With the Japanese population ageing, and the birth rate declining the number of older Japanese people is increasing dramatically. Because of the increasing gap between younger and older Japanese there is less people to care of the older generation’s. With a low birth rate and slumping marriage rates more Japanese are ageing alone without children or family to take care of them.

MARK WILLACY: It’s a lonely send off, no family, no friends, just three funeral home workers.

They didn’t know the 78-year-old man lying in this casket, nevertheless, they tenderly place white flowers over his corpse and say a prayer for his soul.

The old man died in hospital, and when no family could be found the Government stumped up $2,000 to have him cremated.

“Obviously it’s best if family and friends can see off the deceased rather than us,” says this funeral home worker. “Every day society seems to get a little lonelier,” he says.

With no freinds no family no work it’s getting harder and harder for  the Japanese ageing population;

Hiroki Sato knows she won’t be seen off by dozens of people. The widow has no children and no close friends, despite joining many hobby clubs.

“I just want someone to talk to,” says Mrs Sato. “No-one looks after me when I’m sick, I am all alone. So I need to battle this all out on my own,” she says.

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