Cremation fees vary widely across Japan, with public facilities charging about ¥14,000 on average and private ones in central Tokyo costing ¥80,000 or more, a health ministry survey found.
The survey of crematoria nationwide was carried out by a research group at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Most facilities that charge are run by local governments, and about 20% charge nothing at all.
Public facilities hold down the cost to residents through public money. The gap with private operators, which set their own prices, was the survey's clearest finding.
Fees are being raised at crematoria around the country, with higher prices and a society where deaths keep rising cited as the backdrop.
New facility weighed for the 23 wards
In Tokyo's 23 wards, crematoria run by private companies charge ¥80,000 or more. The ward area faces fees that keep climbing and waits of up to two weeks for a cremation slot.
Building a new crematorium in the capital is under consideration, though any plan faces obstacles.