Tokyo Convenes Committee to Review High Cremation Fees

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government convened its first deliberation committee on June 4, 2026, to examine high cremation fees in Tokyo’s 23 wards ^[1].

The move follows growing public concern over the financial burden of end-of-life services in the capital. While cremation is a standard practice in Japan, the cost of these services in Tokyo has become a point of contention compared to other regions.

Data indicates that the average cremation charge in Tokyo’s 23 wards is ¥87,000 ^[1]. This figure is considered significantly higher than the rates found in other municipalities ^[2]. Further analysis shows that approximately 70% of private crematoria in the area charge ¥80,000 or more ^[3].

Governor Yuriko Koike led the inaugural meeting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. The committee's primary goal is to determine what constitutes a reasonable price for these services and to review current pricing policies.

There is a sharp divide between government officials and private operators regarding the current costs. A spokesperson for Tokyo Hakusen, a private crematorium operator, said the fees are reasonable ^[4]. Conversely, other reports and public sentiment suggest that the fees in the 23 wards are excessively high ^[2].

Governor Koike said she will work with the wards to ensure proper guidance can be provided to private crematoria, and will request necessary legal changes from the national government ^[4].

Some reports have attributed the high prices to the influence of Chinese capital in the industry, though operators maintain the costs are justified by their operational structures ^[4].