Tokyo Hakuzan held its Autumn Equinox Memorial Service at Ochiai Funeral Hall. The traditional event, which dates back more than 100 years, reached its 204th edition, with members of the public also invited to attend and pay tribute to the deceased.
東京博善株式会社 held the 204th Autumn Equinox Memorial Service at Ochiai Funeral Hall in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, on 17 September 2026. An officiating priest from Daikyoji Temple at Shibamata Taishakuten led the service, which was attended by employees and members of the local community, who prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
During the service, the officiating priest explained the origins of the Buddhist equinox observance and delivered a sermon, conveying that the equinox is not only a time to pray for one's ancestors but also an opportunity to reflect on one's own way of life. The sermon also touched on the importance of putting one's mind in order through the teachings of the Six Perfections.
President and Representative Director Noguchi Ryoma (野口龍馬), who served as the event's sponsor, noted that attendance had been opened to members of the public starting with the previous, 203rd service. He expressed the view that, as the nature of funerals and memorial services changes, the event should provide a useful gathering place.
東京博善株式会社 operates 6 comprehensive funeral facilities and 1 facility for holding the remains of the deceased in Tokyo, and is promoting the development of funeral facilities with a focus on safety and environmental considerations. It intends to continue the event as a place where the local community can share opportunities to remember the deceased.