What to Expect at a Tenrikyo Funeral
A Tenrikyo funeral, called Mitamasai (the spirit-festival service), is a quiet, prayerful occasion that marks denaoshi: the moment when the body is returned to Oyagami (God the Parent) and the soul prepares for rebirth. If you have been invited as a guest, this guide will help you understand what happens and how to take part with respect.
How a Tenrikyo funeral unfolds
A Tenrikyo funeral service is called Mitamasai: literally a spirit-festival service. It may be held at the family home, at a funeral hall, or at a local Tenrikyo church (kyōkai). The service is family-led, with assistance from a Tenrikyo minister or priest, and centres on returning the borrowed body to Oyagami, God the Parent, while the soul is prepared for rebirth.
The tone is one of gratitude and acceptance rather than mourning a final ending. Prayers are offered to Oyagami, and the Mikagura-uta (the sacred songs of Tenrikyo, given through Oyasama (Nakayama Miki)) are often recited or sung. The service reflects on the deceased's life as part of the pursuit of yokigurashi, the Joyous Life that Oyagami desires for humankind. Cremation, as is standard in Japan, almost always follows.
The funeral is the beginning of a series of memorial rites called shinensai (spirit-anniversary services). The first is the sōnentsuki at the 10th day, followed by the major 50-day rite (gojussai-sai), which marks the formal end of intensive mourning. Further shinensai are held at the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th anniversaries, when the family gathers to honour the soul and to express gratitude for the life that was lived.
What to expect at the service
A few things to expect when you arrive, especially if it is your first Tenrikyo funeral.
- The service is quiet and reflective. Prayers are offered to Oyagami (God the Parent), and the Mikagura-uta (sacred songs given through Oyasama) may be recited or sung.
- A Tenrikyo minister or priest typically leads the rites, with the family closely involved. The minister wears the formal Tenrikyo vestments rather than Buddhist or Shinto robes.
- You will be greeted at the entrance and shown where to sit. Seating is usually arranged with the immediate family closest to the altar.
- Offerings of rice, water, salt, and seasonal foods are presented at the altar. Incense is generally not used in the way it is at Buddhist funerals; Tenrikyo has its own forms.
- Guests are usually invited to come forward and offer a sprig of evergreen (tamagushi) or a small bow before the altar, depending on the family's practice.
- The service typically lasts around an hour. A short reception or shared meal often follows, where the family thanks attendees.
- Greetings to the family are brief. A short, sincere bow with the phrase "Goshūshō-sama desu" ("I am so sorry for your loss") is the customary gesture.
How guests can show respect
Small, considerate gestures that matter to a Tenrikyo family.
- Arrive a few minutes early and wait quietly. Late entries are disruptive in a service this contemplative.
- Bow respectfully when greeting the family and again when approaching the altar. A short, sincere bow is more valued than a long speech.
- Follow the lead of the family or minister at the altar. If you are unsure whether to bow, offer a tamagushi, or simply step back, watch others first.
- Keep your phone on silent and refrain from photographing the service unless the family has specifically invited it.
- If you do not know the prayers or songs, listen attentively. Participation by guests is welcomed but never required.
- After the service, accept any food or drink offered by the family, this is part of the gratitude central to Tenrikyo, and refusing can feel dismissive.
Things to be mindful of
A few common missteps that are easy to avoid.
- "I'll offer incense at the altar." — Do not bring or offer incense in the Buddhist style. Tenrikyo has its own forms of offering, often involving a sprig of evergreen (tamagushi), and using Buddhist incense rites can feel out of place.
- "Should I clap twice like at a shrine?" — No. The Shinto practice of clapping at a shrine altar (kashiwade) is not appropriate at a Tenrikyo funeral. Tenrikyo is a distinct faith, and its etiquette is its own.
- "I'll say a few words about the afterlife." — Avoid Christian or Buddhist afterlife language. Tenrikyo teaches that the soul is embraced by Oyagami before being reborn — not sent to heaven, hell, or the Pure Land.
- "I'll bring a Buddhist juzu (prayer bead) as a gesture." — Buddhist ritual items are not appropriate at a Tenrikyo service. If you have nothing of your own to bring, a respectful presence is enough.
- Loud emotional outbursts or extended weeping. — Japanese cultural norms and Tenrikyo's tone of acceptance both favour quiet, dignified composure.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Tenrikyo people attend the funeral?
Yes, absolutely. Friends, neighbours, and colleagues of any background are welcome at the Mitamasai service, provided they observe quiet, respectful etiquette and follow the lead of the family and minister. Participation in the prayers and songs is welcomed but not expected.
What is the Mitamasai service?
Mitamasai means "spirit-festival service" and is the Tenrikyo funeral rite. It centres on returning the body (a thing lent by Oyagami (God the Parent)) to its Lender, while the soul is embraced by Oyagami and prepared for rebirth (denaoshi). The Mikagura-uta sacred songs may be recited.
How long is a Tenrikyo funeral?
The Mitamasai service typically lasts around an hour, depending on the family and the church involved. It is usually followed by a short reception or shared meal. Further memorial rites (shinensai) are held at the 10th day, 50th day, and on the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th anniversaries.
Should I offer incense at the altar?
No. Incense in the Buddhist style is not part of Tenrikyo ritual. Instead, guests are often invited to offer a sprig of evergreen (tamagushi) or simply to bow respectfully before the altar. Follow the lead of the family or the minister if you are unsure.
What is the 50-day rite?
The 50-day rite (gojussai-sai) is one of the shinensai. Tenrikyo's series of memorial spirit-services. It is held roughly fifty days after death and is generally regarded as the conclusion of the most intensive mourning period, after which the soul's memorial continues at longer anniversary intervals.
Last reviewed June 2026.
Preserve their memory, together.
A collaborative memorial lets family and friends share stories, photos, and announcements, all in one place. It’s free to create.
Something not right?
We work hard to keep this content accurate and respectful. If you spot anything that could be improved, let us know.