Infrastructure updates: Tokyo crematorium expansion and sewage tech development

The Rinkai Wide Area Crematorium Association has announced plans to expand the Rinkai Crematorium in Ota City, Tokyo. The project involves constructing a three-story building covering 4,400 square meters to double the facility's cremation capacity. The expansion aims to address rising demand driven by an aging population, with an estimated construction cost of 8.6 billion yen. The project is scheduled for completion between fiscal years 2028 and 2030.

Separately, the sewage sector in Japan is seeing increased interest in new technologies to combat aging infrastructure and labor shortages. At the Sewage Works Exhibition 2026 in Tokyo, companies showcased advancements in 3D modeling, underwater drones, and easier-to-use materials. However, industry experts noted that high initial costs, the need for digital literacy among workers, and the necessity of practical implementation remain significant hurdles to widespread adoption.