|
aimed to provide an understanding of how Muslims live and the code of conduct based on halal living .
This deepened understanding would be critical to Japanese halal industry players in responding to the expanding world of halal business particularly embracing the influx of Muslim tourists to Japan .
Prof Dr Osamu Fujiki of GSMKU provided reflections and Japanese insights related to the topics delivered . Distinguished Prof Emeritus Dr Kyoshi Kobayashi then shared his perspective on the life of Japanese society and its current challenges .
The event was also graced by Takeo Mori ( Director-General for Expo Osaka 2025 , Union of Kansai Government ), who welcomed the audience to the Expo Osaka 2025 , Japan . This event aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and Japan ’ s national Society 5.0 . The expo is expected to draw visitors and travellers from all segments of the community , including Muslims .
The event also witnessed the soft launch of the Japanese edition of al-Basirah - An Insight into Halal Business and Lifestyle , scheduled for publication in June 2025 through the strategic partnership between INHART IIUM , GMA and Revon Media .
The book is foreseen to enable the cocreation of a dynamic halal industry in Japan , particularly in leveraging its strength in the Muslim-friendly hospitality sector .
We arrived at Ume no Hana restaurant ( translated as Japanese plum blossoms ) in Umeda at 17:15 pm ( JST ). The restaurant has a lovely Japanese traditional feel to it . The sun had already set , and the city lights were twinkling . The restaurant ’ s large windows offered a breathtaking panorama of the glittering Osaka cityscape .
We settled in for a memorable halal tofubased dinner , eager to experience the flavours and textures that awaited us . The restaurant ’ s
|
HALAL TOFU : Dinner at Ume no Hana , overlooking Osaka . |
dedication to tofu cuisine was evident in the innovative and diverse preparations .
Each dish was not only delicious but also beautifully presented , showcasing the artistry of the chefs . It is hard to pinpoint a single best dish , as the entire meal was a masterpiece . This is an authentic Japanese dining experience for those who love to explore culinary boundaries .
SATURDAY , JAN 11 , 2025
We entirely transformed into tourists to devour Osaka and Kyoto !
Final thoughts : The trip to Japan was built upon our previous work in disseminating halal knowledge to benefit humankind . It fostered a cross-cultural understanding of
|
halal business and lifestyle .
The seminar and the soft launch of the Japanese edition of al-Basirah have laid the foundation for future partnerships and a flourishing halal industry in Japan .
The relationships and connections forged during this trip , hopefully , will pave the way for a more robust and globally interconnected halal ecosystem .
This journey was also a learning experience for us as we strived to understand Japan ’ s unique culture , values , and approach to inclusivity better . By embracing this two-way exchange , we aim to enhance our shared efforts toward building a more harmonious and collaborative global halal network . –
|