- A Japanese funeral parlor has begun offering drive-thru funerals to accommodate people with disabilities.
- The move reflects Japan's rapidly aging population.
- This widespread aging, combined with Japan's low fertility rate, have created what economists call a "demographic time bomb."
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Japan's 'demographic time bomb' has led to the rise of drive-thru funerals
Widespread aging, combined with Japan's low fertility rate, have created what economists call a "demographic time bomb."
Over the last decade, Japan has become what economists refer to as a "demographic time bomb" — a vicious cycle of low spending and low fertility that has resulted in a population decline of 1 million people and trillions in lost GDP.
Signs of the time bomb are everywhere, including prisons turning into de facto nursing homes and friends marrying one another out of desperation.
Now there's a new sign: Japan has opened its first-ever drive-thru funeral parlor, meant to cater to the growing elderly population that is no longer mobile enough to pay their respects in-person.
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The idea was hatched by Kankon Sosai Aichi Group at the Aishoden funeral parlor, which is located in the city of Ueda. Company President Masao Ogiwara said the move should help add some convenience to people's daily lives.
Japan Times. "The new service will allow those who would otherwise stay home go out and bid farewell to friends and family."
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