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Japan refuses permission to build a separate cemetery for Muslims

  • Decision taken due to unavailability of land

  • Suggestion to send deceased Muslims’ bodies to their home countries for burial

Tokyo (Japan) – The Japanese Government has clearly rejected proposals to build a separate cemetery for Muslims in the country. “The decision to reject these proposals is consistent with Japanese traditions and customs,” the Government has stated. Member of Parliament Mizuho Umemura suggested that since cremation is the traditional method of funerary practice in Japan, the Muslim community should address this issue by sending the body of a deceased Muslim to his home country for burial.

1. The decision not to build a cemetery is part of a policy that prioritizes Japan’s longstanding cultural values. Due to the strong influence of Buddhist and Shinto traditions in the country, cremation is the primary method of funeral rites.

2. In Japan, more than 99 % of people cremate their deceased family members.
Because of severe land scarcity in urban areas, building large cemeteries has become difficult and sensitive.

3. This decision will affect both non-resident Muslims living in Japan and Muslims who have acquired Japanese citizenship. Their religious tradition requires burial of the deceased. Therefore, they will now have to send the bodies of deceased Muslims to their home countries for burial.

Editorial Perspective

Instead of appeasing the Muslim community in the country, the strict decision taken by the Japanese Government should serve as a lesson for India ! Due to population explosion in India, there is already a shortage of land for burying deceased Muslims. In the future, India too may have to take tough decisions on such issues.

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