Tokyo, Japan — In a powerful display of faith, identity, and community, more than 5,000 Indonesian Muslims gathered in Tokyo on March 31, 2025, to perform Salat Idulfitri, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The magnitude of the gathering was so significant that the prayer had to be conducted in five separate sessions—an extraordinary occurrence in a city where Muslim communities, while growing, are still largely viewed as small minorities.
The event took place at the Masjid Indonesia Tokyo (MIT) and the nearby Sekolah Republik Indonesia Tokyo (SRIT) in the Meguro district. Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in collaboration with the Indonesian Islamic Community in Japan (KMII), the celebration was not just a religious ritual—it was a cultural statement. For many Indonesians living abroad, especially in a highly structured society like Japan, moments like this become anchors of identity, community, and spiritual resilience.
Faith Beyond Borders
What made this year’s celebration so remarkable wasn’t just the sheer number of attendees, but what it symbolized: the deep-rooted nature of religious and cultural life among Indonesians overseas. As the number of Indonesian citizens in Japan is estimated to have exceeded 200,000, the visibility and impact of the diaspora are increasingly evident.
“Today, we see how faith travels across oceans,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, who also took part in the prayers. “This is a testament to the strength of our community, our togetherness, and our ability to maintain our identity wherever we are.”
Japan is known for its low-profile religious practices, with most spiritual traditions observed in private or subdued communal settings. In contrast, the Indonesian Eid celebration—with its vibrant atmosphere, festive clothing, and waves of families gathering across sessions—offered a peaceful yet strikingly visible expression of Islam in public space.
Community and Harmony
Despite the logistical challenges of managing thousands of attendees, the event unfolded in an orderly and serene manner—echoing both the discipline of Japanese society and the strong sense of cooperation typical in Indonesian culture, known as gotong royong. Volunteers from KMII and the embassy worked side by side to guide attendees, maintain cleanliness, and ensure that every session ran smoothly.
“This Eid prayer is the result of weeks of collaboration and shared intention,” said Muhammad Muharram Hidayat, Chairman of KMII. “Throughout Ramadan, we hosted various religious activities, including mass iftar gatherings, Tarawih prayers, and Tabligh Akbar. It’s a joy to see it culminate in such a large, harmonious celebration.”
The Masjid Indonesia Tokyo, with its connection to the Indonesian school, has become more than a place of worship—it serves as a cultural hub and safe space for Indonesians in Japan. As many attendees noted, the mosque functions like an embassy of the soul, preserving the warmth of home in a foreign land.
A Living Bridge Between Cultures
What unfolded in Tokyo this Eid was more than a religious observance—it was a vivid illustration of cross-cultural harmony. The event demonstrated that Indonesian spiritual and cultural expressions can not only coexist within Japanese society but also enrich its multicultural tapestry.
As globalization continues to blur the lines between cultural boundaries, diasporic communities like those in Tokyo remind us of the importance of roots, rituals, and remembrance. Eid al-Fitr 2025 in Tokyo was a celebration not just of a sacred holiday, but of a community’s resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit.
