I am pleased to say congratulatory words at the outset of the holy month of Ramadan.
Japanese people recognise Ramadan fasting as one of the most important religious duties of Muslims. We respect such a practice itself and the people who fast strictly.
I like the atmosphere in Ramadan. We spend a quiet daytime and bustle at night. After breaking the fast, people are busy eating, chatting, shopping and meeting. All of a sudden, streets and towns are filled with people. Brisk daily life returns to us. This is the moment that we feel that we are living together with our neighbours. It might be similar to New Year’s Day that is thrilling to Japanese people when we pray at temples and shrines.
I was always invited to Iftar when I was in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. I was also fascinated by the moment of silence just before the sunset. Before feasts, people are patient not to drink even a glass of water, resisting temptation until the break of fasting. They look solemn, rather to say, philosophical.
The Arab and Islamic civilisations have a long and glorious history and were the front-runners in introducing new technology and knowledge and wisdom. The Gulf region has long been endowed under Islam. Currently Qatar contributes to the spread of the Arab and Islamic civilisation to other parts of the world. The Government of Qatar is committed to propagation of Islamic culture and education in Japan.
The Muslim population in Japan has been steadily increasing due to the swelling population of Muslim expatriates and foreign residents. We estimate that more than 800,000 Muslims, including around 1,000 Japanese who have converted to Islam, mainly for the reason of marriage, live in Japan. In line with increased Muslim population, there exists more than 90 mosques and prayer places across Japan. Also we have a considerable number of companies and shops and restaurants which deal with ‘Halal’ food licensed by Malaysian organisations.
In October 2016, a farmed Bluefin tuna weighing 47kg was shipped to Malaysia for the first time after winning halal certification for its farmed Bluefin and small tuna.
In January, 2017, the first facility in Japan capable of producing meats to Halal standards began operation in Honjo city, outside of Tokyo. The centre is the only facility in Japan to have installed specialised machinery, which is widely used in Europe.
We understand the Muslim people in Japan are living their religious lives just like living in their home countries. The Japanese Prime Minister has hosted Iftars to celebrate Ramadan by inviting Arab and Islamic countries’ diplomats every year.
I am looking forward to having a Happy Ramadan with Qatari people. Let’s see you at Iftar.
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