Japan says it has no qualms about accepting Muslim workers from Indonesia — here are the reasons
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Japanese government has stressed that it is now more open to Muslim workers, particularly from Indonesia. This coincides with rising numbers of Indonesian workers in Japan in recent years.
Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Indonesia, Mitsuru Myochin, said that the number of Indonesian workers in Japan has now reached around 180,000. Moreover, he said, the rate of growth of Indonesian workers is the fastest among all nationalities in Japan.
The number of Indonesian workers in Japan has now reached 180,000. This proves that Japanese society now has no hesitation in accepting Muslim workers, including those from Indonesia, he told media in Jakarta, quoted on Wednesday (4 March 2026).
He admitted that historically Japan did not have extensive knowledge of the Muslim community. However, this has changed as interaction and the presence of foreign workers, including from Indonesia, have grown.
According to Myochin, the Japanese public, even in rural areas that tend to be conservative, are increasingly accepting Indonesian workers because they are seen as diligent, honest, and possessing a strong work ethic.
People in rural parts of Japan have come to realise that Indonesian workers are hardworking, honest, and good. That is why acceptance of them has grown, he said.
He regards the rise in Indonesian workers as affecting not only the labour market but also strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“People-to-people contact is very important. We must get to know each other and understand each other’s backgrounds, and show mutual respect,” he said.
Myochin added that the COVID-19 pandemic experience provided an important lesson about the value of direct encounters between communities. During that period, face-to-face interactions were severely limited, so inter-community relations did not develop optimally.
“Direct meetings and personal exchanges are essential for better mutual understanding,” he said.
He also expressed admiration for Indonesian Ramadan culture. He said the spirit of restraining oneself from dawn until breaking the fast is an impressive cultural experience.
He even cited a Japanese proverb, “Hunger is the best seasoning,” meaning that hunger is the best seasoning for food. He said the iftar experience demonstrates the happiness that comes from restraining oneself throughout the day.
Although he has not yet tried fasting due to a busy meeting schedule, Myochin said he would be open to experiencing it personally at some point.