by Nulifar Zain
At the time of writing this article on Japanese culture, the cherry blossom season is at its peak. The “sakura” season symbolizes new beginnings and encapsulates the Japanese fascination with philosophy, nature, and the ephemeral beauty of life. In many ways, Japan’s interaction with Islam follows a similar pattern—gradual discovery, adaptation, and intellectual curiosity. The story of Japan’s encounter with Islam is intertwined with voyages, explorers, and historical transformations that shaped the nation’s perspective on this global faith.
The journey of Japan’s discovery of Islam does not follow a conventional path. A mysterious reference in Ibn Battuta’s travelogue has intrigued historians for centuries. He mentions a place called “Tawalsi,” where he met a warrior princess speaking Turkish. Some researchers suggest that Tawalsi may have been Japan, while others argue that it could be the Philippines or Champa (in present-day Vietnam). Despite extensive research, including the efforts of historian Abdelhadi Tazi, no conclusive evidence has emerged to pinpoint Tawalsi’s exact location.
Nonetheless, the idea that Japan may have been known to Muslim explorers centuries ago sparks curiosity about the country’s early interactions with the Islamic world.
Japan largely remained isolated from foreign influences for centuries. During the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868), a policy of national seclusion was implemented, restricting foreign contact. However, this isolation ended when American naval commander Matthew Perry forced Japan to open its ports in 1854. This led to the collapse of the shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, ushering in rapid modernization and exposure to global cultures, including Islam.
With the Meiji Restoration, Japan embarked on an ambitious modernization program. As part of these reforms, Japanese scholars and diplomats traveled abroad to study various political and economic systems. Some of these missions brought Japan into contact with the Islamic world.
A notable moment occurred in 1871 when a Japanese diplomatic mission visited Istanbul. This visit was part of a broader effort to understand Western institutions, but it also exposed Japanese officials to the Ottoman Empire, the most prominent Muslim power at the time. Reports from these missions mentioned Islamic customs and the economic vibrancy of Muslim societies.
The first substantial interaction between Japan and the Muslim world came in 1890, when the Ottoman navy sent the frigate Ertuğrul to Japan as a goodwill gesture. Tragically, the ship sank near the Japanese coast due to a typhoon, resulting in the loss of over 500 sailors. However, the Japanese population showed immense compassion in rescuing survivors and repatriating them to Istanbul aboard Japanese warships. This event left a lasting impression and set the stage for future Japanese interest in Islam.
One of the most significant figures in introducing Islam to Japan was Abdürreşid Ibrahim, a Tatar Muslim scholar and journalist. In the early 20th century, he traveled to Japan and established contacts with Japanese intellectuals. His discussions on Islam and pan-Asian solidarity resonated with some Japanese elites who were seeking alliances with Muslim communities in Asia. His influence led to the first known Japanese conversions to Islam, including those of notable figures such as Mitsutarō Yamaoka (later known as Omar Yamaoka), who performed the Hajj pilgrimage.
By the 1930s, Japan’s strategic interests in Asia led to a greater focus on understanding Islam. Research centers dedicated to Islamic studies were established, such as the Islamic Culture Research Institute in 1932. The Tokyo Mosque, built in 1938 with support from both Japanese authorities and the local Tatar Muslim community, became a center for Islamic activities.
One of the most distinguished Japanese scholars of Islam was Toshihiko Izutsu, a linguist and philosopher. His works on the Qur’an’s semantic structure gained international recognition and continue to influence Islamic studies today.
Today, Japan hosts a small but growing Muslim population, consisting mainly of immigrants from South and Southeast Asia, as well as Japanese converts. Universities across Japan offer Islamic studies programs, and mosques can be found in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. While Islam remains a minority religion, Japan’s engagement with the Muslim world continues through trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges.
Japan’s discovery of Islam has been a journey shaped by exploration, academic curiosity, and historical encounters. From the possible visit of Ibn Battuta to the Ertuğrul tragedy and the intellectual contributions of figures like Abdürreşid Ibrahim and Toshihiko Izutsu, Japan’s interaction with Islam reflects a broader pattern of engagement with global cultures. As Japan continues to navigate its place in the world, its relationship with Islam remains an evolving narrative, built on a foundation of curiosity, respect, and intellectual exchange.
