Activists want to give Tokyo's homeless people dignity in death. They are raising funds to create a special grave for their ashes rather than the anonymous, communal disposal afforded to people who die without means and mourners.

Potential beneficiaries include Shigeru Ikeda, not his real name, who came to Tokyo from an upland town in Iwate Prefecture around 25 years ago, and worked mostly as a construction worker.

The day laborer began by sleeping in saunas and cheap lodging houses, but eventually ended up on Tokyo's streets — and remained there for more than 10 years.