Indonesian citizens hold Idul Adha prayers across Japanese prefectures
Indonesian citizens (WNI) observed Idul Adha prayers solemnly at various Indonesian mosques spread across different Japanese prefectures.
From Hokkaido to Fukuoka, Indonesian Muslims mingled with Muslims from other countries and local Japanese residents to celebrate Idul Adha on Wednesday, according to a written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo.
At Asahi Indonesian Mosque in Ashikawa, Chiba Prefecture, dozens of Indonesian citizens and people of various nationalities performed the Idul Adha prayer at 8:00 local time. Dr. Aulia Nugraha served as imam and Prof. Dr. KH. Arief Imron as the khatib.
Muhammad Al Aula, Coordinator of the Social and Cultural Affairs Function at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, who attended with the congregation, encouraged Indonesian Muslims in Japan to strengthen solidarity among expatriates and promote Islam as rahmatan lil ’alamin (a mercy to all worlds).
“We extend our appreciation to the management of Asahi Indonesian Mosque in Chiba for transforming the mosque not only into a place of worship but also a hub for social gatherings through various community activities,” he said.
“Idul Adha serves as a foundation for our collective spirit of sacrifice to care for and remind one another, including maintaining good relations with local Japanese residents,” Al Aula added.
The prayer event gained added significance with the presence of an Asahi Police representative who provided specific briefings on Japanese legal regulations and social norms.
Malik Abdul Aziz, managing the Asahi Indonesian Mosque, praised the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo for its first-time presence at the Chiba mosque.
According to Malik, the Asahi Police’s participation in explaining Japanese legal regulations also conveyed a message that the mosque can exist harmoniously, openly, and be accepted by the surrounding community.
“We hope Asahi Indonesian Mosque can continue to serve as a place of worship and a bridge of goodwill and friendship between Indonesia and Japan,” he said.
This year’s Idul Adha celebrations also included discussions by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo with congregants about the experiences of Indonesians in Japan and efforts to improve embassy services.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, the Indonesian Muslim Community Family (KMII) Japan held five waves of Idul Adha prayers at the Indonesian Mosque in Tokyo (MIT), with 2,500 attendees. To add festivity, a Cheerful Eid event for kindergarten and primary school children was held.
In addition to MIT, Indonesian-managed Idul Adha prayers took place at Nusantara Mosque in Akihabara, Tokyo, with around 500 attendees.
At Asahikawa Mosque in Hokkaido, northern Japan, around 70 worshippers attended the Idul Adha prayer, which coincided with a working day and not a national holiday. Attendees also enjoyed a social gathering with ketupat and chicken curry after the prayer.
In southern Japan, 300 worshippers performed Idul Adha prayers in Fukuoka. The prayers were held at two separate locations organised by the Special Branch Council of Nahdlatul Ulama (MWCINU) Fukuoka and the Special Branch Leadership (PRI) of Muhammadiyah Fukuoka.
In Gifu Prefecture, Idul Adha prayers took place at Al-Hidayah Toki Mosque with a total of 100 attendees. The social gathering concluded with light snacks such as rolled omelette and fried stuffed tofu.
Beyond these mosques, Indonesian Muslim communities in other Japanese prefectures also held Idul Adha prayers, though some had to request leave from work and resume duties after morning prayers.