Japanese Buddhist memorial dates (法事・法要)
Enter the date of death to see the memorial days up to the 49th day and the years of the memorial anniversaries.
Memorial anniversaries in 2026
| Service | Years after death | Died in |
|---|---|---|
| 1st anniversary (一周忌) | 1 year | 2025 (Reiwa 7) |
| 3rd memorial (三回忌) | 2 years | 2024 (Reiwa 6) |
| 7th memorial (七回忌) | 6 years | 2020 (Reiwa 2) |
| 13th memorial (十三回忌) | 12 years | 2014 (Heisei 26) |
| 17th memorial (十七回忌) | 16 years | 2010 (Heisei 22) |
| 23rd memorial (二十三回忌) | 22 years | 2004 (Heisei 16) |
| 27th memorial (二十七回忌) | 26 years | 2000 (Heisei 12) |
| 33rd memorial (三十三回忌) | 32 years | 1994 (Heisei 6) |
| 50th memorial (五十回忌) | 49 years | 1977 (Showa 52) |
How memorial services are counted
Memorial days before the 49th day are held every 7 days, counting the day of death as day 1. The 1st anniversary (一周忌) is one year after death; from the 3rd memorial (三回忌) on, the day of death counts as the first, so the 3rd memorial is held 2 years after death and the 7th memorial 6 years after. Many families hold the final memorial at the 33rd or 50th.
FAQ
When is the 49th day?
Count the day of death as day 1; the 49th day is 48 days later. In some areas, such as Kansai, counting starts from the day before death, so check with the family temple.
Why is the third memorial held after two years?
From the third memorial on, the years are counted inclusively: the day of death is the first, the first anniversary the second, and the next anniversary the third.
Should a memorial be held before or after the anniversary date?
If it cannot be on the exact date, families usually hold it on a weekend before the date rather than after.