11-25-2004, 02:16 PM
ISLAM IN JAPAN
Islam is still relatively new to Japan compared to other countries. Although blending of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs heavily influence the Japanese culture, it is estimated that there are over 200,000 Muslims in Japan, with about 50,000 being native Japanese.
Islam was introduced as part of western religious thought, through trade and contact between the Japanese and other Muslims before 1868. The first known Japanese Muslim, Mitsutaro Takaoka, converted in 1909. He took the name Omar Yamaoka after his pilgrimage to Makkah. However, the Muslim community did not flourish until Muslims from Central Asia and Russia were given asylum during WW I.
The diverse Tokyo Islamic community is represented by the variety of ethnic restaurants that serve Halal food. The city has a beautiful central mosque, designed in the traditional Ottoman-Turkish classic style.
“Irrashai mase, irrashai mase (Welcome, welcome)” to Islamic website :D
http://www.islamcenter.or.jp/