An illustration representing a Muslim woman wearing a sakura-themed hijab, symbolizing the public debate in Japan over Islam, identity, and cultural visibility. Illustration: The Times of Jumland
When The Asahi Shimbun published an article about sakura-themed hijabs, it focused on a small family effort to promote understanding of Islam in Japan. On January 26, 2026, the newspaper ran the story under the headline “Sakura-themed hijabs push for understanding of Islam in Japan.” The article described how a Japanese man who converted to Islam and his wife began selling hijabs in soft cherry blossom colors, hoping to make them feel friendly and familiar in Japanese society.
The article itself was calm and personal. It spoke about design, daily life, and cultural blending. However, the reaction from readers was much stronger than the tone of the report. The comments showed sharp disagreement, rejection, and fear, along with a smaller number of supportive voices.
According to a report by The Mainichi, based on research led by Waseda University Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Tanada, the Muslim population in Japan reached approximately 420,000 people by the end of 2024. This represents about 0.3 percent of Japan’s total population. The report noted an increase of around 70,000 people from the previous year and a nearly fourfold rise compared to about 20 years ago. The increase has been linked mainly to foreign workers and technical intern trainees entering Japan under government policies aimed at addressing labor shortages.
The same report said Indonesians make up the largest Muslim group in Japan, with about 200,000 people. They are followed by approximately 35,000 people from Bangladesh, around 30,000 from Pakistan, roughly 12,000 from Malaysia, and about 8,000 from Turkey. The number of mosques has also grown, reaching about 160 locations nationwide as of July 2025.
Many commenters responding to the Asahi article wrote that Islam does not belong in Japan. Some said Japan should remain as it is and should not be changed by religion. Others questioned why people living in Japan should ask society to understand them, arguing instead that newcomers should adapt fully to Japanese culture. Comments such as “Don’t ruin Japan” and “Why move to a country then ask people to understand you?” appeared repeatedly.
A large number of readers compared the situation in Japan with that in other countries. Several commenters mentioned Europe, especially the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium. Some warned that immigration and multiculturalism had caused serious problems there. Others suggested Japan should look at Europe as a warning. These comments showed that many people think about Islam in Japan through examples from abroad rather than through Japan’s own experience.
Women’s rights were one of the most common topics in the discussion. Many commenters described the hijab as a symbol of oppression. Some referred to Iran, where women have protested against compulsory hijab laws. Others said women around the world are fighting against being forced to wear hijabs. The mention of children’s hijabs in the article also triggered strong reactions, with several commenters calling the idea disturbing or unacceptable.
Some responses were openly hostile and dismissive. Short comments such as “Get out,” “No,” “Gross,” and “Hell no” appeared frequently. Other replies used sarcasm, insults, jokes about bacon, or emojis showing disgust. These comments did not explain their views but showed a strong rejection of Islam and Muslims in Japan.
At the same time, a smaller number of commenters responded differently. Some pointed out that Indonesians and other Muslims have lived and worked in Japan for many years. Others wrote that learning about Islam does not mean becoming Muslim. One commenter said Islam can be tolerant and loving, even though they were not religious themselves.
Overall, the comments showed a clear divide. Many readers see Islam as foreign and unwanted in Japan. Others believe that understanding a religion does not threaten Japanese society. A story about hijabs and cultural understanding turned into a wider argument about identity, adaptation, and how much visible difference Japan is willing to accept.
The sakura-themed hijab was meant to feel gentle and familiar. Instead, it revealed strong feelings and deep disagreement. The comments show that the issue is not only about Islam, but about how Japanese society reacts when religious and cultural differences become visible in everyday life.
Editor’s note: This article summarizes public reactions posted on Facebook in response to a news report published by The Asahi Shimbun. The views mentioned reflect individual commenters’ opinions and do not represent the position of The Times of Jumland.
