[HIGHLIGHTS] The number of "community graves" established by local governments in Tokyo and three prefectures in the Tokyo metropolitan area has quadrupled in the past 20 years.

The number of "community graves" established by local governments in Tokyo and three prefectures in the Tokyo metropolitan area has quadrupled in the past 20 years. Experts point out that people who think it would be difficult to tell their children and grandchildren who live far away to protect their graves may be choosing communal graves.

In Chiba City, applications for mass graves are increasing one after another. Particularly popular were the slots for two people, such as a married couple, to apply together before their death.