Introduction
In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Japan has been increasing rapidly, leading to greater diversity in terms of nationality, ethnicity, and culture. According to statistics from the Ministry of Justice, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed 3.5 million in 2024 and is expected to continue growing. In this context, religion plays a vital role in the daily lives of many foreign residents. It is not only a source of spiritual support but also deeply influences their lifestyle, values, and ethics.
In contrast, as mentioned in KYODO NEWS 2025/4/25, Japanese society tends to view religion as a private matter, with limited visibility in public spaces. This cultural difference can lead to misunderstandings and friction between foreign residents and the host society. This paper explores the significance of religion in the lives of foreign residents and discusses the current challenges and potential policy responses to create a more inclusive and respectful environment in Japan.
Differences in the Role of Religion: Foreigners vs. Japanese
For many foreign residents, religion is a core part of their identity and is closely tied to daily practices such as diet, dress, prayer, and life events. For instance, Muslims refrain from consuming pork and alcohol and observe fasting during Ramadan. Christians value attending Sunday services and religious holidays like Christmas. Hindu and Buddhist communities also maintain distinct religious practices.
In contrast, many Japanese people have a more ambiguous relationship with religion. While practices such as New Year’s shrine visits or Obon rituals are commonly observed, these are often seen more as cultural traditions than acts of faith. As a result, religion does not typically play a central role in Japanese daily life. This difference can lead to feelings of isolation or alienation among foreign residents trying to maintain their religious practices in Japan.
Current Challenges in Japanese Society
Given these contrasting perspectives, several key challenges can be identified in accommodating the religious needs of foreign residents in Japan.
1. Lack of Religious Consideration in Public Spaces
Many public facilities, workplaces, and schools lack accommodations for religious practices. There is often no dedicated prayer space, no provision of halal or vegetarian meals, and little flexibility for observing religious holidays. This makes it difficult for foreign residents to maintain their religious lifestyle while participating in Japanese society.
2. Misunderstanding and Prejudice Toward Religion
A lack of awareness and understanding of religion in Japan can lead to prejudice and discrimination. For example, individuals wearing religious attire such as headscarves or turbans may be viewed with suspicion, or dietary and clothing restrictions based on religious beliefs may not be respected. Such situations undermine efforts toward a multicultural and inclusive society.
3. Insufficient Support in Educational Settings
In schools, religious backgrounds are often not taken into account. Students may be required to wear revealing gym clothes that contradict their faith, or be served food that is religiously prohibited. Furthermore, education about world religions and cultural diversity is lacking, which limits opportunities for students to develop understanding and tolerance.
Proposed Measures and Policy Recommendations
To address the challenges described above, the following measures should be considered:
1. Infrastructure to Support Religious Diversity
Public facilities, companies, and educational institutions should create environments that reflect religious diversity. This includes setting up prayer rooms or multipurpose spaces, offering halal and vegetarian meals, and introducing flexible work and school attendance policies for religious holidays. Such infrastructure would help foreign residents practice their faith comfortably.
2. Enhancing Religious Education and Public Awareness
Providing accurate information about different religions is essential to reducing prejudice and misunderstanding. Schools should incorporate education about world religions and the relationship between religion and culture into their curricula. Similarly, businesses and local communities should offer seminars and training programs to promote intercultural understanding.
3. Strengthening Collaboration with Support Organizations
To assist foreign residents facing religious issues, local governments should strengthen partnerships with NGOs and religious organizations. This could include providing multilingual consultation services, supporting the organization of religious events, and offering spaces for community gatherings. These efforts can help build trust and promote coexistence.
4. Legal and Institutional Support for Religious Inclusion
While religious freedom is protected under the Japanese Constitution, there is no legal framework requiring institutions to accommodate religious practices. Establishing a legal foundation—such as a “Basic Law on Multicultural Coexistence”—would help ensure the protection of religious and cultural diversity through enforceable standards and policies.
Conclusion
For many foreign residents, religion is not merely a matter of personal belief—it is a vital part of their daily life. However, Japanese society has yet to fully recognize the importance of religious practices in the lives of foreigners, and there remains a significant gap in cultural understanding and institutional support.
If Japan is to become a truly multicultural society, it must proactively implement policies that incorporate religious considerations into public life. Building a society where people can respect and accept religious differences is essential to fostering diversity and inclusion.