#Japan #Tokyo #funeral services #LDT Corporation #Smart Funeral

LDT Corporation's Innovative Approach to Funeral Services

LDT Corporation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is making waves in the funeral industry through its innovative online "Offering Information Provision System." This system allows attendees of funerals to select and pay for flowers and offerings online, which can then be automatically shared with relevant parties. Recently, LDT has secured a patent for this system within Japan, as part of its ongoing commitment to transforming the funeral service landscape with technology. The system has already been integrated into their funeral digitization service, "Smart Funeral" (スマート葬儀).

Addressing Workforce Shortages in the Funeral Industry

The current hiring situation in the funeral sector is alarming, with a job offer-to-applicant ratio of 7.59 for funeral directors and cremation staff, significantly higher than the general industry average of 1.35 as of December 2024. As the demand for funerals continues to grow—with the number of funeral cases projected to rise from 419,815 in 2015 to an estimated 502,792 by 2024—the industry is facing a critical shortage of workers. According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan is expected to witness a peak of around 1.68 million deaths by 2040—further emphasizing the urgency of resolving staffing issues in the sector.

LDT's CEO, Kazuya Shiraishi, shares a personal perspective, stating that attending the funerals of his father and grandfather revealed the inefficiencies in the current system reliant on paper and phone communication. This experience has driven him to pursue digital transformation in the funeral industry, resulting in both the conception and implementation of the patented offering information provision system.

The reliance on traditional methods, such as handwritten notes, spreadsheets, and FAX, remains prevalent in funeral operations, highlighting the pressing need for technological solutions to streamline processes in light of labor shortages.

User Testimonials

Akihiro Akiba, the CEO of ShioKaze Corp. in Chiba Prefecture, has shared how LDT's innovative online services have impacted their operations. He notes, "With a reduction in orders received via FAX and phone, attendees can now easily choose flowers and offerings using their smartphones, resulting in fewer mistakes and an increase in order volume. We can now anticipate the scale of funeral attendees based on the number of views on the memorial page and prepare return gifts and staff configurations in advance. Our customers have expressed that it's easy and convenient!"

Operational Benefits of Smart Funeral

LDT's introduction of Smart Funeral aims to provide significant benefits to funeral service operations by addressing various areas:

• - Automation of Ordering and Purchasing: The system reduces double entries and cross-verification that traditionally takes place via phone, FAX, and spreadsheets, thus minimizing errors and order returns.
• - Visualization of Inputs: It allows for real-time sharing of quantities and arrival times related to floral arrangements, optimizing logistics and staff assignments.
• - Standardized Inquiries: Attendees and bereaved family members are empowered to check their order status and sender information independently, relieving some of the burdens on customer service.

The Path Forward

Yohei Sato, in charge of Smart Funeral, emphasizes the need for gradual change, stating, "Transformations don't have to be large-scale. Start with just one hall or one operation and aim to reduce reliance on paper and phone calls. The Smart Funeral platform and our patented offering information provision system are here to help streamline arrangements timely, allowing families to focus on their care and creating lasting memories during the ceremony."

Patent Information

• - Invention Name: Offering Information Provision System
• - Application Number: 特願2022-012533 (JP2022-012533)
• - Publication Number: 特開2023-110972 (Published on August 10, 2023)
• - Inventor: Kazuya Shiraishi
• - Applicant: LDT Corporation
• - Registration Expected: October 2025

Company Overview

LDT Corporation

• - CEO: Kazuya Shiraishi
• - Established: September 20, 2019
• - Headquarters: 2-3-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 3rd Floor COERU Shibuya 2-Chome
• - Additional Branches: Fukuoka, Saga

Company Mission: LDT is dedicated to developing and providing AgeTech platforms, software, and consulting services to adapt to the needs of an aging society.
You can learn more about LDT's services through their website: LDT Corporation.