Most of the businesses providing funeral and other services pertaining to the dead are mom-and-pop operations catering to local needs.
But with deflation eating away at the economy and the population aging, some firms -- including funeral services and manufacturers and sellers of Buddhist altars for the home -- are desperately trying to survive.
The approach to the future taken by one altar merchant, Fukuoka-based Hasegawa Co., may surprise many. Its flagship store in Tokyo's prime Ginza shopping district is full of what officials call objets d'art.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.