QR codes (Quick Response Codes) are as common in Japan as fish in the sea! Created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994, with the idea to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. Initially used in Japan for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing and the country went on to use them for magazines, buses, business cards or just about any object that a user might need information about. The country is now going to see something new (some might even call it bizarre) being done with them. Memorial stone maker Ishinokoe (Voice of the Stone) of Yamanashi Prefecture will soon begin producing grave stones with QR codes embedded in them.

The concept that is being called Kuyou no Mado (Memorial Service Window) will enable visitors to scan the code with their mobiles and get information on the deceased. Contents can include pictures, video, family information, and other items. The device will also keep a log of each time the code was scanned so family members can keep up to date with when other relatives last visited the site. Ishinokoe hopes to use this technology to develop a new way to pay respect to the dead that wouldn't require family members and well wishers to actually be at individual’s cemetery in person. The company sees this as an alternative especially fitting for today’s younger generation.

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