Providing comfort to the heart,
supporting the final moments.
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Funeral Services Department - Higashi Mito Hall
Joined in 2022 - MATSUDA Sakyo
The Role of a Funeral Director: Managing Every Aspect of the Ceremony
As a funeral director, my role is to oversee every stage of the funeral process across a wide area of Ibaraki Prefecture, centered in Mito City. From pre-funeral consultations and transportation of the deceased to meetings with the bereaved family, venue setup, ceremony coordination, and post-service follow-up—I handle it all. Since a funeral is often the “first and last important ceremony” for a family, I always approach each service with sincerity, ensuring it becomes a truly meaningful and memorable moment for them.
The Moment When Words of Gratitude Become Motivation
Being present at a funeral means supporting families in their deepest sorrow. Hearing words like “Thank you” or “I’m glad it was you” after each service gives me the greatest sense of purpose. I always strive to be someone families can truly rely on—through attentive care and the trust we build together.
Growing Through Knowledge and Experience
When I first joined, I knew very little about funerals and sometimes couldn’t answer customers’ questions. But as I learned more each day about religious customs and ceremony formats, I became more confident and calm during services. Receiving direct words of appreciation from families has made me realize both my own growth and the significance of this work.
A Team That Leads With Kindness and Cooperation
At Harada Tea’s Funeral Services Division, senior staff are always willing to teach and support. It’s a workplace where everyone helps one another, even during busy times, and where open communication is encouraged. Thanks to this supportive environment, I’ve gone from knowing nothing at first to being trusted with full responsibilities today—and I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues.
Inspired to Support Families in Their Final Farewell
When I lost my grandfather and uncle, I was moved by the compassion shown by the funeral staff. Their heartfelt care helped our family say goodbye warmly and without regret. That experience inspired me to pursue this profession. Now, I hope to offer the same comfort—helping as many people as possible say their final farewells with peace of mind.
The Power to Teach Becomes the Power to Care
Before joining the company, I worked part-time as a tutor at a private school. Through that experience, I developed the ability to identify where students were struggling and find the best way to help them understand. That skill has proven invaluable in my current work in the funeral service department. Every family we support faces different circumstances and emotions, and the ability to “understand how best to approach each person” has become one of my greatest strengths.
Creating Ceremonies That Stay in the Heart
My goal is to create the most meaningful and memorable ceremonies for the families we serve. I still have much to learn, but I continue to gain experience by observing my senior colleagues and attending services of various religious traditions. I want to keep expanding my skills so that more families will feel, “I’m glad it was you who helped us.”
Challenge and Continuity Lead to Growth
I believe that “challenge” and “continuity” are the keys to growth. When I first joined the company, I made many mistakes—but I never gave up. By continuing to push forward, I’ve been able to reduce errors and increase moments of appreciation from families. There is always something to gain when you face challenges without fear and keep going. At Harada Tea, many supportive senior colleagues encourage new challenges. I hope to keep growing together, step by step, with those around me.