From 2013 to 2014, the number of employees in funeral services in Japan increased by 7.92%, reaching a high of 107.7 thousand. However, between 2015 and 2017, there was a steady decline of more than 7% year-on-year. In recent years, the decline has slowed, with the most recent data for 2023 showing a further decrease to 78.98 thousand employees, representing a 1.52% reduction from the previous year. The last five years show an average annual decline (CAGR) of -1.54%. Future projections indicate continued decline, with an expected 5-year CAGR of -1.33% and an overall reduction of 6.49% by 2028.
Future trends to watch include:
- Advancements in funeral technology and automation.
- Potential consolidation within the industry.
- Changes in cultural practices affecting demand for traditional funeral services.
- Impact of Japan's aging population on the funeral service workforce demand.