Written by Teguh-san
In accordance to the significant increase in the number of Muslims visiting Japan, especially during the Olympics which will be held in Tokyo in the year 2020, there is indeed a need to improve the Halal environment in Japan.
Generally, the Japanese food sold in the market uses ingredients that are not suitable for Muslims’ consumption, such as sake (Japanese traditional liquor) and pork.
Muslim tourists in Japan frequently encounter difficulties to get consumable traditional Japanese food. They would usually have to ask the shop or restaurant owners concerning the ingredients of the dish or food they sell, because most eateries have not got any Halal signs at their shops or restaurants. For packaged food, Muslim buyers would read the ingredients at the back of the packaging but then again, only Muslims who are able to read kanji could ever understand what is written on the package. It is definitely inconvenient for those who aren’t able to read kanji. Therefore, it will be good if the food producers could print the Halal logo on their product packages to allow Muslim tourists to make easier purchases.
The Japan Halal Expo 2014 which will be held in Chiba Prefecture on the 26th and 27th November at the Makuhari Messe International Conference Hall would significantly increase the awareness of many, on the efforts to promote a Halal environment in Japan. Japan Halal Expo 2014 is the first Halal Expo ever held in Japan, focusing on related Halal issues in Japan through seminars and exhibition. This event is sponsored by various institutions who issue official Halal certificates both Japan and abroad; such as in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India, and participants from Malaysia and Turkey.
By organising this Expo, we expect more businessman and business women to join the Halal business, in order to work towards the expansion of the Halal environment and in turn, attract more Muslim tourists to visit Japan or purchasing Japanese food products.
In case you are unaware, Halal food does not mean that they are only consumable for Muslims, it is also consumable for any non-Muslims; the general public. By implementing the Halal logo on your food products, the market share for your business will also grow significantly. Furthermore, it would provide a better experience for Muslim tourists during their visit to Japan; convenience and the ease of purchase.
Link to official website of Japan Halal Expo 2014:
http://japan-halal.jp/english/
