Emerging anti-immigration sentiment in Japan obscures a surprising history of strategic engagement with Islam

A false rumor started in the early 20th century that the Japanese emperor would convert to Islam. It helped Japan build alliances with Muslims across Asia.

By: Mimi Hanaoka, University of Richmond, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 11, 2026

Words: 1,202

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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By Mimi Hanaoka, University of Richmond

A recent increase in anti-immigrant sentiment in Japan has led people from some religious and ethnic groups who were not born in Japan to face hostility. Hate speech has spread on social media, and some mosques have been targeted with abusive messages.

Over the past five years, the number of Muslims in Japan has nearly doubled, from 230,000 in 2019 to 420,000 at the end of 2024. Most …

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