Osaka elderly ensure no one faces a lonely farewell

From Kyodo

September 15 2026

OSAKA – In an Osaka neighborhood long known as a home for day laborers, elderly residents with no family to rely on are arranging their funerals in advance — and making sure they are there to see one another off.

“Why did you have to leave us so soon?” a man said to the altar at a funeral in late May, where about 45 people gathered at a community center in the western Japan city’s Nishinari Ward.

As mourners wept, they placed white chrysanthemums on the coffin, bidding farewell to a fellow member of the Kamagasaki Miokuri no Kai, or Kamagasaki Send-off Association.

The volunteer group was formed in the ward’s Airin district, commonly known as Kamagasaki, to ensure that people without close relatives do not face a lonely end and can receive a dignified farewell.

It was founded in February 2012 by Yoshihiro Sugimoto, now 82. Buddhist priest Toyoko Nakahara, 65, took over as its head in April after becoming involved with the group several years ago.

Nakahara first learned about its activities through a television program in 2018 and was drawn to its mission.

“Dying alone is something that could happen to any of us,” she said. “I wanted to be involved in people’s lives and deaths.”

The association mainly serves Nishinari residents receiving public assistance. Members pay 100 yen ($0.65) a month, with about 100 people registered, including volunteers. Around 70 have signed agreements authorizing the association to handle their funerals and other affairs after death.

Members carry cards stating their religious affiliation and contact details for Nakahara and others in the group. When a member dies at a hospital or other facility, the association is contacted.

Part of the funeral cost is covered by assistance available when a public welfare recipient dies. Funeral homes that support the group’s activities provide altars and flowers free of charge.

During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, large numbers of people from across the country came to the Airin district in search of work. Many male members are former day laborers, while some of the women lost husbands who had done such work.

Nakahara said many members are reluctant to talk about their pasts.

Kazuyasu Ikeda, 82, joined the association when it was established and has since seen off about 50 members. Estranged from his own family, he moved to the area for work around 30 years ago.

“It’s lonely to die by yourself,” Ikeda said. “Being seen off by others also helps preserve the dignity of the person who has died.”

The association’s role extends beyond funerals. It holds regular meetings, organizes grave visits and brings members together to share memories of those who have died.

Such connections are becoming increasingly important as Nishinari’s population ages. As of Aug. 1, people aged 65 or older account for an estimated 36.1 percent of the ward’s population, the highest proportion in Osaka and above the national average.

With membership and the number of funerals expected to increase, volunteers also help distribute a newsletter every two months, allowing the group to check on members’ well-being.

“The workload is heavy, and I’m worried about whether we’ll be able to keep the group going,” Nakahara said. “We also want to make an effort to increase the number of members who can help as volunteers.”