Locals strongly oppose construction of Fujisawa city’s first mosque

What Hindus in India know, the Japanese are starting to understand !

Fujisawa (Japan) – Locals have strongly opposed the construction of the first mosque proposed in the city of Fujisawa, Japan. They have launched a signature campaign and demonstrations. The mosque is being opposed as it is larger than a nearby Shinto shrine. The protesters also say it is provocative and a threat to Japanese culture. Locals have stated in a letter to the administration that,

1. The ‘Azaan’ 5-times-a-day will be called out from the mosque on loudspeakers, which will disturb the peace of the area.

2. Cities in Japan are very disciplined and have limited space. If a large number of people gather in a mosque, there will be traffic congestion in the area. The problem of parking vehicles will become serious.

3. Citizens have claimed that such construction may affect the safety of the area.

4. Many senior citizens have expressed concerns that the differences between the Japanese lifestyle and Islamic traditions could lead to social tensions in the future.

The Muslim side

The mosque trust has tried to allay the doubts of the locals. They have clarified that the Azaan will not be called out loudly so as not to disturb the neighbours. Volunteers will be deployed to plan the traffic. The mosque will also be a Community Centre where Japanese citizens will also be welcomed.

Administrative dilemma

According to the Japanese Constitution, every citizen has the right to religious freedom. It is difficult for the administration to completely ban the construction of the mosque; however, in a Democracy, it is also difficult to ignore the feelings of local citizens. Currently, the work on this project is progressing slowly and rounds of discussions are ongoing on both sides.

Similar disputes over graveyards and mosques have previously taken place in Shizuoka and Oita regions. The dispute in Fujisawa is being seen as a symbol of Japan’s struggle between traditional values and globalization.

Muslim population tripled in just 14 years

Waseda University Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Tanada said that by the end of 2024, the Muslim population in Japan reached about 4,20,000. In 2010, it was 1,10,000. Of the Muslims in Japan, 90% have settled from abroad, while 10% have converted.