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The surprising growth of Islam in Japan
Japan, known for its rich cultural traditions and technological progress, is witnessing an unexpected phenomenon — the rapid growth of its Muslim population. Over the past decade, the number of Muslims in the country has more than doubled, making it one of the fastest-growing religions in the archipelago.
This remarkable shift can be attributed to a confluence of factors, chief among them being increased immigration from Muslim-majority nations and a growing number of ethnic Japanese women embracing the faith, often after marrying Muslim men. The result is a vibrant, young Muslim community that is going to reshape Japan’s religious landscape in the coming years.
“It’s a fascinating trend that defies the stereotypes often associated with Japan,” says Akira Tanaka, a sociologist at the University of Tokyo. “The country is known for its homogeneity, but the reality is that it’s becoming increasingly diverse, with Islam playing a significant role in that transformation.”
Indeed, the statistics paint a striking picture. In 2010, the Muslim population in Japan stood at just 110,000. By the end of 2019, that number had surged to an estimated 230,000 — a staggering 110% increase. This growth rate far outpaces the global average, highlighting the unique trends impacting Japan’s religious landscape.
