On viral posts on Twitter, Japan is seen as an example of immigration. “Go live in Japan, the country where people are smart!, chants a publication. Conversely, Europe would be the model not to follow. In question, Japan would impose strict restrictions on Muslims.
Among these rules, we can read: “Japan is the only country that does not grant citizenship to Muslims”, “in Japan, Muslims do not have the right to permanent residence”, “in Universities in Japan, the Arabic and Islam are not taught”, “no one can create an Islamist cell or Islamic school in Japan” or even “Sharia is not authorized in Japan”. However, these fifteen listed rules are not true. 20 minutes explains to you.
FAKE OFF
The post in question is not new. For several years, it has been broadcast on many websites and social media accounts. But the fifteen or so assertions are not really based on much. Here are some verified ones:
- “Japan imposes strict restrictions on Islam and Muslims”. IT’S WRONG
According to a 2008 report on international religious freedom, the number of Muslims in Japan was estimated at between 115,000 and 125,000, or about 0.10% of the Japanese population. The country is also very attached to its secularism and the separation between the State and religions is well defined. In its Constitution, the20 provides freedom of religion to all. “No religious organization can receive any privileges from the state, nor can it exercise political authority.”
- “Japan is the only country that does not give citizenship to Muslims.” IT’S WRONG
According to the “Turning Japanese” website [devenir Japonais, Ndlr.], it is entirely possible for a Muslim to obtain Japanese citizenship, as well as permanent residency. When applying for citizenship, no questions are asked about religion. This is also why the Ministry of Justice cannot really publish statistics on religions concerning applications for naturalization.
In addition, the website of the Ministry of Justice in Japan explains the conditions for naturalization. There are three: by birth, by notification or by naturalization. The site also specifies the documents needed to apply for naturalization, but none mentions religion.
The conditions for naturalization are as follows: living in Japan for five consecutive years, being 20 years old or older, and “having an upright conduct”. The only people likely to be banned are those belonging to “an organization plotting or advocating the overthrow of the Japanese government”.
- “In Universities in Japan, Arabic and Islam are not taught”. IT’S WRONG
The text in question also mentions the prohibition in universities to teach “Arabic and Islam”. However, we can for example find a center for studies on Islam at Kyoto University. Arabic courses are also well taught at the University of Tokyo for example.
- “Muslims must perform their religious rites in their apartments.” IT’S WRONG
Contrary to what the text estimates, it is quite possible to find mosques in Japan. The country would have about 80, according to nippon.com.
- “In Japan, you can’t find halal food.” THIS IS RATHER FALSE
If it does not run the streets, halal food does exist in Japan. According to a travel siteit is also possible to find halal-certified products in specific grocery stores and in some restaurants.
- “Sharia is not allowed in Japan”. IT’S HALF TRUE
As for the sharia – which would be the way to follow for Muslims -, it is indeed not applied in Japan, but no more than in Europe. across countries [surtout musulmans], Sharia varies and adapts. For example, there are countries where Sharia is not included in the legal system, countries where it applies to more personal matters such as marriage or divorce, and countries where Sharia applies completely. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the Constitution is based on Sharia, while in Indonesia, Sharia applies more to issues related to family law.