ISLAMICAND CULTURE IN JAPAN: DYNAMIC AND PROBLEMATIC

Abstract

Islam is  a  minority faith   communities  that  developed  in Japan. History  of  Religion in   Japan   in  Japan,  religious freedom is widely given   by  government  to the people.  It is  contained in the quote: "Noreligious organization shall  receive any  privileges from the  state   nor  exercise any  political authority. No person  shall  be compelled to  take  part   in  any   religious act,  celebration, rite, or any   other   religious' activity.    The Muslim  community  in  Japan may   have   a low profile but  is  steadily growing as Muslims strife to overcome any  difficulties they  face   to adapt to life  in the giant Asian country. " Most  Japanese  participate  in  rituals and   customs  derived from several  religious traditions.  Life  cycle   events  are  often   marked by    visits    to   a   Shinto   shrine.   The  birth   of   a  new    baby    is celebrated  with   a  formal  shrine  visit   at  the   age   of  about one month, as are  the  third, fifth,   and  seventh  birthdays  (Shichi-Go­ San)   and    the   official  beginning  of   adulthood   at   age   twenty (Seiiinshiki). Wedding ceremonies are  often  performed  by  Shinto priests,       but        Christian      wedding       ceremonies,      called howaitouedingu  ("white wedding'),  are  also popular. These use liturgy but  are  not  always presided  over by an ordained priest. Japan  today is  home to a  thriving Muslim community  of  a'bout 120,000,  among  nearly  127 million. in  the  world's  tenth   most populated   country.  Described  as   the   Japanese,   believes  that human  interaction is  a  key   point    to  offer  Japanese   people  a better  understanding   of  Islam.  "Islam is  essentially  a  way    of life-it   is present  in  every  aspect  of  the   daily   life  of  a  devout Musiim," people  will  become interested  in Islam through seeing its   influence  in   aspects  of   everyday   life,   and   that   personal contoet with  Muslims  will  help  them   to understand  Islam better who   participated  ill   the  eetablishm.ent   of  the  lslamic Center of Japan,    islam puts   a  stronq emphasis  on  correct behavior and the  virtues of charity