Translation guide
In Japanese Buddhist tradition, memorial services are held on specific anniversaries after a person's death. The final major anniversary varies by sect and family custom, but common ones include the 33rd or 50th year. This entry explains how to refer to that last memorial service.
Referring to the last death anniversary for which a formal memorial service is held, after which the deceased is considered to have become a hotoke (buddha) or ancestor spirit.
A common term for the final memorial service, literally 'finishing the mourning'. It marks the end of the formal mourning period.
今年は父の三十三回忌で、弔い上げを行います。
This year is the 33rd anniversary of my father's death, and we will hold the final memorial service.
Literally 'end of the death anniversaries'. Refers to the completion of the series of memorial services.
五十回忌をもって年忌明けとします。
The memorial services will conclude with the 50th anniversary.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the last death anniversary memorial service'. Clear but less idiomatic.
最後の年忌法要はいつですか。
When is the last death anniversary memorial service?
A term used in some Buddhist sects, particularly Jodo Shinshu, for the final memorial service, often the 33rd anniversary.
浄土真宗では、三十三回忌を問い切りと呼ぶことがあります。
In Jodo Shinshu, the 33rd anniversary is sometimes called toikiri.
The final anniversary varies: 33rd (三十三回忌) and 50th (五十回忌) are common. Some families stop at the 7th or 13th. Always confirm with the family or temple.
There is no single Japanese word that exactly matches 'last death anniversary for which there is a memorial service held'. Use the phrases above depending on context.