REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TOKYO — The Family of the Indonesian Islamic Society (KMII) of Japan held the Indonesian Islamic Cultural Festival that combines Indonesian cultural performances and Islamic teachings to the Japanese community at the Indonesian Hall, Tokyo, Sunday (22/9/2024).

Coordinator of the Social and Cultural Illumination Function of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Tokyo Muhammad Al Aula during the event said the activity not only introduced Islam but also strengthened relations between citizens.

“If I look at this, the goal is to introduce Islam properly (properly) to Japanese people in Tokyo in particular and this is also to strengthen friendly relations between Indonesia and Japan,” he said.

According to him, the positive impact of such events is already felt, such as the involvement of the city authorities and local residents in the activities held by WNI.

“If now from the ward and the Meguro municipal government are also present to jointly attend here. I think it has become a variable on how effective social activities build the relationship between the two citizens from a wide variety of aspects, not only between the government but also the government of the community and the community with the community," he said. 

The event began with a presentation on the basics of tohid science with Japanese Ustaz Kyoichiro Sugimoto. Ustaz Sugimoto also guides Japanese citizens to Tokyo's Indonesian Mosque and teaches prayer ordinances for those interested.

The event continued with performances of Indonesian art and culture, namely saman and angklung dance by students of Sekolah Republik Indonesia Tokyo (SRIT). In addition to performing a number of regional and international songs, the angklung group also invited all participants to play the traditional musical instrument together.

The festival also featured hadrohs from the group Al Ikhlas Kabukicho and Muslim musician from Sakura, Yusha, who sang shalawat and nasyid in Japanese. There are also various outlets, such as henna art, Arabic calligraphy, photo booths and Muslim clothing for Japanese citizens who want to try them.

Kemuslimaison KMII also distributed hijabs and brooches made by themselves to Japanese women participants. Not to mention, they can also taste Indonesian cuisine, such as meatballs, baked rice and various market snacks for free.

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