The bell is called a “Kane” (鉦), which is a dish shaped bell. This one in particular is known as an atarigane or sometimes called a chanchiki because of the sound.
There is not much information I was able to find about the actual cremation in Japanese Buddhist funerals, there’s more information about the rites during the funeral itself. I do feel as though there would be some rites even in the cremation process, but I really don’t know for sure. I’m really not well versed in Buddhism, so I hope this is somewhat accurate. I have gone to a traditional Hindu cremation and that was very…grueling, so I can understand how there may not be much information about the moment when the family witnesses the cremation, it’s an exhausting moment.

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YALL...I'm really sorry for such a long hiatus. Last year I set myself on trying to get serious about my side business (my etsy shop) and was working towards also creating a publishing company (I know, a really lofty goal, lol.) so I was so busy, and still am. After putting in so much effort, I did better on my shop than I did any other years of trying to do an art business. But, this year, everything came crashing down. its hard to explain what happened, but, I really want to live my life for myself, break free from mental control and manipulation, and finally find peace in life. Now, I feel like getting back to Four Corners, even though it's pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things when it comes to my life...aside from my spirituality, this comic is still, after all these years, one of the only other things that I can do to bring me peace and comfort. That's why this comic was made. Thanks again to all of you who read this comic, and who have kept up with it after so many years. I really can't wait for the day I can finish this. 💖🥂