TOKYO: The Safety Department of Japan’s Foreign Ministry is cautioning the Japanese people traveling during Ramadan against possibly being victims “to terrorism.”

The department has issued a cautionary notice that states: “In the past, many terrorist attacks have occurred during Ramadan and Eid by international terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and their supporters. In addition, ISIL has called for terrorist attacks during Ramadan in the past.”

The notice then presents a list of past terrorist attacks that have occurred during Ramadan, including incidents in Germany, France, the UK, Belgium, the United States and Bangladesh, where seven Japanese nationals were killed in 2016.

The Ministry advises people to obtain the latest information through its Safety Website and other sources, to “be especially vigilant on Fridays,” and to be cautious on public transport and religious places, government buildings and facilities where many people gather, such as events venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

The safety notice explains that several other places could be dangerous. It advises citizens to choose sidewalks with barriers and use areas with streetlights whenever possible. 

Other advice includes: “If you hear the sound of an explosion or gunfire, immediately lie down on the spot. Check your surroundings and decide whether to ‘run’ or ‘hide.’ If you ‘run,’ use barriers that block bullets, etc. As explosions can occur multiple times, leave the area immediately.”

The Japanese Foreign Ministry has provided detailed advice on presumed attacks during Ramadan, demonstrating their thorough approach to safety. For instance, if someone is in danger of being attacked by a knife, the advice is to “keep your distance from the perpetrator.”

The Ministry also advises informing family, friends and workplaces of itineraries and contact information, demonstrating their support for citizens’ safety. 

The Ministry has taken a proactive approach to safety, publishing pamphlets with advice, including: “Q&A on bomb terrorism prevention measures for Japanese people and companies expanding overseas,”; “Terrorism and kidnapping prevention measures for overseas travel,” and “Overseas safety measures manual for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Muslim sources in Tokyo expressed disappointment at such an advisory, saying it gives a negative image of Ramadan and the Muslim people.