The Muslim community in Japan is encountering significant obstacles in securing adequate burial sites, as the government has opted against establishing new Muslim cemeteries. This decision is rooted in Japan’s strong cultural tradition of cremation and concerns over environmental impact. The Muslim population in Japan has seen a dramatic rise, growing from 110,000 in 2010 to an expected 350,000 by 2025, making it the fastest-growing minority group.
Government officials have pointed to the nation’s deep-seated practice of cremation, observed by the vast majority of the population, as a key reason for denying the establishment of more burial grounds. Furthermore, potential contamination of underground water supplies from burials has been cited as a significant environmental concern. Japan currently has a limited number of Muslim-specific cemeteries, with only ten available to serve the growing demand.
In lieu of new cemeteries, informal suggestions have been made regarding funeral arrangements for deceased Muslim migrants. Options include adhering to Japanese customs for funeral services or arranging for the body to be sent back to their home country for burial, with the family assuming all transportation costs. The ongoing dialogue in Japan highlights the unique challenge of cemetery space availability as a primary concern for minority populations, setting it apart from typical migrant discussions centered on crime.