March 20, 2022
Salam Groovy Japan introduced Japan Muslim Access (JMA)!

 

Japan Muslim Access to Expand Muslim-Friendly Stores with Free Halal Certification

 

One of the problems that Muslims have in Japan is that there are few places to eat and pray. In order to solve this problem, Japan Muslim Access (JMA) issues halal certification free of charge to restaurants and other establishments, and promotes the establishment of worship facilities.

We asked Representative Director Sarimu Sanda about the background to the establishment of the organization and its activities.

 

Mr. Sanda handing over the halal certification

 

Why Free Halal Certification?

I moved to Japan 35 years ago and became a Japan citizen. I'm from Pakistan. Compared to when I first came to Japan, my knowledge of dealing with Muslims and halal has expanded somewhat, but it is still not enough.

 

The problems that Muslims face when living in Japan are food and prayer. In Japan, there are few restaurants that sell halal food, so you can't eat out casually. Also, when you are out and about and there is no place of worship nearby, you may have to pray in the corner of the parking lot. The number of mosques has increased throughout Japan, but Muslims pray five times a day, so there are many places of worship besides mosques.

 

Masjid Delegates' Meeting

One of the reasons why halal food is not increasing is the cost of obtaining halal certification.

We have heard many voices from restaurants saying, "I want to get halal certification so that Muslims can come to the restaurant, but I am hesitant because of the high cost." I understand the feeling of worrying about whether a small restaurant can make a profit even if it pays a high price.

 

In order to increase the number of places where Muslims can eat with peace of mind, I decided to issue halal certification free of charge, and in March 2017, I established Japan Muslim Access. We have started issuing free halal certification for restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and other facilities that are closely related to our daily lives.

 

If you are far away, you may be required to pay for transportation and labor costs, but the issuance of certification is free of charge. In the case of food manufacturers, etc., there are expenses required for screening, so we charge a fee, albeit at a low price

 

When issuing halal certification, we ask for the establishment of a place of worship. As long as a place is available, we have provided mats for worship, hijabs worn by women, and qibla seals free of charge. Since the goal is to increase the number of places of worship for Muslims, we try to avoid placing as much financial burden on the facilities as possible.

 

If you are interested in halal certification for restaurants, accommodations, factories, etc., why don't you issue halal certification?

 

If you do good deeds, God will approve of you. It is my reward to spread an environment where Muslims can live comfortably in Japan and to have God's approval.