#Japan #Tokyo #San Holdings #Funeral Communication #Life Endings

Understanding the Intergenerational Funeral Dialogue

As families come together during the homecoming season, discussions on sensitive topics like funerals often surface, albeit rarely. A recent survey conducted by San Holdings Corporation sheds light on the significant communication gap between the older generation and their children regarding funeral logistics and life endings. Surprisingly, while nearly 60% of parents express a desire to discuss their funeral wishes, the same percentage of their children admit to having never had such a conversation.

The Need for Open Dialogue

The study surveyed 300 individuals each from the parental (aged 60-70) and child (aged 40-50) generations. Results indicated that 45% of parents possess some wish for their funerals, yet only 17.8% have communicated these wishes to their children. The reasons for this lack of dialogue are manifold, with 47.5% of parents stating uncertainty about the right time to bring up the subject, and 30.5% feeling it might be considered too heavy a topic.

Conversely, among the children surveyed, 62.4% reported never having broached the topic of funerals with their parents. A staggering one-third of this group claimed that they haven’t even thought about it, indicating a troubling detachment from the realities of aging and mortality. This lack of communication breeds anxiety and confusion as children grapple with making decisions in emotionally charged circumstances without guidance.

Insights from the Survey

Several key findings emerged from the survey:

1. Communication Barriers: Both generations recognize the need for conversation, yet they face a 'difficult to initiate' barrier.
2. Understanding Wishes: While 57.7% of children aspire to organize a funeral in line with their parents' wishes, only 10.3% claim to have a clear understanding of those wishes.
3. Funeral Form versus Personal Touch: Many parents have a general idea of the type of funeral they desire, yet few details—such as music, photographs, or specific items to include—remain unresolved, leaving children in the dark.
4. Life Ending Conversations: Beyond funeral arrangements, 73% of children admit they are unaware of their parents' wishes regarding other end-of-life matters, revealing a more profound communication gap.

Bridging the Communication Gap

The survey illustrates a critical need for families to address these topics openly. More than 60% from both generations want to engage in discussions about funerals, highlighting a shared desire for dialogue that remains unfulfilled due to various apprehensions.

As the Obon season approaches—a time traditionally associated with honoring the deceased—this could be the perfect opportunity for families to gently initiate these pivotal conversations. Starting small by sharing preferences around photographs or favorite songs can ease both generations into a more profound discussion regarding end-of-life topics.

Moving Forward with Care

Providing support for these conversations is essential for families wishing to avoid confusion and regret later. San Holdings stands committed to fostering a more open environment where families can discuss and prepare for life’s inevitable stages, helping to ensure that the wishes of the older generation are honored and respected.

Conclusion

As society evolves in its understanding of life endings and funerals, it remains imperative for families to cultivate open discussions. By bridging the communication gap, both parents and children can navigate the complexities of end-of-life arrangements with clarity and compassion. San Holdings encourages families to take the first step in these conversations, as doing so can lead to a more fulfilling and respectful farewell.