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FIAT-IFTA is the only internationally governed Funeral Federation with National, Active and Associate Members in more than 80 Countries.
The 54th FIAT-IFTA International Council of Direction (I.C.D.) Meeting will be held from Monday, June 2 to Thursday, June 5 at the renowned Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu and Pacifico Yokohama, Japan. This highly anticipated event will bring together funeral professionals from across the globe to explore the latest industry trends, share expertise, and foster meaningful international connections within the funeral industry.
What makes this event truly special is the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich and deeply rooted funeral traditions. Attendees will not only engage in valuable professional exchanges but also experience the exceptional warmth of Japanese hospitality and the country’s vibrant cultural heritage. Proudly hosted by the All Japan Funeral Directors Co-Operation (ZENSOREN), the respected national member of FIAT-IFTA, this event promises to be both professionally enriching and culturally unforgettable.
All details are available at https://www.zensoren.events/
Seize this opportunity to be part of an extraordinary event
and shape the future of the funeral industry!
The centerpiece of the event will, of course, be the FIAT-IFTA International Council of Direction meeting, where crucial decisions will shape the future of the organization. Key agenda items include proposed amendments to the Constitution and the ongoing development of the Code of Conduct.
Additionally, working sessions of five committees will take place, continuing major projects in the areas of Funeral Heritage, Global Education, Sustainability and Development, Embalming, and Coffin Standards.
The Yokohama meeting will also feature inspiring keynote lectures by internationally recognized experts, including:
Participants can also explore the Funeral Business Fair - a vibrant exhibition and symposium designed for funeral and related service providers. The Funeral Business Fair will be held at PACIFICO Yokohama, Exhibition Halls C and D (for the exhibition), and the Annex Hall (for the symposium). More than 120 companies will showcase services, systems, products, and equipment essential for funeral homes, which collectively conduct approximately 1.4 million funerals annually. Attendees can expect to see the latest industry products, high value-added services, and innovative business systems designed to reduce staff workload. Participants will be able to use their pass for the FIAT-IFTA Annual Meeting to enter the fair.
The FIAT-IFTA Annual Meeting 2025 will also offer opportunities to connect in a more informal setting and a chance to experience the unique charm of Yokohama - a city where historical architecture blends seamlessly with modern urban landscapes. Delight in the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine and immerse yourself in a place where history meets the future, and tradition coexists harmoniously with innovation.
Those seeking an enriching experience that combines cultural exploration with the natural beauty of Kanagawa and Hakone, will attend an optional sightseeing program. Participants will visit a funeral hall and crematorium in Hadano, a city nestled in the lush natural surroundings of western Kanagawa Prefecture. The tour will also include a visit to the Kanai Sake Brewery, where Japanese sake is made using pristine water from the Tanzawa mountains, a stop at the Hakone Shrine - a sacred spiritual site along the shores of Lake Ashi - and a chance to take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi.
We are sure that attending the meeting will help FIAT-IFTA members to stay up to date with global trends, regulatory updates, and innovative practices. It will also foster collaboration between different markets within the funeral industry, which is essential in today’s interconnected world.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to Yokohama!
Remember to book your hotel
There are two hotels recommended: The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu and Yokohama Tokyu REI Hotel. Each of them has prepared a special limited-time offer for convention attendees.
All details are available on the website: https://www.zensoren.events/fiatifta2025-hotels
About Yokohama
Yokohama is a city of vibrant contrasts, blending business and leisure, skyscrapers and serene gardens, mountain landscapes, and ocean views. With its rich history, dynamic culture, and countless attractions, Yokohama promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
As Japan’s first harbor city to open its doors to the world, Yokohama has long been a gateway for new cultures and innovations. From the moment its port was established, the city has embraced foreign influences, introducing Japan to its first-ever experiences in cuisine, art, and a wide range of cultural expressions. This rich history has earned Yokohama the title of the birthplace of Japan’s modern culture.
The Yokohama, referred to as “Hamakko” in Japanese, has been very cheerful at enjoying life and willing to adopt whatever is good. Such a tradition of the “Hamakkos” cultivated long ago has been incorporated into the present fashionable and sophisticated streetscape. With a population of 3.7 million, Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo.
During FIAT-IFTA Annual Meeting 2025 delegates will spend much of their time in the Minato Mirai district, meaning “Harbor of the Future.” This vibrant area in central Yokohama is brimming with attractions, hotels, shopping malls, museums, and parks, making it a great starting point for your Yokohama adventure. Here you will find the Landmark Tower, Japan’s second tallest building, offering breathtaking views from its observation deck, Cup Noodles Museum - a fun and interactive museum where you can learn about the history of instant noodles and even create your own custom cup noodles, Yokohama Cosmo World, which is an amusement park featuring a giant Ferris wheel with stunning nighttime views of the bay. If you are an art lover, you should visit Yokohama Museum of Art showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works.
About Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four main islands - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu - along and thousands of smaller islands, covering a total area of 377,975 square kilometres (145,937 sq mi).
Japan has a population of nearly 124 million, making it the world’s eleventh-most populous country. Its capital and largest city, Tokyo, anchors the Greater Tokyo Area, the largest metropolitan region globally, with over 37 million inhabitants.
Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures across eight traditional regions. Approximately 75% of its land is mountainous and heavily forested, which concentrates both agriculture and urbanization along its eastern coastal plains. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis.
Human habitation of Japan dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era, with the earliest Japanese Paleolithic culture beginning around 36,000 BC. Today, Japan is a unitary state and constitutional monarchy, where the Emperor serves a ceremonial role. The nation’s executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, under a system where sovereignty rests with the Japanese people. Japan boasts the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP.
Contemporary Japanese culture combines influences from Asia, Europe, and North America. Many Japanese people practice both Shinto and Buddhism; they can identify with both religions or describe themselves as non-religious or spiritual.The level of participation in religious ceremonies as a cultural tradition remains high, especially during festivals and occasions such as the first shrine visit of the New Year. Taoism and Confucianism from China have also influenced Japanese beliefs and customs. Throughout the latest century, Western customs originally related to Christianity (including Western style weddings, Valentine's Day and Christmas) have become popular as secular customs among many Japanese.
Japan’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences makes it a captivating destination and a vital player on the global stage.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Yokohama in June!
FIAT-IFTA Annual Meeting 2025 is organised by the All Japan Funeral Directors Co-Operation (ZENSOREN)
Meet partners and sponsors of FIAT-IFTA Annual Meeting 2025
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See reports from previous FIAT-IFTA meetings:
FIAT-IFTA is the only internationally governed funeral Federation with National, Active And Associate Members in more than 80 countries.
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