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Infos on Buddhist funerals

Why is everyone so shocked at Shigeji’s actions concerning the funeral? Japanese people mostly aren’t really religious, but they attention to traditions: you do the same thing as everyone else in order not to be looked down upon (+ maybe some are rather superstitious).

I tried to find a good translation for the japanese buddhist ceremonies that are mentioned (the german version uses the catholic terms I think – please share your knowledge and correct me if I got it wrong):
The objects and ceremonies are supposed to keep everything clean (think evil spirits that could interfere) and should help the dead to have it easy when they reincarnate. There are different ceremonies that take place:
Wake, Mourning rituals, Dana Ritual (a gathering of people who are praying for the departed, will aid in a positive rebirth)
And they have this thing:
Kamidana-fuji – A shrine in the home that keeps it pure for 35 days after death.