THURSDAY , JAN 9 , 2025

However , we decided first to leave our luggage at the hotel in Osaka . Hence , we took the airport bus and headed to Vischio Osaka Hotel . It was drizzling along the way . The scenery was steely but fabulous , with the sea , port , and industrial areas meeting before changing into a city-like atmosphere .

We disembarked at the designated bus stop and , like tourists , started walking towards the hotel . Little did we know , that was the first taste of our ‘ disoriented ’ orienteering skills – we were lost for a bit before we reached the hotel . Tired , cold and hungry - but the mood was optimistic .

After a quick refresh , we made our way to Umeda Station and boarded the Osaka Metro ’ s Midosuji Line , heading to Yodoyabashi Station . From there , we transferred to the Keihan Line , which took us to our destination at Demachiyanagi Station .

The journey on the Keihan train gave us a bit of time to wind down . We arrived at Demachiyanagi Station , but looking at the clock , unfortunately , we knew we would be a bit late . Luck was not on our side ; again , we fell into our ‘ disoriented ’ orienteering skills , but with directions from locals , we finally reached Kyoto University !

REVON MEDIA PRESENTS : Kay Mathy , Publisher , speaking at the soft launch of the al-Basirah Japanese edition .

Our charming ( Ms ) Tomoko greeted us at the entrance . Tomoko , a team member of our Japanese al-Basirah team , was the key person who assisted us with the itinerary ( and many other things !). We were glad that we finally met in person after months of seeing each other in the virtual space of Zoom meetings .

PROPOSED COVER : al-Basirah Japanese edition .

It was around 16:00 JST when we ended our meeting . The weather was colder , and it was expected to snow in the early morning in Kyoto . An evening of 4 ° C was indeed ‘ freezing ’ for the three people who just arrived from the equator .

Nonetheless , unable to resist the quaintpicturesque atmosphere along the path from Kyoto University back to the Demachiyanagi station , we took a lot of photos despite the cold breeze . Catching the Keihan train , we head back to Kyoto , collecting our thoughts and joining the silent norm of the train passengers in Japan .

Looking back , how was this mission and travel to the land of the rising sun even possible ? The English version of al-Basirah , an Insight of Halal Business and Lifestyle , was launched during MIHAS 2023 .

The book comprising articles on halal business and lifestyle , written with the intention to disseminate the knowledge and practice of halal to the public and industry has been well received .

Following this , the al-Basirah team at INHART saw the potential to translate the