Islam in the Land of Rising Sun: The Road to Hajj

Summary

This video explores the journey of young Japanese Muslims, focusing on Kubusan, a 26-year-old who, after converting to Islam, embarks on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It sheds light on the growing presence of Islam in Japan, where traditional Shinto and Buddhist practices coexist with new religious influences. Through the stories of Kubusan, Abdullah Lataki, and Riddha Nawi, the video illustrates the challenges faced by converts in a society known for its technological advancements and materialistic values. The pilgrimage highlights their spiritual transformation and the rise of a unique Muslim identity in Japan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan is a land of contrasts, where modern technology coexists with time-honored cultural traditions.
• 😀 Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, reveres nature and has no sacred icons or books.
• 😀 While many Japanese people practice Shinto and Buddhism, Islam is gradually gaining ground among some Japanese individuals.
• 😀 Kubusan, a 26-year-old Japanese man, converted to Islam and is embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
• 😀 Islam is still considered unfamiliar to many in Japan, but younger Japanese individuals like Kubusan and Abdullah Taki are embracing it.
• 😀 The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant experience for converts to Islam, as it is the culmination of their religious journey.
• 😀 Riddha Nawi, an Egyptian who helps organize the Hajj pilgrimage for Japanese Muslims, faces challenges in making the pilgrimage accessible to Japanese converts.
• 😀 Despite cultural and social differences, Japanese converts to Islam find community and support in mosques and prayer rooms in Japan.
• 😀 The number of Japanese Muslims making the Hajj pilgrimage is gradually increasing, with Riddha aiming to make the majority of pilgrims ethnic Japanese.
• 😀 Japan’s spiritual landscape is diverse, with Islam growing among converts, but traditional religions like Shinto and Buddhism still play a central role in Japanese culture.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video script?

The central theme of the script revolves around the growing presence of Islam in Japan, particularly the experiences of Japanese converts, the challenges they face in practicing Islam, and their journey to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

How does the script describe the cultural and religious context of Japan?

Japan is depicted as a nation where modern technology coexists with traditional culture. The majority of the population practices Shinto and Buddhism, but there is a growing interest in Islam, especially among the younger generation. The society remains relatively private about religion, and social hierarchies play a significant role.

Who is Kubusan and what is his role in the story?

Kubusan is a 26-year-old ethnic Japanese man who was raised in the traditions of Shinto and Buddhism. He is introduced as a convert to Islam, and his story is central to the video as he prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. His personal journey of embracing Islam and navigating the challenges it brings is a focal point.

How is the practice of Islam in Japan described in the script?

Islam in Japan is described as still relatively unfamiliar but growing. There are mosques and communal prayer rooms across the country, and many foreign Muslims live in Japan. The Japanese converts to Islam face challenges in practicing their faith, especially in balancing work and religious obligations like the Hajj pilgrimage.

What role does Riddha Nawi play in the story?

Riddha Nawi, an Egyptian Muslim, is a key figure in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Japanese Muslims. He runs a travel agency specifically designed to help Japanese Muslims undertake the pilgrimage. Despite initial resistance from the Saudi authorities, he has managed to establish a successful business and increase the number of Japanese pilgrims.

Why is the Hajj pilgrimage significant to the Japanese Muslim community?

The Hajj pilgrimage is a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide, and for Japanese converts like Kubusan, it represents the culmination of their faith journey. It is a way to reaffirm their Muslim identity and connect with the global Muslim community. It is particularly meaningful as few Japanese Muslims have undertaken the pilgrimage.

What challenges do Japanese Muslims face when trying to go on Hajj?

Japanese Muslims face significant challenges in going on the Hajj pilgrimage, primarily due to Japan's work-oriented culture. It is difficult for Muslims with full-time jobs to get extended leave. Kubusan, for example, had to quit his job to undertake the pilgrimage, which highlights the personal sacrifices involved.

How does the script portray the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism in Japan?

Shinto and Buddhism are portrayed as the dominant spiritual practices in Japan. Shinto is the indigenous religion, with a focus on nature and reverence for deities found in natural elements like rocks and trees. Buddhism, which became significant after the introduction of Shintoism, still plays an important role in Japanese spirituality.

What is the significance of the Tokyo mosque in the script?

The Tokyo mosque is highlighted as a place where a diverse Islamic community, including Middle Eastern and Asian Muslims, gathers for worship. It serves as an example of how Islam is practiced in Japan and is an important space for interactions between foreign Muslims and Japanese converts like Kubusan.

What is Riddha Nawi's vision for the future of Japanese Muslims?

Riddha Nawi's vision is to increase the number of Japanese Muslims going on the Hajj pilgrimage and eventually make the majority of Japanese pilgrims ethnic Japanese. He hopes to see an organization in Japan dedicated to helping Muslims with their religious needs, similar to institutions in other Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia or Singapore.