Britain First Posts Clearly Untrue Meme About Muslims In Japan

Almost entirely bullsh*t

Britain First has posted a graphic on Facebook claiming the UK should follow the lead of Japan in its treatment of Muslims. 

The Japanese government does not take religion into account when publishing demographic data so exact population figures are hard establish.

Academic research suggests there are around 70,000 Muslims in the country of which 90% are thought to be resident foreigners and about 10% native Japanese.

There are also a number of mosques, the largest of which was opened in 2015

Open Image Modal
The Tokyo Mosque
Koichi Kamoshida via Getty Images

If the above post is true it would suggest a significant number of people in Japan face extraordinary discrimination and hardship, but do they?

“Japan is the only nation that does not give citizenship to Muslims.”

FALSE - There is no restriction on Muslims being granted Japanese citizenship, in fact application forms do not even require a person to state their religion.

 

“Permanent residency is not given to Muslims.”

FALSE - The Japanese government does not inquire about religion when considering residency applications. Points that are considered include length of residency, age, a history of "upright conduct," the ability to support oneself and a willingness to give up other nationalities.

“Propagation of Islam in Japan is banned.”

FALSE - The Koran and other Arabic books can be freely imported. There are around 60 mosques in the country where religious books can be found.

“In the University of Japan, Arabic or any other Islamic language is not taught.”

FALSE - There is no University of Japan. There are however a number of other institutions that offer courses on Arabic. The Tokyo University of Japan teaches Arabic Studies as does the Arabic Islamic Institute in Tokyo.

 

“Japan is the only country in the world with negligible number of embassies in Islamic countries.”

FALSE - Japan has embassies in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Palestinian Authority.

 

“One cannot import a Koran published in the Arabic language.”

FALSE - See above. 

“Muslims must follow Japanese law and language.”

TRUE (kind of) - Muslims in Japan have to follow Japanese law but so do all other citizens.

“The Japanese government is of the opinion that Muslims are fundamentalist and unwilling to change their Muslim laws.”

He said: "Since assuming the post of Prime Minister, I have made official visits to many Islamic countries in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

"I have found that a fundamental aspect of the spirit of Islam is harmony with and love for others." 

“Muslims cannot even rent a house in Japan.”

FALSE - Article 14 of Japan's constitution states: "All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no discrimination in political, economic or social relations because of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin." 

“There is no Sharia Law in Japan.”

TRUE - Again, all Japanese citizens must adhere to Japanese law but this applies to all, not just Muslims.

Article 20 of Japan's constitution states: "No religious organisation shall receive any privileges from the State, nor exercise any political authority.

"2) No person shall be compelled to take part in any religious acts, celebration, rite or practice.

"3) The State and its organs shall refrain from religious education or any other religious activity."

In conclusion, the post is largely complete nonsense, something not missed by some on Britain First's Facebook page. 

Unfortunately many people lapped it up regardless.