Providing comfort to the heart,
supporting the final moments.

Funeral Services Department - Higashi Mito Hall Joined in 2022: AITA Rion

Supporting Families with Care — A Role that Oversees Every Step of the Funeral

As a funeral director, my role is to support bereaved families through every stage of the funeral process — from initial meetings and venue arrangements to attending the ceremony itself. I handle all aspects, including transporting the deceased, conducting the encoffining ceremony, setting up the venue, and managing the service. Even after the funeral, I assist with memorial services and follow-up support. Until the very day of farewell, I strive to prepare everything with sincerity and compassion, always standing by the family’s feelings.

Finding Motivation in New Experiences and Words of Gratitude

The most rewarding moments in this work are when families say, “Thank you,” or “We’re glad you were our director.” Each time I take part in a ceremony from a different religious tradition or region, I gain new knowledge and experience that help me grow. What matters most is empathy — listening carefully and responding with sincerity. I always aim to provide gentle, trustworthy support to those in mourning.

Creating a “Memorial Corner” that Brings Comfort

After one funeral, a family told me directly, “We’re so glad you were in charge.” They were deeply moved by the “memorial corner” we set up in the venue, displaying cherished photos and mementos of the deceased. Guests also said it was beautiful. Knowing that I could create a space that touched people’s hearts gave me great satisfaction. When I first joined the company, I could only follow instructions, but now, in my third year, I’m able to make thoughtful suggestions based on each family’s wishes. Every day, I continue to feel the depth and meaning of this work.

A Workplace that Values Openness and Growth

At Harada Tea we truly listen to our employees. Regular meetings and consultations ensure that no one faces challenges alone. We offer a variety of training programs—from etiquette and presentation training to off-site workshops—encouraging employees to broaden their perspectives by learning about other departments. It’s a supportive workplace where people feel secure and motivated to grow.

The Desire to Help Others Was My Starting Point

When I learned about the funeral services provided by Harada Tea, I was drawn to the idea of being part of such meaningful moments in people’s lives. The company’s connection with the JA Group and the sincere, respectful attitude shown during the interview process convinced me to join.

Skills from My Studies That Became a Foundation for Work

At junior college, I majored in Secretarial Studies, focusing on business manners, telephone communication, and document preparation. These skills have been invaluable in my work. In particular, they helped me remain calm and composed during phone calls right after joining the company. The fundamentals I learned as a student now serve as the foundation for my professional duties.

Deepening Expertise and Becoming Someone Families Can Rely On

Funerals differ greatly depending on religion, region, and scale — no two are ever the same. I still have much to learn, and I hope to continue improving my technical and ceremonial skills so that I can serve with confidence. My current goal is to obtain the Funeral Director Level 1 certification, and to continue growing in both knowledge and ability to better meet the needs of every family.

No Experience Needed —
What Matters Most Is a Caring Heart

Before joining the company, I had no knowledge of funeral services. Thanks to thorough on-the-job training and the guidance of senior colleagues, I was able to grow into an independent funeral director. It’s a challenging job because we work so closely with people in grief — but that’s also what makes it deeply fulfilling. If you enjoy helping others and value human connection, this is a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference.