History of Islam in Japan dates back to 1891-1922, when a couple of Japanese embraced Islam. It was followed by the migration of Tartar Muslim groups from Central Asia in 1923 to 1952. About that time Tablighi Jamaats from Pakistan visited Japan. Soon after Japanese, who accepted Islam in South East Asia and China returned to their land. Tablighi groups periodically came to Japan and among the noted da’ees were Abdur Rashid Arshad and Syed Muhammad Jamil.
In the late 50s’ students from Muslim countries joined Japanese universities. In 1961, Salih M. Samarrai, A.R. Siddiqi, Ir. Zuhal, Ahmad Suzuki and Muzaffar Uzay, students at various universities, taking advantage of the presence of a good number of Muslim students at campuses, founded the Muslim Students Association, Japan. About that time, da’wah activities were started and in 1974, Samarrai and others laid the foundation of the Islamic Center-Japan.
In the beginning the ICJ activities centered round the Tokyo Mosque. With the close cooperation of leading Japanese Muslims of the time, the da’wah Islamia in Japan was off to a steady start.
In 1974, Japanese were attracted to Islam as a result of the so-called oil shock. Then the late king Faisal of Saudi Arabia sent da’ees, giving the movement much needed support. ICJ published books in Japanese and distributed them freely.
Islamic Center - Japan traces its history to 1966, but it was formally re-organized in 1975. A legally recognized and registered organization, the Center is an independent, non-commercial and non-political organization of the Muslims in Japan. The office bearers are elected by the general body. The finances are managed through donations, aid, membership fees, sale of literature and Islamic objects.
Annual Report
2007 (April 2006 - March 200
Annual Report
2008 (April 2007 - March 2008