Determining Halal Food Preferences among Muslims Living in Osaka, Japan

Abstract

Many Muslims residing in Japan encounter numerous challenges in accessing assured halal food and beverages. The availability of Halal-certified food remains a persistent issue for Muslims in Japan, as they continually struggle to find suitable food options. This paper aims to identify the specific challenges faced by Muslim consumers in Japan, evaluate their coping strategies, and explore the factors influencing their purchasing decisions. Qualitative data, obtained through shadowing and interviews, were collected from two participants aged 23 and 26, both long-term residents of Osaka, Japan. The study revealed several findings, notably that both participants frequented stores offering imported goods. They assessed food products based on past experiences and selected grocery stores primarily based on pricing. Checking manufacturing batch numbers to determine the product's origin was considered important, and both participants placed trust in established international brands. Analysis of the research data indicated that both participants employed conservative and exploratory coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of finding Muslim-friendly food in Japan. Further research in this domain should encompass a larger sample of Muslims and delve deeper into the awareness of syubhah products, customers’ understanding of cross-contamination concerning halal, and the logistics surrounding halal products.