There are two main methods of scattering ashes: "ocean scattering" and "forest scattering." These differ depending on where the ashes are scattered. There is also "aerial scattering" and "space scattering," which can be further categorized into "helicopter scattering," "fireworks scattering," "balloon scattering," and "rocket scattering."
"Ocean scattering" is currently recognized as the most popular method, but due to consideration for neighbors, scattering must be done outside of beaches, aquaculture farms, and fishing grounds. Therefore, the most common method involves boarding a boat and heading out to sea, where bone powder is ground into powder and scattered into the sea. Since a boat must be chartered, poor weather can sometimes mean the departure is postponed. Family members can either board the boat and scatter the ashes themselves, or hire a professional to scatter the ashes on their behalf. "Ocean scattering" is a popular method for mourning the death of a deceased person with a strong connection to the sea.
"Forest scattering" involves scattering ashes in the mountains. There are no laws restricting scattering of ashes, so as long as they are properly pulverized and done with moderation, scattering ashes is generally possible anywhere. However, scattering ashes on someone else's property is out of the question, and scattering ashes is prohibited in national parks, general public parks, tourist spots, tourist routes, public facilities, etc. Scattering ashes near water sources is also prohibited, as is scattering in rivers. Some cities, towns, and villages have ordinances that prohibit scattering ashes altogether. For these reasons, there are currently not many open areas where "forest scattering" is possible. Originally, as the phrase "return to the earth" suggests, returning the ashes to the earth, as in the West, is arguably the most natural burial method.
Aerial scattering involves "helicopter scattering," which involves scattering ashes from a helicopter over the ocean. "Fireworks scattering" involves launching fireworks containing bone powder into the air. Although this scattering is done from the air, the ashes are scattered over the ocean and sink to the seabed.
There appear to be specialist companies that specialize in "space scattering." "Balloon scattering" involves placing powdered remains in a balloon and launching it into the sky. When the balloon reaches the stratosphere and the air pressure changes, it automatically explodes, sending the remains drifting from the stratosphere into outer space. "Rocket scattering" involves placing the remains in a capsule and launching it into Earth's orbit, where they become space debris. It's unclear whose permission is required, and the fees are apparently quite expensive.
While various scattering methods have emerged, you can also do the scattering yourself. While outsourcing the process to a professional is often easier, there's no prohibition on pulverizing and scattering the remains yourself. If you're scattering the ashes by the ocean, rowing out to sea is a good option. Coastal or sandy areas are also acceptable, as long as they're not near a swimming beach, fishing spot, or fish farm. Bone powder scattered in the ocean attracts plankton, which serves as fish food. Scattering ashes is also possible if you own forest land, or even in your own garden. If the land is owned by someone else, you will naturally need permission. However, once the bones have been scattered, they cannot be retrieved at a later date. You should proceed carefully, understanding that this may prevent you from selling the land in the future. In either case, you should be considerate of your neighbors and ensure the scattering is done discreetly. Under current law, once the remains have been pulverized into small pieces, they are no longer considered remains, and therefore are not subject to the Cemetery and Burial Act. However, scattering remains in their original form is a violation of the law. Article 190 of the Penal Code defines abandonment of a body as follows: "Any person who destroys, abandons, or takes possession of a corpse, remains, hair, or items placed in a coffin shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than three years."
We do not in any way recommend scattering ashes yourself. If you do so, please understand that you do so at your own risk. |
