Japan has witnessed a massive increase in its Muslim population over the past two decades, accompanied by a rise in the number of mosques throughout the country. The demographic shift is attributed to immigration to Japan and the growing trend of intermarriage between Muslims and Japanese individuals, according to reports.
In the year 2000, the Muslim population in Japan stood at a modest 20,000. However, recent statistics reveal a staggering tenfold increase, surpassing the 200,000 mark. By 2010, the number had risen to 110,000, and the figure has now surpassed 230,000.
Correspondingly, the number of mosques in Japan has experienced substantial growth. In 1999, there were a mere 15 mosques, but today there are 113 mosques across the country. This expansion reflects the increasing need to accommodate the religious requirements and practices of the growing Muslim community.
While the surge in the Muslim population has generally been peaceful, Japan recently faced an incident where Islamic terrorists targeted a Shinto shrine. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, sparked outrage among the Japanese public. Authorities are taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of all religious sites and to prevent any further incidents.
The history of Islam in Japan can be traced back to the 19th century when Muslims from India, Turkey, and the Middle East migrated to the country. Over time, Islam gained a foothold, leading to the formation of Islamic organizations in the 20th century. In the 1960s, a significant number of Pakistani-Bangladeshi Muslims settled in Japan, contributing to the further growth of the Muslim community, which now exceeds 200,000 individuals.
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