#Japan #Tokyo #Death Fest #Ohakanri #Grave Relationships

Exploring Our Relationships with Graves: A Workshop at Death Fest 2026

As society evolves, the way we perceive and interact with graves is changing. 株式会社おはかんり, based in Koto, Tokyo, aims to redefine our connections with graves by offering a unique workshop entitled "The Future of Our Relationship with Graves: A Guided Workshop on Roots and Memories". This workshop will take place on April 13 and 14, 2026, at the Shibuya Hikarie during the Death Fest 2026 event, a significant gathering that encourages open conversations about death and its societal implications.

About Death Fest 2026

Hosted by the general incorporated association Death Fest, this event aims to explore the theme of death not as a taboo, but as a catalyst for discussions that can lead to new cultural paradigms and choices for society. Since its inception in 2024, Death Fest has gathered significant attention, with the 2025 event attracting about 4,200 attendees. The festival includes talk sessions and experiential programs that help individuals reflect on their lives and the concept of mortality from various perspectives.

The Workshop Overview

The workshop will delve into foundational questions such as, "What does a grave mean to me?" and "What do I seek in a grave visit?" Guided by the representative of 株式会社おはかんり, Miyako Hasebe, who is also an administrative scrivener, participants will have an opportunity to revisit their relationship with graves, using the tangible aspects of ancestral graves as entry points to broader reflections on life and beliefs about death.

Scheduled for 13:30 to 14:45 on both days, the workshop will accommodate 12 participants per session at the Gallery 8/CUBE 3, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Admission is free, and participants can register via Peatix.

Nurturing Personal Connections with Graves

株式会社おはかんり was established in December 2024 with a mission to bring graves into everyday conversations, aiming to treat them as relatable and manageable aspects of personal life, similar to health and asset management. Through their online services, the company connects gravesites, cemeteries, and related businesses, focusing on the needs of individuals navigating the complexities of grave management. This transformation is crucial in an era characterized by declining birth rates and an aging population, where traditional views and responsibilities regarding graves are being challenged.

During the workshop sessions, Hasebe will lead participants through essential discussions about the significance of graves in their lives. By addressing fundamental questions and sharing personal reflections, attendees will embark on a journey of self-discovery related to their roots and memories associated with graves.

The Importance of Addressing Grave Management

The journey towards developing such workshops and services stems from a personal experience Hasebe had when her paternal grave was removed (reinterred). This pivotal moment highlighted the complexities and often ambiguous norms surrounding grave management in modern society. The evolution of families and lifestyles necessitates new approaches to understanding and managing graves, which 株式会社おはかんり aims to address through innovative solutions and societal engagement.

For those interested in exploring their relationship with graves and the broader implications of mortality, the upcoming workshop at Death Fest 2026 represents an opportunity not only to learn but also to participate in meaningful conversations that redefine how we interact with the concept of death within our lives.

Workshop Details:

• - Dates: April 13 and 14, 2026, from 13:30 to 14:45
• - Location: Gallery 8/CUBE 3, Shibuya Hikarie at Death Fest 2026
• - Capacity: 12 participants per session
• - Fee: Free
• - Registration: Register through Peatix

- April 13: Event Link or Peatix Link
- April 14: Event Link or Peatix Link

• - Contact: [email protected]

As we move towards a future where conversations about death are more open and integrated into our daily lives, workshops like these will play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their sentiments and relationships with graves.