Demand for Pet Funerals Surges in Japan
Tokyo, April 30, 2025 — The demand for pet funeral services in Japan has reached unprecedented levels, reflecting a growing trend among pet owners to honor their deceased animals with formal ceremonies. According to industry reports, pet funeral businesses are experiencing a significant increase in requests for services ranging from cremations to memorial rituals, driven by the deepening bond between owners and their pets.
In recent years, Japan’s pet industry has expanded rapidly, with approximately 14 million dogs and cats kept as pets nationwide, based on 2023 data from the Japan Pet Food Association. This figure rivals the number of children under 15 in the country, underscoring the significant role pets play in Japanese households. As pets are increasingly viewed as family members, owners are seeking more elaborate ways to bid farewell, including Buddhist-style funerals, cremations, and memorial keepsakes such as urns or paw-print mementos.
Pet funeral companies, such as Tokyo-based Pet Ceremony, have reported a steady rise in inquiries. A spokesperson for the company noted that their facilities handle up to 20 ceremonies daily, with services tailored to owners’ preferences, including private cremations and group memorials. Prices for these services typically range from ¥20,000 to ¥100,000 ($130-$650), depending on the complexity of the ceremony and additional offerings like urns or gravestones.
The surge in demand has also led to the expansion of related services. Some companies now offer mobile pet cremation units, allowing owners to conduct ceremonies at home. Others provide online memorial platforms where owners can create digital tributes to their pets. The industry’s growth is further supported by Japan’s aging population, where pets often serve as companions for the elderly, fostering emotional attachments that translate into a willingness to invest in dignified farewells.
This trend aligns with broader cultural shifts in Japan, where traditional rituals for honoring the deceased, such as Buddhist funerals, are being adapted for pets. Temples and shrines across the country have begun offering pet memorial services, including annual ceremonies to pray for the souls of departed animals. For example, Jikei-in Temple in Tokyo holds a monthly pet memorial service attended by dozens of owners.
The pet funeral industry’s growth mirrors global trends, with similar increases in demand reported in countries like the United States and South Korea, where pet ownership is also rising. In Japan, the market for pet-related services, including funerals, is projected to grow further as pet ownership continues to climb and societal attitudes toward animals evolve.
Industry experts attribute the boom to changing perceptions of pets, particularly among younger generations and urban dwellers, who often delay starting families and turn to pets for companionship. The Japan Pet Food Association estimates that the pet industry, encompassing food, accessories, and services, was valued at ¥1.7 trillion ($11 billion) in 2024, with funeral services representing a growing segment.
As the demand for pet funerals continues to rise, businesses are adapting to meet diverse needs, offering personalized options to help owners cope with their loss. The industry’s expansion reflects not only economic opportunities but also the profound emotional connections between humans and their pets in modern Japan.
