[Feature] Life at a Restricted Crematorium—Handling Death When the Smell Lingers

The final stop for the human body: the crematorium — its presence is now attracting more attention than ever. In Tokyo’s 23 wards, a private company operating crematoriums recently raised fees, citing soaring fuel and labor costs, sparking debate over whether the prices are reasonable.

Because outsiders are strictly prohibited from entering or filming inside crematoriums, little is known about their actual operation. This time, our reporting team obtained special permission to enter and witnessed the harsh realities of the work and the latest equipment firsthand.

Behind the Furnace

Kiryugaoka Crematorium in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, is a facility integrated with a ceremonial hall. The first thing that catches the eye upon entering is the orderly rows of cremation furnaces. The facility has a total of 12 furnaces, each of which can be used more than 10 times per day during busy periods. Especially from December to January, the number of elderly people collapsing due to flu, colds, or heat shock in baths increases, making this the busiest season for the crematorium.

The latest furnaces are equipped with devices to remove dioxins and cost over 500 million yen each. Whereas wood, coal, or heavy oil were previously used as fuel, gas is now used. Behind the furnaces — usually off-limits — there is an operational space wide enough for cars to pass through. Fireproof gloves, buckets, and fire pokers are neatly arranged along the walls. Each furnace has an electronic panel displaying real-time temperature and oxygen levels.

The interior is lined with heat-resistant bricks, but employees explain:

“Because the furnaces are used at high temperatures every day, the bricks wear out quickly. They need to be replaced every three months. Detailed maintenance is essential.”

A single staff member manages multiple furnaces, constantly checking the condition of each body through a small window. The temperature inside the furnaces rises to nearly 1,300°C. Even with seven large ceiling-mounted air conditioners running full blast, sweat drips down. Winter is still manageable; in summer, the felt temperature can exceed 50°C.

A distinctive odor also fills the air.

“Even after changing clothes post-shift, the smell clings to hair and body. Many people shower before leaving,” said an employee.

Although the system is highly automated, fine adjustments to the heat during cremation are still performed manually. The flame nozzle is moved to burn the coffin first, then the body. Within five minutes of ignition, the temperature becomes extremely high, requiring careful attention. If the fire is too hot, the bones crumble; too low, and the process takes longer, keeping families waiting. Body size must also be considered, making it a task that even veterans approach with great care.

“Handling bodies is mentally very challenging, and controlling the flame requires craftsmanship. It takes five to six years of experience to begin to grasp it,” said another employee.

 

Second part: “Cremation Fee of 90,000 Yen Sparks Debate — A Report on the Reality of a Society with High Mortality”

From the January 30/February 6, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”