THE POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGE OF HALAL FOODS IN JAPAN

Abstract

In preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games held in 2020, and in aiming to become a “Country Built on Tourism”, many travel facilities in Japan have started to provide halal foods and amenity goods, items that are permissible or lawful in Islamic law, Muslim prayer rooms, etc. in order to accommodate Muslim tourists. Many Japanese companies and municipalities are also interested in exporting their products from the Islamic area, and obtaining the certification of halal from some Islamic organizations. The process for acquiring halal certification is becoming complicated and expensive, so that many of companies and municipalities have abandoned it. There are about 110,000 Muslims in Japan. It is sometimes difficult for them to find halal foods and other goods, and the need for such items is typically addressed by a small halal industry. There is a “dualism” or lack of communication and collaboration between those organizations that are oriented to Muslim tourists and exports, and the small halal industries stated above. The present study also points out that many Japanese people mistakenly assume that halal foods are exclusively for Muslims. Halal foods, however, have potential for meeting the needs of non-Muslim Japanese consumers who are looking for safe and trustworthy foods.