Discrimination against foreigners in Japan, which previously focused primarily on the ethnic Korean and Kurdish communities, has now extended to the Muslim population. This shift is attributed to the estimated near doubling of the number of Muslims living in Japan in recent years.
According to observers and community members, the rapid growth of the Muslim population has sparked new stereotypes and discriminatory behavior. Manifestations of prejudice include refusals to rent housing, difficulties in finding employment, and biased comments on social media.
Experts say that unlike minority groups with a long history in Japan, the Muslim community, which has emerged more recently, faces particular challenges in integration, including language, cultural, and religious barriers. Some Muslims report being viewed with suspicion or being stereotyped as extremists.
Official data shows that over the past decade, the number of Muslims in Japan has grown from about 100,000 to nearly 200,000. This increase is largely driven by labor migration and international students from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
The Japanese government has made some efforts to promote cultural diversity, but activists argue that stronger measures are needed to combat discrimination, including community education campaigns and stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
