My Japanese cousin died earlier this week. I was not brought up in Japan and I don’t speak the language. It was my father that was Japanese but he died a few years ago so I can’t ask him what I should do. I live in the U.K. and have only just found out he died, so I don’t know if funeral has already taken place. I would be very grateful if anyone could help with what would be appropriate to send my aunt/uncle, his wife, children and his sister? I have done an internet search, and it seems flowers are not normally sent, and money is more traditional, however obviously not being in the same country complicates that. In addition, my aunt and uncle are very wealthy so are not likely to need a financial contribution.
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/10g23vo/what_should_i_send_to_bereaved_japanese_relatives/
1 comment
If they know you are not raised in the Japanese culture, then I think sending a card with kind words would be fine ( ie: in my thought, sorry for the lost, if you need anything, reach out,etc). They would understand seeing you are not that close. You can offer to wire money to help if needed.