Funeral Worker
そうぎさぎょうしゃ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Other Service Occupations
- Minor : Funeral Directors and Cremation Workers
Summary
A job that handles practical tasks such as setup, body transportation, encoffining, and cremation assistance associated with the operation of funerals to honor the deceased.
Description
Funeral workers handle tasks such as venue setup including altars and seating arrangements, body transportation and placement, encoffining, and support duties at the crematorium. Following the funeral director's instructions, they perform work safely and carefully, showing utmost respect to the deceased and bereaved family. They must understand rituals and manners specific to religions and sects, and provide consideration and emotional support to the family. There are also heavy labor and mentally stressful situations, requiring flexible teamwork and responsive handling.
Future Outlook
Demand remains stable with the progress of an aging society. On the other hand, there is a trend toward simplification of services due to diversification of funeral formats such as smaller-scale funerals and direct cremations. Adaptation to new services and IT is required.
Personality Traits
Calm and Composed / Compassionate / Polite and Courteous / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Night Shifts / Shift Work / Team Work / Weekends and Holidays
Career Path
Funeral Assistant → Funeral Service Staff → Funeral Director → Manager / Sales Manager → Executive
Required Skills
Body Transportation Skills / Encoffining Skills / Etiquette / Knowledge of Religious Rituals / Venue Setup
Recommended Skills
Basic Psychological Care / Communication Skills (Customer Service) / Hygiene Management and Cleaning / Time Management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because mistakes in etiquette or detailed setup affect the overall impression of the ceremony. |
| Communication Skills | High communication skills are required for funeral guidance and responding to bereaved families' emotions. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because there are many physically demanding tasks such as body transportation and venue setup. |
| Planning & Organization | Because accurate management of ceremony progression and setup planning is necessary. |
| Stress Tolerance | Due to the high mental burden, such as facing the grief of bereaved families. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because there are almost no tasks involving quantities. |
Related Qualifications
- Funeral Director Skills Certification Level 1
- Funeral Director Skills Certification Level 2
Aliases
- Cremation Operator
- Encoffiner
- Funeral Assistant
- Funeral Service Staff
Related Jobs
- Cremation Technician
- Encoffiner
- Funeral Director