In an event that managed to blur the line between grief and joy, renowned Japanese comedian, Sanma Akashiya, attended the wake ceremony of the esteemed actress, Nakamura Tamayo. While sorrow ran through the room as attendees reminisced about the contributions of the late actress, Sanma provided moments of light-heartedness and camaraderie, a fitting tribute to Nakamura's vibrant spirit and respected career. This move reiterates Japan's unique take on dealing with grief, focusing on the life lived rather than merely the life lost.

Wakes in Japan not only pay respects to the deceased but are also a reflection of their lives and their impact on people. Known figures like Sanma are often present at such events, contributing anecdotes and stories about the deceased, sometimes lifting the general mood through light humor. It underlines Japanese societal norms valuing holistic grieving, which includes moments of joy and happiness, focusing on the memories of those passed rather than dwelling on their departure.

In the US or EU, funerals or wake ceremonies are mostly solemn affairs, with humor and light-heartedness considered inappropriate or disrespectful. However, there's a growing trend of "celebration of life" ceremonies that focus on the joy that the deceased person brought into lives of others, similar to the mood encapsulated by Sanma at the wake in Japan.