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The Mainichi

News in Easy English: More young people in Japan think about end-of-life plans and funerals

TOKYO -- In Japan, many people now plan early for the end of their lives. This includes things like funerals. Even young people in their 20s are choosing to think about this early. A funeral company called Tear Co. asked 1,500 people between the ages of 20 and 70 questions about funerals and end-of-life plans. They asked 250 people in each age group. About 37% of people said they want to have a funeral when they die. Around 63% said they do not want one. Among people in their 70s, almost 57% said yes to having a funeral -- the highest number. People in their 60s were next, at about 41%. Then came people in their 20s, with around 40% saying they wanted a funeral. People in their 40s were the least interested. Around 75% of people in their 40s said they do not want a funeral. The company also asked people about end-of-life planning. This means doing things like writing messages for loved ones or deciding how and where they want to be buried. About 25% of people said they were already making these plans. Almost half (48%) of people in their 70s have started planning. But the second highest group was in their 20s, at almost 27%. These younger people sometimes wrote "a will" (a letter that says clearly what someone wants after they die), "letters or messages to family and friends," and even "taking special photos for their funerals." Why are young people interested in these things? The funeral company said, "Young people today often attend funerals of their family members. This may make them think earlier about their own funerals and planning for the end of life." (Japanese original by Yuko Shimada, Business News Department) Vocabulary - funeral: an event to remember someone after they die. - end-of-life plan: choosing things to do before you die, like writing letters or deciding about a funeral and grave. - survey: asking many people questions to find out their opinions. - age group: people put into groups by their age. - will: a letter or paper written by someone, saying clearly what should happen with their things when they die. - funeral portrait: a nice photo taken to remember someone at their funeral.