Welcome to MPJA
EXPORT
INBOUND
As the global demand for halal products continues to rise, Japan is stepping up as a unique and promising hub for halal innovation, trade, and tourism. At MPJA, we are dedicated to bridging cultures and creating opportunities by promoting halal awareness, development, and export from Japan to the world.
The Muslim Professional Japan Association (MPJA) demonstrates significant leadership and provides comprehensive support within Japan’s Halal landscape through several unique strengths and pioneering initiatives. MPJA spearheaded critical infrastructure development by establishing Japan’s first dedicated Halal slaughterhouse, ensuring adherence to proper protocols and making authentic offerings like Halal yakiniku readily accessible. Recognizing the crucial need for accessible knowledge for local businesses, we pioneered Halal education by launching the country’s first E-learning platform specifically on this subject and authored Japan’s premier Halal Business Book. Beyond these foundational contributions, MPJA actively supports the growth of Muslim-friendly establishments; we leverage our extensive social media reach to promote partner organizations and offer a practical networking . These combined efforts underscore MPJA’s unique and multifaceted role in advancing Halal standards, education, and business connectivity across Japan.
But first, what is Halal?
Halal is an Arabic term meaning “permissible” in Islam, referring to what is allowed in terms of food, lifestyle, and business practices. It embodies cleanliness, safety, ethical sourcing, and care for both the consumer and the environment—values that deeply resonate with Japanese quality standards.
Halal in Japan
Japan, while not a Muslim-majority country, has shown remarkable progress in becoming more Muslim-friendly. From halal-certified restaurants to prayer facilities, the country is evolving to welcome Muslim residents, visitors, and business partners. The number of mosques built across Japan has also grown, now counting over 100 mosques that serve the spiritual needs of the community and symbolize Japan’s openness to diversity.
Halal Certification Body In Japan recognized by JAKIM (Malaysia).
Halal Certification Body In Japan recognized by BPJPH (Indonesia).
Since Japan is not a Muslim-majority country, there are many unauthorized halal logos that can mislead Muslims living in Japan or visiting for a holiday. The following are examples of such logos, which are not recognized by official certification bodies such as JAKIM (Malaysia) and BPJPH (Indonesia).
| 〈 IMPORTANT MESSAGE 〉 |
For a company to achieve official recognition as a Halal certified organization in Japan, it is essential that its certification body, such as the Muslim Professional Japan Association (MPJA), functions strictly as an independent third party. This independence ensures unbiased verification that all aspects of production, from raw material sourcing to final packaging, strictly adhere to Islamic dietary laws and the rigorous Halal principles upheld by organizations like MPJA. Muslim consumers rely on the integrity of the Halal certification mark, knowing that a recognized third-party system provides the necessary assurance that the certified products are genuinely permissible (Halal) and free from forbidden (Haram) elements or contamination. This strict third-party framework, which MPJA is committed to maintaining, is fundamental to validating the Halal status and enabling credible recognition for companies operating within Japan and seeking international acceptance.
A Rising Export Power in the Halal Market
Japan is increasingly recognized for its high-quality products, and halal-certified goods are no exception. With growing demand from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, halal exports from Japan are gaining momentum—especially in sectors like food & beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Why does Japan need to start Halal Business?
Developing Japan’s Halal business sector is crucial for both economic growth and international integration, driven primarily by the significant increase in Muslim tourists requiring Halal food and services – a key component of making Japan truly “Muslim friendly.” Simultaneously, with the global popularity of Washoku (和食) (Japanese cuisine), embracing Halal standards and certification is essential for Japanese food companies to access the vast global Muslim consumer market, a goal actively supported
by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) as part of its strategy to boost food exports.
Therefore, investing in Halal business is a strategic imperative that caters to inbound tourism needs while unlocking substantial export potential, positioning Japan as a welcoming and globally competitive nation.
Leading Industries in Export
Japan’s top exporting industries—automobiles, electronics, food technology, and health products—are now exploring halal-compliant innovations. This diversification allows halal-conscious consumers around the world to access reliable Japanese goods that align with their values.
At MPJA, we’re more than just a certification body; we’re your partner in building and growing a successful halal business in Japan. Together, we can expand your reach to the global halal market and create products that serve the diverse needs of Muslim consumers.
