An overwhelming number of applications have been received for burial spaces in Kobe city's "Forest Cemetery", an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. The cemetery, by utilizing the natural decomposition process in nature, reduces the impact on the environment compared to classic methods. The keen interest shows a shift in societal attitudes towards more sustainable funeral practices in Japan.

In Japan, burial practices are deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, often involving elaborate and costly ceremonies. However, with an aging population and an increased awareness about environmental challenges, alternative eco-friendly approaches like the forest burials are gaining popularity, showing a significant change in societal perspective towards death and funerals.

Green burials, similar to this, are gradually becoming popular in the U.S and the EU, although the adoption rate is considerably slower compared to Japan. These countries are also expanding their green cemeteries in response to increasing demand from people seeking to minimize their impact on the environment, even after death.