As Japan's Muslim population surges, how can friction be avoided?

FUKUOKA -- A heated exchange broke out in front of a mosque in this southwest Japan city in September after members of a conservative political group shouted at Muslims, demanding that they "get out of Japan." As the number of Muslim residents in Japan continues to grow year by year, experts are suggesting that administrative bodies take measures to prevent friction while pointing to the need for Muslims to actively share information.

The incident was sparked by a video that spread on social media, which showed a prayer gathering attended by Muslims at a park near the mosque in Fukuoka's Higashi Ward on June 7. While the corporation running the mosque had obtained permission to use the park from the Higashi Ward Office, more people than expected gathered, leading them to use the park beyond the permitted area.

According to the ward office, which manages the park, it received inquiries and protests from people who saw the video online, but none came from local residents. The local neighborhood association was briefed by the mosque about the situation and does not view it as a particular problem.

How have Muslim resident numbers in Japan shifted in recent years?

According to a study on the Muslim population in Japan conducted by Waseda University Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Tanada and others, there were approximately 420,000 Muslims in the country as of the end of 2024, accounting for about 0.3% of Japan's total population. The figure marked an increase of some 70,000 people from the previous year and a 3.8-fold rise compared to roughly 20 years before. Factors behind this include a rising number of technical intern trainees under the government's policy of accepting foreigners to address labor shortages.

By country and region of origin, Indonesians make up the largest group with about 200,000 people, followed by approximately 35,000 from Bangladesh, some 30,000 from Pakistan, roughly 12,000 from Malaysia and around 8,000 from Turkey. The number of mosques is also increasing, with about 160 locations nationwide as of July 2025.

As the domestic Muslim population could further increase, Tanada states, "They will undoubtedly become a more familiar presence."

Regarding the turmoil in Fukuoka, Tanada notes, "Even if Muslims and local residents communicate and build relationships, there are cases where people from distant areas may not understand Muslims well." He points to the need for Muslims to actively share information to dispel misunderstandings and anxiety, with government bodies also providing cooperation.

He also emphasizes, "Foreigners are not a mere labor force but are residents with diverse backgrounds such as religion and culture." Considering that many people are unfamiliar with Muslims, Tanada argues, "The national government should strengthen policies to accept them as residents to prevent frictions in local communities."

(Japanese original by Masanori Hirakawa, Kyushu News Department)