The Japanese are normally quite attentive to the spiritual needs of their departed ancestors and posthumous religious services will often be performed at determined intervals for many years after someone has died. In addition, the Japanese are usually very careful to keep the graves of their ancestors clean and well tended. In the high mountains of the Japan Southern Alps we often find graves which are sadly neglected due to the fact that the families have left the mountains to seek their livelihood in the city. This particular cemetery is actually in very good shape though the neglected flower offerings are a clear sign that the families who care for these graves are only able to visit at infrequent intervals.
