15.05.2025 07:32
88
Burial problems are growing for Muslims in Japan
Japan's Muslim community has continued to grow in recent years. However, as the Muslim population grows, Muslims face serious obstacles when it comes to burial . The problem is that 99.9 percent of cemeteries in Japan only allow cremation (burning the body - Azon Global) - a practice strictly forbidden in Islam.
Although official laws do not prohibit burials, this decision is made by local authorities, who in many cases are reluctant to allocate land for Muslim cemeteries, which creates serious difficulties for Muslims who want to bury their loved ones in accordance with Sharia law.
Currently, many Muslims in Japan are choosing not to have cremation and are forced to bury their dead abroad or seek out the very few private cemeteries within the country.
This situation also brings to the agenda issues of religious minority rights, religious freedom, and attitudes towards cultural diversity in Japanese society.
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the country. By the beginning of 2024, the number of Muslims in the country reached approximately 350,000. There are 150 mosques operating in Japan.
Although official laws do not prohibit burials, this decision is made by local authorities, who in many cases are reluctant to allocate land for Muslim cemeteries, which creates serious difficulties for Muslims who want to bury their loved ones in accordance with Sharia law.
Currently, many Muslims in Japan are choosing not to have cremation and are forced to bury their dead abroad or seek out the very few private cemeteries within the country.
This situation also brings to the agenda issues of religious minority rights, religious freedom, and attitudes towards cultural diversity in Japanese society.
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the country. By the beginning of 2024, the number of Muslims in the country reached approximately 350,000. There are 150 mosques operating in Japan.
