Saturday, March 29, 2025
Japan’s Controversial Move: Muslim Cemeteries Banned, Bodies Ordered Repatriated
Tokyo, February 15, 2026
Japan’s government issued a strict, controversial order enforcing cultural burial norms nationwide. Muslim cemeteries now face complete bans, with existing ones ordered closed. Authorities cite Japan’s cremation tradition as legally and culturally binding.
Cremation Mandate: Japan requires cremation (99%+ compliance). Muslims must repatriate bodies/ashes to home countries.
Government Aid: State assistance promised for transport costs.
Osaka Closure: Nation’s sole Muslim cemetery in Osaka city shut under new rules.
Mosque Limits: New parliamentary laws ban mosque construction.
No Azan: Loudspeaker calls to prayer prohibited.
Public Prayer Ban: Street or public namaz already strictly forbidden.
~200,000 Muslims live in Japan, mostly Indonesian/Malaysian migrant workers. Community protested 2025 legal process. Government insists foreign practices conform to local laws and social norms. Diplomatic impact on Muslim nations remains to be seen.
