We Are Tomodachi Spring / Summer 2018

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28Peace of Mind for Muslims Dining in JapanRexy Diane Rizkililah (right) and Nadya Oktairiani Fabanyo (left) enjoy their lunch at “Shokujin” Cafeteria in Kanda University of International Studies.Increasing numbers of Muslims are visiting Japan, partly in response to Japanese government policies for inbound travelers such as visa exemptions from 2013 for ASEAN countries. One of the top concerns for Muslims traveling to non-Muslim countries is food. The rules of Islam require that Muslims consume permissible “halal” food and drinks. Consumption of pork, alcoholic beverages, and living things containing toxins is forbidden. Also, animals consumed as meat must be slaughtered and processed in accordance with Islamic law.NPO Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA) is one of the halal certification organizations in Japan. When a company or restaurant applies for certification, NAHA auditors visit their kitchen to ensure that the ingredients and equipment used meet halal standards. Muslim At SAKURA, a Japanese restaurant in Hilton Tokyo Odaiba, halal meals certified by Nippon Asia Halal Association have been served since 2015.