Will Miyagi's Cemetery for Muslims Solve Its Depopulation Crisis?

このページを日本語で読む

Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai is pressing ahead with plans to create a cemetery for Muslims who reject cremation for religious reasons. These plans have caused concern, with the prefectural government receiving approximately 1,200 inquiries. Most of them raised objections. Citing Japan's declining population and labor shortages, Murai insists, "Irrespective of criticism, we must do this."

Multicultural Coexistence

Liberal Democratic Party member Kenji Sasaki addressed the matter at a prefectural assembly meeting on February 19. "We cannot move forward on this project without the understanding of the residents," he stated. Sasaki added that it was "a highly sensitive issue."

Governor Murai takes a different view. He says ongoing research shows that not only foreigners but also Japanese citizens are seeking different burial options. He further emphasizes, "Gaining the understanding of municipalities and local residents is crucial. We will carefully consider the issues and possible solutions before making a decision."

The controversy began with a press conference in December 2024. When asked about the burial ground plan, Governor Murai confirmed it, saying, "Building in the city is not feasible. That is why we are exploring suitable locations." Murai further emphasized, "While we advocate for a multicultural society, it's concerning that we haven't given proper attention to cemeteries."

Burial and Labor Initiative

His initiative aligns with Miyagi's 2023 agreement with Indonesia on securing labor. Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population, prohibits cremation based on Islamic beliefs. In 2023, the prefecture entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian government to secure human resources. Governor Murai visited Indonesia multiple times through 2024. He noted the appeal of its abundant labor market and exploring ways to address the chronic labor shortages facing local industries.

According to the Quran, cremation is forbidden. Cemeteries that allow burial are extremely limited, with only about 10 such sites nationwide, none of which are located in the Tohoku region. While burial is not favored in Japan, with municipal approval, under current Japanese law, it is allowed.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare's 'Report on Public Health Administration and Services,' Japan's cremation rate was 99.97% in 2017.

Aiming to improve the environment for accepting Indonesian workers, the prefecture has proposed the construction of a burial site for Muslims. The responsible entity is still under consideration, including the possibility of a prefectural-run facility (according to the Food Safety Promotion Division).

Population Decline Solution?

In Oita Prefecture, a large-scale Islamic burial site project, the first of its kind in Kyushu, had progressed. However, following the mayoral election in 2024, a newly elected mayor, who firmly opposed the plan, effectively stalled the project, returning it to square one.

When asked if allowing burials is a straightforward issue, Murai replied, "Some may think I'm acting hastily or not listening to opinions. However, I believe I have the greatest sense of urgency among Miyagi residents about the population decline." He emphasized his resolve, stating, "I am determined to boldly tackle various challenges."