An unusual appeal has emerged in Japan, with undertakers requesting families not to place 10-yen coins in the coffins of deceased loved ones. The request, prompted by concerns about disposal and handling of metal objects during cremation, stands against a longstanding Japanese custom rooted in spiritual beliefs. While the timing of this change has not been specified, the appeal, initially addressed to the greater Tokyo region, has sparked national conversation.

In Japan, various customs surrounding death and mourning are deeply respected. The practice of placing a 10-yen coin in the coffin is believed to pay for the mythical river crossing in the afterlife. Such spiritual customs are seen as crucial to properly send off the deceased. This request, therefore, challenges a deeply ingrained societal norm, stirring discussions about tradition versus practical concerns.

In the US and EU, various cultures and religions have their own funeral practices, but there is no universal equivalent to the Japanese 10-yen coin custom. However, any destabilization of such cultural norms would likely be met with varied societal responses, prompting dialogues about long-standing traditions and the necessity for change in evolving circumstances.