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Writer's pictureJonathan Williams

Case Files: Cemeteries in Japan

In my travels and paranormal career, I had the opportunity to live in Japan for two years. While there, I was able to visit Mount Osore, as well as investigate several cemeteries and homes throughout the region where I was stationed. What I found fascinating, was that the Japanese culture and belief towards hallowed ground was totally different from the US culture and their representations in cemeteries.


To put this in context, here are some of the facts with Japanese cemeteries:


1. Japanese cemeteries often feature elaborate monuments and symbols associated with Buddhism, reflecting the cultural importance of the religion in Japan.


2. Many Japanese cemeteries feature 'gravestones', which are stones placed in front of the grave to symbolize the deceased.


3. Most Japanese cemeteries are laid out in a grid pattern, with the deceased's family and friends visiting the graves on special occasions throughout the year.


4. In some Japanese cemeteries, the graves are marked with a small mound of stones, with a stick protruding from the top. This stick is used to mark the location of the grave and is a symbol of mourning.


5. Japanese cemeteries often feature a central gate or temple, which serves as a reminder of the Buddhist teachings and is a reminder of the importance of death and the afterlife.


6. Many Japanese cemeteries feature elaborate gardens, which are believed to help the deceased's soul journey to the afterlife.


7. Japanese cemeteries are often located near the sea or in the mountains, as these areas are believed to be the most sacred places for the deceased's spirit.


8. Some Japanese cemeteries also feature small shrines, dedicated to the souls of the deceased. These shrines are used to honor the deceased and provide comfort to the bereaved.



There is also the “tori gate” which is a traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine. It is usually made of two or more vertical pillars topped with two horizontal crossbeams. The Torii Gate marks the entrance to a sacred area and symbolizes the transition between the secular and the sacred. It is often painted in red and black, and can be made of wood, stone, or metal.


It is commonly believed that the Tori Gate allows the protection of a sacred area from evil spirits, and it is believed to be a spiritual barrier that prevents negative energy from entering the area.


Throughout our time there, SoulTrackers conducted several investigations throughout the Japanese cemeteries with the utmost respect to the deceased.



Some of these cemeteries produced incredible evidence! We captured a few photos that really were eye openers. I believed these were souls moving about the cemetery.



These photos were taken when I sensed entities in particular areas. At this point in my career, I had opened myself up psychically and had become more attuned to the spiritual realm. So, I was gathering some incredible photography through these abilities.



We investigated at least a half dozen cemeteries in the course of a year.



The last cemetery we investigated was in 2004, when I was about to leave the country, and gathered some great photographic, and electromagnetic evidence.



In one instance, the EMF meter was malfunctioning.



However, I cannot stress this enough, I would not recommend cemeteries anymore. After the experiences within these sanctuary grounds, I have observed that they could be home to anything, good, or malevolent. Take careful precautions if you do wander through these areas. Protection and grounding are essential, but if you have a choice, stay away.

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