In order to accommodate seniors and others with limited mobility, the Aishoden funeral home created a type of drive-thru service that allows them to pay their respects without having to get out of their cars.
Reportedly, the drive-thru funeral service is the very first of its kind in Japan, and is said to come in response to an aging population that is keen to take part in traditional customs, but may not have the ability to do so because of physical limitations. The service works by allowing mourners to drive up to a window where a receptionist is waiting with a device, which they input their their names and addresses into. Once this is done, they can give the receptionist their condolence offering and incense (commonly used in Buddhist funerals).
Names and pictures of those who stopped by the drive-thru service are shown on monitors inside, allowing others to appreciate their presence.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Drive-thru Services
- There is potential to implement drive-thru services for other aspects of the funeral industry such as casket viewing and burial plot purchasing.
- Virtual Memorial Services
- With the rise of virtual technology, funeral homes can begin offering virtual memorial services that can reach a wider audience beyond those in attendance.
- Accessible Funeral Services
- As the aging population grows, there is an opportunity for funeral homes to innovate and provide more accessible services such as drive-thru and at-home services.
Where This Applies
- Funeral Homes
- Funeral homes can adopt and improve upon drive-thru funeral services and other accessible services to cater to the needs of an aging population.
- Tech Companies
- Tech companies can partner with funeral homes to develop virtual memorial services and other innovative funeral technologies.
- Transportation
- Drive-thru funeral services may present an opportunity for transportation companies to offer specialized transportation for mourners who are unable to drive themselves.
