Why are the Japanese protesting against a mosque? What’s the Muslim population of the country?

Japan’s coastal city of Fujisawa has witnessed large-scale demonstrations in recent days with multiple videos shared widely on social media showing thousands of residents gathering in protest against the construction of what would be the city’s first mosque.

The scale of the mobilisation indicates that the issue extends beyond a local zoning dispute.

Protesters were seen raising slogans, carrying placards, and objecting to the proposed structure, which they claim would be significantly larger than nearby historic Shinto shrines. Many participants described the project as an “act of provocation” directed at Japan’s cultural traditions.

Public consultations around the mosque have reportedly been tense. Meetings between residents and project representatives have, at times, become disorderly, requiring police presence to maintain order.

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In response to the backlash, a representative of ‘Fujisawa Masjid’ reportedly stated, “We love Japan. We will abide by the rules." However, this has not fully addressed anxieties among sections of the population.

How large is Japan’s Muslim population?

The protests are unfolding against the backdrop of a significant rise in the Muslim population across Japan over the past 15 years.

According to estimates by Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Tanada of Waseda University, the number of Muslims in the country reached approximately 420,000 by the end of 2024. This marks a substantial increase from around 110,000 in 2010.

Roughly 90 per cent of Muslims in Japan are foreign nationals, while the remaining 10 per cent includes Japanese converts and individuals from mixed-heritage backgrounds.

What is driving this growth?

This growth is closely linked to Japan’s economic needs. Faced with a shrinking workforce and an ageing society, the government has expanded pathways for foreign labour.

A considerable proportion of Muslim migrants have come from Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.

These arrivals have been facilitated through structured programmes such as the Technical Intern Training Program and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), particularly in sectors like caregiving and nursing.

Religious infrastructure has expanded alongside this demographic shift. The number of mosques has risen from around 50 in 2008 to at least 164 by July 2025.

What are the key concerns driving public opposition?

A central point of contention relates to funeral practices. In Japan, cremation is overwhelmingly the norm, accounting for more than 99 per cent of cases.

Islamic traditions, however, mandate burial.

This difference has generated resistance in several regions, where residents have described burial practices as unfamiliar and raised concerns about their environmental impact.

In some cases, fears about groundwater contamination have been cited, despite the absence of scientific evidence supporting such claims.

The limited availability of burial spaces has added to the tension. Only about ten cemeteries in Japan currently accommodate Islamic burials. Efforts to establish new burial sites, including a proposed project in Hiji in Oita Prefecture, have faced strong local opposition.

In that instance, the issue became politically charged, with right-leaning candidates campaigning on platforms that included blocking such developments.

Noise and urban disruption are also recurring themes in public objections. The Adhan has been described by some residents as a source of disturbance, while large gatherings during festivals such as Eid al-Fitr have raised concerns about congestion.

Reports of worshippers using public parks for overflow crowds have led to allegations from local associations regarding unauthorised use of shared spaces.

In Fujisawa, these issues have been amplified by the scale of the proposed mosque, with residents arguing that its size and visibility would alter the character of the surrounding area.

How is social media reacting to current protests?

Japan has long identified itself as a relatively homogeneous society, and the increasing visibility of diverse religious practices has prompted debate over how such changes fit within established social norms.

Some groups have framed the issue in terms of preserving “Wa,” or social harmony, suggesting that rapid demographic changes could disrupt long-standing community structures.

The expansion of halal food systems, distinct social customs, and new places of worship has contributed to perceptions among some residents that the country is undergoing a significant cultural shift.

The controversy in Fujisawa has sparked reactions globally, with users expressing sharply contrasting opinions.

One user wrote, “Avoid the damage now or regret it later. Great move Japan, protect your culture before it’s too late. See the condition of India, London etc.”

Another questioned the administrative process, stating, “First of all, which authority gave it construction permits? How were the plans passed? Getting anything built is a very long process and it goes through many stages of review."

Other posts reflected broader ideological positions. One comment read, “The Japanese people MUST stand up against the erosion of Third World 'diversity' and ABSOLUTELY STOP it.”

Another stated, “The Japanese call them a civilised nation, but can't tolerate a worship place for other religions.”

A more extreme post claimed, “Get them Japan! Do not allow them to get a foothold in your country. They breed like cockroaches, and you will never get them out. They will gang rape your women and children as they have in the UK and other parts of the world. This is what they will do to women under Sharia Law. NO TO ISLAM, NO TO SHARIA LAW!”

Where does Tokyo stand on this?

In recent years, political parties advocating stricter immigration controls and prioritising domestic cultural values have gained visibility.

Groups such as Sanseito and Ishin no Kai have emphasised “Japan-first” approaches, reflecting a segment of public opinion that is wary of rapid demographic change.

At the national level, the administration of Sanae Takaichi, which took office in late 2025, has stressed themes such as national resilience and cultural preservation.

At the same time, the government continues to expand foreign labour intake to address economic challenges, creating a complex policy environment.

Legally, religious freedom is protected under Japan’s Constitution, and local authorities generally maintain that mosque construction projects comply with zoning and regulatory frameworks.

This limits the ability of governments to halt such developments outright, even in the face of public opposition.

With inputs from agencies