First mosque plan in Fujisawa sparks protests, immigration debate
The backlash near Tokyo has also fueled hate speech, misinformation and counterprotests against discrimination.
Plans to build the first mosque in Fujisawa, a coastal city about an hour south of Tokyo, have triggered local protests and a wider debate over immigration and Japanese identity. Earlier this year, thousands of people gathered near the local train station to oppose the project. Some residents said the planned mosque is larger than a nearby Shinto shrine and does not respect local traditions. At the same time, Japan is increasingly relying on foreign workers to offset labor shortages caused by its aging and shrinking population. Several mosques have reported receiving abusive phone calls and emails, while anti-hate groups have held counterprotests. Residents such as Noriko Izumizawa say they fear the changes ahead, while Hiroki Suzuka and Mohamed Mohideen are urging dialogue so local residents and the Muslim community can better understand each other.