TOKYO, JAPAN – There is a saying that experience is the wisest teacher. This expression illustrates how important an experience is, it provides valuable life lessons. Because getting the opportunity for an important moment is difficult to repeat twice. So, if the opportunity arises, it needs to be acted upon immediately. The experience then shapes a person’s attitude and mindset according to what he or she has been through.
As a Dai Ambassador for Dompet Dhuafa 2025 Japan assignment, getting the opportunity to be the Friday prayer leader at Japan’s best campus, which is ranked among the world’s top campuses, was an unforgettable moment. Remember, not many can get a stage to talk about religion in front of an academic community that consists of various different citizens. Moreover, this campus is a mecca for other campuses in the fields of science and technology, not Islamic studies.
We also faced various da’wah challenges at the University of Tokyo. Social, cultural, and religious factors are crucial and need special attention. Students in Japan may not be familiar with Islam or have a limited understanding of it. This can certainly make da’wah difficult. Not to mention if they have been exposed to false information or negative stereotypes about Islam.
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In addition, religious and cultural differences also need attention. This is because Japan is a country with a Shinto and Buddhist majority, and the rest are not religious. Thus, proselytizing must be done with caution so as not to be perceived as intrusive or coercive.
The next challenge is the difficulty of interacting. Japanese can be a big obstacle for Dai Ambassadors. Because there are still many students or Japanese people who are not fluent in English, Dai Ambassadors need to have an international language according to the local country so that the preaching is delivered effectively.
The issue of Islamophobia is also still a big challenge in preaching abroad. However, in the context of Japan, this hardly ever happens. Remembering that Japanese people are known to be tolerant, not caring about other people’s activities, not acting racist, and so on. So, the presence of Islam in the Land of the Cherry Blossom provides a comfortable place for its followers. It is also worth noting that Japanese culture tends to emphasize social harmony and tranquility. Therefore, many Japanese people seem to choose to stick to their traditional religion or choose not to delve too deeply into other religions, including Islam.
Japanese campuses, especially in Tokyo, do not have Islamic organizations or centers that can provide support for Muslim students. Therefore, the presence of a place of worship at the University of Tokyo is a breath of fresh air for Muslims, because Friday prayers can be held once a week. Friday prayers at the University of Tokyo can also be held using technology and social media to introduce Islam in a broad, open, and positive way.
In the future, Dai Ambassador hopes to be invited to openly engage in interfaith and intercultural dialogues in order to convey the message of Islam on Japanese campuses. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dai Ambassador for Japan, Firman Mansir
Editor: Ronna