Physicality at the Time of Death and its Nursing in Japan: The Connection with the endonkai 円頓戒

Abstract

In Japan, in the context of nursing and physical response at the time of death, value is placed not only on spirit but also on physical contact. Various approaches are sought, starting with physical contact, such as writing characters on the palm of the dying person.

The present paper, utilizing new materials, analyzes the essential theory of nursing based on Japanese precepts from social aspects and behaviors. How are central activities inspired by vows and rituals utilized, structured, and developed for nursing and end-of-life physical activity? In addition, the paper considers what connects the body of the dying individual and the caregiver, and how the space that mediates between them was developed and used.