Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Hundreds of Muslims from diverse backgrounds gathered at Tokyo’s Otsuka Masjid to join the Iftar dinner and pray as Ramadan was observed in Japan by the Islamic community.

The Masjid is a unique building set amid crowded housing in the Otsuka district of central Tokyo. It has four floors with big halls turned into dining spaces and prayer areas for the faithful.

Volunteers helped cook meals for those fasting, who started breaking the fast at 6:02 p.m. The meals included dates, fruits, salad and Biryani, a chicken and meat rice dish made in the same building.

Haroon Qureshi, responsible for the Masjid, told Arab News Japan that 300 to 500 Muslims have been coming to the Masjid daily for Ramadan Iftar and prayers. Taraweeh prayers are also held there.

Qureshi said the Muslim population is growing in Japan, including among Japanese people. “During this Ramadan, we have had four Japanese declaring Shahada, entering Islam. And, Muslims are making offerings to charities, reflecting the spirit of empathy.”

Otsuka Masjid is registered as a religious organization in Japan and has been helping and serving the Islamic community.