The Reality of Islamic Anthropology Through Halal Food: Evidence from Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28918/religia.v27i2.8558Abstract
This study investigates Islamic practices in Tokyo, Japan, examining their role as a unifying force that
transcends ethnic, national, and cultural boundaries. Based on field research conducted in 2024, the study
analyzes the dynamics of Tokyo’s diverse Muslim community, which encompasses practitioners from varied
global backgrounds. Through systematic interviews and participant observation, the research reveals how the
halal industry functions as a primary mechanism for promoting inclusive and tolerant Islamic teachings. The
gradual expansion of Islam in Tokyo since the 2000s has been characterized by practices that foster
cultural inclusion and social cohesion. The concept of halal food emerges as an exemplar of Islamic
pluralistic principles, serving as a bridge between different faith communities and cultural traditions. This
phenomenon aligns with the Qur’anic principle of unity in diversity (QS 49:13), demonstrating the
practical manifestation of Islamic teachings on pluralism within a contemporary urban context. The findings
indicate that the halal trade serves as both a medium for religious expression and a catalyst for cultural
harmony in Tokyo. This research contributes to the cultural anthropology literature by illuminating
previously underexplored dynamics of cultural adaptation and religious pluralism within Japan’s urban
landscape.
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