The problem with Japan's neglected graves

Tokyo

AN INCREASING number of graves has been abandoned across Japan as no one is taking care of them due to lower birth rates and depopulation. A range of serious problems have arisen, including unkempt graveyards and overdue payments for managing the graves.

There are about 30,000 public cemeteries in Japan, and some local governments have started removing neglected graves and transferring remains to charnel houses and other places using public funds.