Mrs. Miura goes to Heaven

Hideko Miura was 87 and passed away on 2/7/16.  She was a faithful member of Bread of Life Baptist Church since her salvation in 2007.  

This is a Japanese funeral, only Christian in nature.   The casket is placed in front of a photo of the deceased and surrounded by flowers.  This is a small amount compared to others we have attended. 

The youngest family member and only great-grand child Ichita-kun, nearly 2 years old. 

The top of the casket opens to reveal the face of the deceased.  The body is packed in dry ice as Japanese do not embalm and funerals are held within two days of death.

Henry put together a presentation of the life of Mrs. Miura.  It was well received with comments and tears.  The music was especially good.  This photo was taken at a Christmas Ladies' Meeting in 2010 where they made ornaments. 

After Henry delivered a salvation message, everyone then placed the flowers in the casket of the deceased.  This is another Japanese tradition and I don't know its origin.  The lady to the right is Mrs. Akamatsu, 90, a church member and good friend of Hideko-san.

Pall Bearers then took the closed casket out to the hearse, followed by Midori Miura holding her MIL's photo, another tradition. 

After the casket was in the hearse, everyone paid last respects by bowing.  The body was then taken to the crematorium.