KINO architects completes japanese cemetery with arc-shaped plaza for contemplation
a common grave in fukuoka, japan
KINO architects’ design for a common grave in fukuoka, japan, is developed in harmony with the hill that exists on site and the nature that surrounds it. in response to the growing need for a new form of cemetery due to a declining birthrate and ageing population, as well as changing views of life and death, the city of fukuoka decided to build a common grave – a cemetery where many people are buried – which, in recent years, has become common in japan. the project site is located next to the hirao cemetery, which was originally built by cutting down a hill, leaving only a small part of it and creating a park at its foot. as if to restore the greenery, the japanese architecture studio proposed a plan to extend the hill’s edge and place the burial chamber under it. in this way, ‘the deceased will be laid to rest, embraced by the mountains,’ while the surrounding landscape is transformed into a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance. 
all images by kai nakamura, courtesy of KINO architects
KINO ARCHITECTS avoids the image of a particular religion
as a public grave, KINO architects wanted to create a space ‘where all people can remember the deceased, without the image of a particular religion.’ the japanese studio decided to place the burial chamber under the hill’s edge, and set up the dedication table at the foot of the hill. surrounding the dedication table, an arc-shaped concrete wall offers an tranquil place to remember the deceased.
on the outside of the arc-shaped wall is a park square filled with trees, which is used by local residents on a daily basis. the only thing one can see from the square is the greenery of the hill. ‘the deceased will be embraced by the mountain to sleep, and those who are left behind will spend time in the mountain square in front, being watched over by the deceased as they think of them,’ explain the architects.
arc-shaped concrete wall
inside, the wall offers a tranquil place to remember the deceased
the dedication table is placed at the foot of the hill
