Japan: Roice Entertainment Offers 3D Printed Replicas of the Dearly Departed, Doubling as Urns

There’s simply nothing more difficult in life than losing a loved one. Still years after they’ve passed away, we often yearn to see them again whether in a dream, or finding old photos of them. While a family member may actually put a lot of thought into planning their own funeral and establishing with everyone how they want things ‘afterward’ from donations to a good cause to even a wild after-party where everyone is commanded to celebrate rather than cry, they don’t often leave mementos to help you get through those waves of grief. Coping is left is up to the living, whether it’s through waiting for time to pass or even attending a support group with others who are grieving as well.

Now, however, 3D printing comes to the rescue here too. If you are in Japan, it’s time to dust yourself off, dry off your tears for a bit, and find a good photo that would translate into a 3D printed figurine/urn. You will need to get ready to open the wallet substantially as well, cause these items are quite pricey. What’s about $887 though when you can have a replica of someone you miss dearly, and know that their remains are housed inside as well? This may be a great way to ease emotional pain—and keep remains safe as well.

Japan’s Roice Entertainment is known for their photography, but like many, they are rolling with the times and are now specialists in providing 3D printed novelties also for special occasions, as well as memories. While generally they require high-resolution photos which are reproduced into specific 3D printed poses, this new service is meant to cater to those who want a sentimental container for remains. Roice Entertainment now has the capability to use just one picture for producing a 3D printed figurine in full color, with an opening in the back that holds ashes should you purchase the small add-on container.

The new service was offered by Roice after a grieving mother inquired as to whether the company could 3D print a likeness of her dear daughter, whom she lost as a teenager.

“The mother told us she wanted to somehow revive her daughter, who had died at a young age, as a 3D figure,” said company President Koichi Furusho.

Figures can be bought in 20-, 25-, or 30-centimeter sizes (7.8 inches—11.8 inches) and cost 100,000 yen (US$886.50),150,000 yen, or 200,000 yen, respectively. The pieces take about two months to create, and you can also have two or three figures standing together if you prefer a family or social scene as a memento. Smartphone photos are fine, but the resolution must be good. If there are issues with focus, the company cannot make a 3D printed reproduction. Some materials and fine patterns may not translate well either.

When you consider the incredible expenses that go into caskets—which you will obviously never see again—many might find this to be a good price, and a great investment for easing your mind and keeping ashes in a safe place. If you are one of those people who loves to take pictures and can find a great action photo of your loved one, or a nice relaxed pose, you’ll have a long-lasting memory to hold close. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen 3D printing put to this very personal use, and these incredible likenesses add to the customization options available for our dearly departed. Would you be interested in a product like this? Discuss over in the 3D Printed Replica Urn forum at 3DPB.com.

[Source: GMA News Online]