FAQFAQ

Embalming is a set of techniques for disinfecting, preserving, and restoring remains.

It helps prevent infection from the body, slows post-mortem change from decomposition, and restores an appearance closer to life—an important part of supporting bereaved families. It may also be performed for sanitary preservation when shipping remains internationally or receiving them from abroad.
While still relatively uncommon in Japan, embalming is standard in funeral practice in the United States and Canada and is widely used across Europe and Asia.

The history of body preservation is long; its origins reach back to mummification in ancient Egypt. In medieval Europe, preservation for anatomical study led to arterial injection of preservative fluids.
In the modern era, the American Civil War in the 1860s required soldiers’ remains to be returned home over long distances, which advanced preservation technology. Embalming was also widely used during the Vietnam War, and further research established today’s methods.

About 3.2% of all deaths (2017).

Since 2015, cases have grown at a pace of over 5,000 per year, and demand is expected to continue rising.

Beyond infection control and slowing decomposition, restoration and cosmetics can bring back a likeness to the person in life.

As families spread geographically and crematoriums are busy, the time until funeral services can stretch. Embalming can keep a peaceful appearance and a sanitary environment, allowing time for farewell.
A drawback is that treatment must take place in dedicated facilities, so families may spend time apart from the deceased during preparation.

Roughly two weeks is generally not a problem.

With proper environmental control and maintenance, preservation can be extended indefinitely in principle. In Japan, many providers set a limit of about 50 days because of customs such as completing main memorial rites by the 49th day (excluding international shipment).

Dry ice mainly cools the chest and abdomen to slow decomposition, but it cannot prevent whole-body change. Placing large amounts of dry ice on the body can also add emotional burden for families.
Embalming uses arterial injection of preservative fluids for whole-body preservation and disinfection, offering far stronger preservation than dry ice alone and a more natural appearance without freezing or condensation.

Depending on temperature and conditions before death, decomposition can advance rapidly in a single day. Dry ice may not fully prevent these changes.
When cremation is delayed because of rising deaths or crematorium capacity, embalming keeps remains hygienically safe so families can spend time with the deceased with peace of mind.
Embalming also sets a peaceful expression and can repair gauntness from illness or damage from accidents—helping families say a better farewell.

Angel care (post-mortem care) is typically performed in hospitals: alcohol swabbing, changing into a gown, cotton packing, and cosmetics.
Yūkan is a ritual washing of the body with warm water; it may include the same dressing and cosmetics as angel care, and some providers use a dedicated bath or shower instead of sponge bathing.
Embalming disinfects, preserves, and restores the body; it also includes washing, dressing, and cosmetics as part of the process.

Certified embalmers perform embalming at licensed facilities (55 nationwide as of 2017) in accordance with laws and regulations.

The facility receives the remains and confirms a signed authorization from the requester.
After undressing and disinfecting, the face is set at rest, and facial hair is shaved if needed. Small incisions are made; preservative fluid is injected through arteries while blood is drained from veins.
A tube is then inserted through the abdomen to aspirate and replace fluids in the chest and abdominal cavities. Incisions are sutured, and the body and hair are washed. Finally, dressing and cosmetics are applied, with restorative work as needed.
There is no dedicated embalming statute in Japan, but qualified embalmers performing proper procedures are not considered unlawful (Osaka High Court, 2005).
See Q18 below on certification.

Procedure time is typically about three hours; general costs are often in the range of ¥150,000–¥200,000.
Actual costs vary with restoration needs, condition of the remains, and requested services.

Most providers accept requests from the family (spouse and relatives within the second degree of kinship) or, when documented in writing, from the deceased’s wishes expressed during life.
If a relative within the second degree objects, treatment may not proceed.
If there is no spouse or relative within the second degree, the funeral sponsor may request; in disasters, authorities or police may request.
In practice, the request is confirmed when the requester signs an embalming authorization form in their own hand.

Common requests include facial expression (eyes open or closed), addressing gauntness, shaving, dressing, and cosmetics.
Hair color and nail polish may also be accommodated in some cases.

Small incisions are made; preservative fluid is injected through arteries while blood is drained from veins. Typically arteries in the neck or thigh are used to circulate fluid through the body, but the vessel depends on condition. If the aorta cannot be used for full circulation, multiple arteries may be injected. Where arterial injection is difficult or insufficient, topical packs or specialized instruments may be used for subcutaneous injection.

We use products from specialized manufacturers. They contain formaldehyde as the main preservative, along with alcohols, humectants, and other agents. Formaldehyde-free options exist for short-term storage or environmental reasons. Fluids vary in formaldehyde concentration and tint; we select the best match for the remains.

In accordance with local government requirements.

Common practice is to collect liquid in tanks or solidify it with absorbent, then treat it as infectious waste through licensed contractors.
Some facilities integrate wastewater systems and discharge after chemical treatment.

According to the deceased’s wishes and family requests, damage or loss from illness or accident is rebuilt with restorative materials to restore form and minimize visible injury or bruising.
Gaunt faces from illness may be filled with cotton or injections to restore fullness.
Restoring color to skin that has blanched from injected fluids can also be part of restoration.

Severe damage or advanced decomposition may make restoration impossible.
The approach is decided after assessing the extent of injury and hearing the family’s wishes.

Certification is granted by IFSA (Japan Funeral Service Association) to promote proper embalming practice.
As of 2018, about 200 certified embalmers were active in Japan.

Some countries require embalming when shipping remains intact. Conversely, religious or other reasons may prohibit embalming or cremation. We confirm family wishes and decide shipping methods in consultation.

It can support infection control and grief care after disasters.
Depending on scale and conditions, on-site preservation can keep both remains and the holding environment sanitary.
Minimizing post-mortem change can allow viewing and ease the psychological burden on families.