As visitors from predominantly Muslims countries such
as Indonesia and Malaysia are increasingly visiting Japan, food and
beverage outlets and doing what they can to cater to this new
up-and-coming industry. ?In Japan, places
where they handle halal seasoning are very limited,? said manager of
Sushi Ken Masao Ito. ?I have had difficulty getting my hands on them.
The fish itself is not a problem. (But) another problem is processed
food.?
However, they have managed to find
alternatives. At Sushi Ken, the seasoning is made in-house. The radish
roll tastes a little different, but is still delicious. At another
Yakiniku, or grilled meat restaurant, its owners are doing even more to
obtain halal certification.
?They have to change all their ingredients, items,? said chairman of the Japan Halal Foundation, Mohamed Nazer.
The restaurant eventually earned a stamp of approval, a boon for Muslims diners as a mosque is located nearby.
Taito
ward now has 17 restaurants with halal certification, a huge step up
from when there were only Indian restaurants serving halal food in the
past. This change is in part due to subsidies of up to US$820 offered by
the local city government, part of a scheme that started in October.
"When
you travel, you want to enjoy the food of that country, the regions,
and if that cannot be done here in Taito ward, it's sad,? said director
of tourism at Taito City office, Takuji Kwai. ?We offer lots of
delicious food. So we decided to create an environment where Muslims can
enjoy without any worries."
A growing number
of local governments are also trying to encourage more of their
businesses to cater to Muslim visitors. The halal exhibition in Japan is
one that has seen success, with an increase of 80 exhibitors last year
to 120 this year.
"Japan is not a Muslim
country so the market is very small,? said chairman of the Japan halal
Expo Executive Committee, Yoshichika Terasawa, Chairman. ?It?s gradually
expanding. But it depends on Muslim visitors to Japan. I hope more food
suppliers (and) exporters go to the cities to find their new market,
the Muslim market."
Ref: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-s-restaurants-look/2395128.html
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