Harmonising tradition and innovation to create the foundation for the next generation
Harmonising tradition and innovation to create the foundation for the next generation
Since our founding, Ōno Funeral Group Holdings has engaged deeply with funeral culture, learning profoundly about the precious traditions preserved by our predecessors and the underlying essence of human compassion. This spirit remains at the core of everything we do, even as our business domains have expanded.
Yet in an era of profound societal and value shifts, sustaining tradition for the future also demands an innovative spirit that embraces change and relentless challenge. We shall build a sustainable foundation that contributes to the prosperity of local communities and future generations. As a group that advances diversification while preserving the essence of tradition, we shall create new value.
『Question Tradition:
Innovation in the Funeral Industry』
Author: Akihiro Kawano
Publisher: Gentosha
Our management philosophy, shaped by lessons learned through adversity
Failure and Hardship Forged My Conviction
I am convinced that the path we walk in life is defined not by the failures or hardships we encounter, but by how we can transform them into opportunities for growth.
The image of my grandfather, from his sickbed, sternly admonishing me when I was about to lose my way during my high school years. The scene of my former boss, who had guided me with strict discipline, tearfully seeing me off when I resigned from my previous job to take over the family business. The words of a bereaved family member at my father's funeral, their voice trembling as they said, "I was so busy attending to guests that I couldn't say goodbye."
These events, still vivid in my memory, each became major turning points in my life. They encapsulated the truths that "people can change through encounters and guidance" and "the profound value of providing farewells and memorial services without regret." These lessons have formed the bedrock of my outlook on life to this day and shaped the very foundation of my management philosophy.
Comradeship Drives Challenge and Diversification
Ōno Funeral Group Holdings's core entity, Ōno Funeral Services, was founded by my grandfather in 1971. Under my father, the second-generation president, we built the first funeral hall in southern Oita Prefecture.
For over half a century since my grandfather's founding, Ōno Funeral Services has adapted to changing times while maintaining deep roots in the community.
Then in 2010, I succeeded my father as president. However, numerous major challenges awaited me the moment I stepped into the role. Each time, it was my three younger brothers, who had returned to the family business, who supported me and saved the company. By leveraging their respective expertise and sharing responsibilities to steer the company, we navigated the crisis and built a foundation for the future.
Today, joined by colleagues who share our vision, the entire group works as one to advance our business.
While cherishing our locally rooted traditions, we constantly challenge ourselves in new domains.
Currently, with funeral services as our foundation, we operate diverse businesses including domestic and international investment, trade, and consulting. Each venture specialises in fields where we possess deep expertise. Guided by our motto, "From Oita to the World, From the World to Oita," we aim to reinvest our achievements back into the local community.
With a medium-to-long-term goal of achieving group sales of ¥10 billion by 2035, we are actively pursuing reforms including promoting young talent, AI utilisation, operational efficiency, and flexible working practices. These efforts were recognised when we were selected for the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency's "300 Thriving SMEs and Small Businesses" programme.
Harmonising the "tradition" inherited from our grandfather's generation with the "innovation" demanded by the times, we shall continue to challenge ourselves as a corporate group creating the future from the land of Oita.
President and Representative Director
Ōno Funeral Group Holdings
『Question Tradition 』
Akihiro Kawano Channel
I share insights on ways of thinking and habits for living a richer, more peaceful life, drawing upon my own experiences and philosophy.
Creating synergies through diversified operations and group collaboration
Ōno Funeral Group Holdings operates in the fields of real estate investment, international trade, overseas investment, and consulting services.
Whilst actively pursuing entirely new and innovative approaches such as pet funerals, space funerals, and avatar funerals, we strive to create greater group synergies through collaboration with the following group companies.
Group Companies
Cherishing your feelings, for a more meaningful farewell and memorial service.
At Ōno Funeral, what we value most in every funeral we serve is maintaining a close and approachable relationship that allows families to consult us about anything. To help convey your gratitude to your loved one, we provide comprehensive support from every angle.
A partner for living a joyful life.
To realise our clients' vision of an ideal, fulfilling life. With the mission of being a trusted partner throughout life, we provide bespoke life planning and expertise tailored to each individual.
Supporting you in your life's 'second chapter'.
From consultations for private clients regarding end-of-life planning, inheritance and tax strategies, to support for welfare facilities. Our specialist judicial scriveners, administrative scriveners and tax accountants provide one-stop solutions.
| Company Name | Ōno Funeral Group HD Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Head Office | 431-207 Sugao, Mie-machi, Bungo-Ōno-shi, Oita 879-7102, Japan |
| Tel | 0974-22-3373 |
| Capital | JPY 10,000,000 |
| Representative | Akihiro Kawano, Representative Director |
| Business Activities |
Real estate investment business Trade business Overseas investment business Consulting business |
| Group Companies | Ōno Funeral Co., Ltd. I’s Consulting Co., Ltd. Second Life Consulting Co., Ltd. |
