The Perception of Religion in Japan After The Meiji Restoration: Early Japanese-Muslims and The Concept of ‘Bogus Muslim’

Authors : Kübranur Karaböcek

Pages : 193-215

Doi:10.37697/eskiyeni.1790751

View : 152 | Download : 319

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study examines the context and background of the term bogus Muslim, which is attributed to early Japanese Muslims and can be found in Western sources. This concept, which poses a question regarding the sincerity of converting to another religion, has been utilised to evaluate initial impressions regarding the perception of Islam in Japan. The present study is restricted to the 19th century, when the first Japanese Muslims appeared, and includes representatives who stood out as bogus Muslims. This period is distinctive in that it marks the earliest emergence of Muslim representatives in Japan. The term “bogus Muslim” is a noteworthy example in examining how they are perceived not only in East Asia but also in the West from an external perspective. The structure that led to the emergence of this concept attributed to them has been addressed using a phenomenological and historical method. The research indicate that the factors which led to the formation of this concept in the literature have been evaluated primarily as political and social characteristics. During this period, it has been observed that Pan-Asianism, the dominant ideal of the region at the time, and its proponents played a significant role in the emergence of the concept. The political and military backgrounds of Pan-Asianist representatives have led them to approach Islam with this understanding. The first Japanese Muslims were Pan-Asianist or held a political stance close to this ideal, which caused them to focus more on getting to know Muslims than on understanding Islam. The existence of a different understanding of religion in Japan, distinct from the Semitic understanding of religion, has suggested that Islam can only be understood through the systems found here. This situation has not only highlighted the differences between Islam and Japanese religions, but has also contributed to the emergence of interpretations regarding the aspects of the two religious understandings that are compatible with each other. At this point, it can be seen that Pan-Asianism was influential, reflecting the close relationship between religion and politics. Consequently, despite its political character, Japan has been able to approach Islam through its own system. The variable relationship between religion and politics should be considered the most fundamental justification for the bogus designation of the Japanese Muslims.
Keywords : Dinler Tarihi, Pan-Asyacılık, Japon İslami Tarihi, Japon-Müslümanlar, Sahte Müslüman

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