solace to their loved ones.

In conclusion, the 201st Spring Higan Memorial Service by Tokyo Hakuzan is not just a reflection on the past, but a continued commitment to ensuring that the memories of those who have passed are preserved with dignity and respect. Looking forward, the organization aims to maintain and nurture this vital practice while adapting to the needs of the community it serves.