The Shingetsu Institute is primarily interested in Japanese-Islamic relations since the “opening” of Japan in 1853. In using the term “Islamic” we understand Japan’s political, economic, cultural, and religious relations with peoples and nations from Morocco to Indonesia. We also include topics on Muslim minorities inside Japan and elsewhere when appropriate.

Finally, it should be noted that we examine the topics of Japan-Israel and Japan-Jewish relations as well. In contemporary global politics, we find it difficult to consider the world of Islam in isolation from the effects and influences of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and so it is natural that these topics should be included here.

This page serves as a gateway to general information on Japanese-Islamic relations. Users are encouraged to inform us when information found here is incorrect or out-of-date.

Bilateral Relationships

Islam in Japan

Timelines