Thousands of residents in Fujisawa, Japan, gathered on April 12, 2026, to stage a large-scale protest against the planned construction of the city’s first major mosque. The demonstration highlights growing tensions over religious infrastructure and cultural preservation within the region.
Visual evidence from the scene shows large crowds carrying Japanese flags and placards near Fujisawa Station. Protesters used megaphones to voice their opposition to both the mosque and a proposed Muslim cemetery in the local area.
Riot police were deployed to maintain order as demonstrators filled streets and pedestrian underpasses. The scale of the gathering reflects significant local concern regarding the impact of the new facility on the existing neighborhood character.
One of the primary points of contention involves the physical size of the proposed mosque. Opponents argue that the structure’s dimensions would dwarf a nearby Shinto shrine, which many residents view as a central cultural landmark.
Critics of the project have characterized the size of the building as an unnecessary disruption to the local landscape. Many participants in the march stated they are opposed to the establishment of any mosque or religious cemetery within the city limits.
The protest in Fujisawa occurs amidst a broader trend of religious demographic shifts across Japan. Since 2021, the number of mosques in the country has reportedly increased from 113 to more than 250.
This growth has led to similar debates in various prefectures concerning the integration of new religious facilities. While some advocate for religious freedom and inclusion, others emphasize the importance of maintaining traditional Japanese cultural norms.
The Fujisawa project specifically has become a focal point for those concerned with how large-scale developments affect historic sites. The proximity of the mosque to established Shinto grounds remains the core of the local dispute.
Local authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the demands made during Sunday’s demonstration. The construction plans remain under administrative review as the city weighs the concerns of its residents against development applications.
The situation remains a significant example of the challenges facing Japanese municipalities as they navigate changing social and religious landscapes. For now, the future of the Fujisawa mosque and cemetery project remains uncertain following the weekend's events.