Being A Muslim In Japan

Hi, there...
This is a story about a girl who is not perfect but good ehehehe

What's wrong if I'm a Muslim?

I failed, again? Nope.

Is it hard to find a 'chance'? I just want to be accepted. がんばれー

I decided to study abroad and chose Japan as my dream country. I always get so excited to start a new journey.

1st October 2018 was my first day school. I can't get a lot of friends on my first day. Everyone went to the cafeteria while I spent my lunchtime praying in an 'isolated area'. But, that was totally fine. I will get used to this soon.

3 months, nothing excited, except what I did with my dearest boyfriend. I went to many places with him. Seeing Japan from my eyes and his was totally different. We debate a lot while on our trip. And end up with me, sleeping on his shoulder on the train. I get used to one thing, every time I have a date. "The stares". I thought I did nothing wrong, but maybe here in Japan, I can not still avoid that stares. Of course, I smile all the time, but guess what, it makes me look more suspicious.

So, here's to start... How it feels being A Muslim in Japan.

Muslim Tourist

Here in Japan, you can find Muslims almost everywhere in a tourism spot. They have a tour in a group and many are always wear that hijab for women. Japan is so safe, clean and everything is just amazing. It makes me understand why people from all around the world want to visit Japan and see this beautiful country. But, being a Muslim tourist in Japan is not easy. You can not find a Halal mark in general supermarket. If you cannot understand Japanese you'd better get a tour guide to accompany you. It will obviously help you find a place to eat halal food or something that does not contain pork or alcohol. And also, I often confused where should I pray because I can not find a proper place to do it. As long as you have a tour guide with you, you are safe.

Muslim Student

Well... I study in one of the best university in Japan. hehe.. I get 50 min for break time. I used to pray first and then eat my "Bento"(Japanese box lunch). Fortunately, my university has a prayer room so it makes me easier to pray and do my duty as a Muslim. There's also an Islamic Center near my campus. I can find halal food easily and meet Muslim people from around the world to share our experience or just have lunch together. My campus life is not too hard. I'm really happy and so blessed, 'cause I can have such a great experience here in Japan.

Working in Japan

This has been the hardest stage of my life living in Japan. I applied to 8 companies and all of them refused me. Why? Because I cannot wear hijab while working. It's the rule, they said. My Japanese friends, boyfriend and family always cheer me up. That's what makes me strong enough and keep applying. I really want to introduce my religion. Many people here do not know about Islam. Sometimes, they asked. But, most of them just keep silent and avoid to have more interaction if we talk about religion. Well, it's sensitive and I know that. This is not discrimination. It's kind of challenging for me.

I want to bring up to Japanese, that Muslim who wear hijab can also do a great job. I will prove it later. Give me a chance and I'll show you. Am I too confident? Probably. But, there's no way for me to show people if I'm capable. I just need a chance.

Let's start to know each other. Maybe you'll like me. 😍

See ya again.

Hope you good health and happiness

Love、

ウルル