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While scattering of ashes is often thought of as a new memorial service method, its history actually dates back to Japan's Nara period. The burial method of scattering ashes in the mountains is the simplest way to return to nature, as the saying goes, "When we die, we return to the earth." In fact, the modern practice of burial in a grave is actually more recent.

Scattering of ashes is said to have originated in India, where Buddhism was born, and is actually a memorial service method that has been practiced since ancient times. It arrived in Japan with the introduction of Buddhism from India. It is known that scattering of ashes was already practiced among commoners as early as the Nara period. Scattering of ashes was a common funeral method among the general public, and those in power at the time would create mountain ridges resembling ruins to demonstrate their power. However, there is also a record of Emperor Junna scattering his ashes in the mountains during the Heian period. The Manyoshu (Collection of Poems) contains many mournful poems about scattering ashes. (⇒Link)

Cremation was also introduced to Japan at the same time as scattering of ashes. Due to the large amount of fuel required, cremation was not widely adopted by the general public. However, Empress Jitō was cremated during the Asuka period, and cremation continued under the influence of Buddhism until the early Nara period. It is said that cremation gained popularity in particular due to the cremation of Buddha.

After that, there was a period when burial, based on Confucian teachings, became the norm. Then, during the Meiji period, cremation became more common, mainly in large cities, likely due to land shortages during a time of population growth. After the war, for public health reasons, cremation was encouraged as the population grew, and the construction of crematoriums progressed, leading to a rapid spread of cremation.

And now, scattering of ashes is once again attracting attention. Natural burials are becoming more common worldwide, based on the idea that humans should return to nature.

For inquiries or questions about natural burial scattering at Scattered Bone Mountain, please contact us by phone, email, or visit us for a free in-person consultation. We will provide detailed explanations about scattering ashes, which is still uncommon. We welcome any questions or concerns you may have until you are satisfied. Please feel free to discuss any details, such as closing the grave or making pre-planning reservations. If you feel you can avoid the hassle of visiting our office, please feel free to ask us questions via email. If you are in a hurry, please submit your scattering request directly. The data you submit through the application form will not be used for any other purpose, so please feel free to provide your information. Please note that submitting the application form is a provisional request; your formal request will be finalized once payment has been confirmed. We will also ask for the name of the deceased, so please submit your request using the dedicated scattering request email form.