Bulletin > Volume 43 Memorial Services for Pets in Japan: A Tale of Two Spaniels

Swanson, Paul L.

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The rise of memorial services for pets in Japan reflects a growing demand, showing the increasing influence of pets in Japanese families and society in general. I have not done the research on this phenomenon necessary for a full academic study, but in this essay merely reflect on my own experience of two recent memorial services and share some thoughts about the religious implications for the Buddhist tradition of such memorial rites.