(An excerpt from my upcoming research paper: "Schooling Options for Muslim Children Living In Muslim-Minority Countries – A Thematic Literature Review")
LEGAL PERSPECTIVE:
According to Japanese law:
“The State and its organs shall refrain from religious education or any other religious activity” (Takeda, 1968) and accordingly religious education is not encouraged in Japan.
In subsequent years after the rollout of this law, notifications from government’s education department has clarified that this restriction was regarding sectarian education and general religious sentiment was considered acceptable (Inoue, 2009).
Research shows that general awareness of religion is receiving increased acceptance in light of some recent events (Inoue, 2009; Sugihara, 1998).
“In private schools, according to Article 24 of the School Law, it is possible to teach religion in place of ethics and the teacher’s license is issued specifically to allow for such a teaching”(Inoue, 2009; Sugihara, 1998).
Important point to note is that according to section 20 of Japanese constitution, “No religious organization shall receive any privileges from the State, nor exercise any political authority” (Inoue, 2009).
Therefore, funding is not available for private schools in Japan.
COST OF SCHOOLING:
Cost of sending children to public schools in considerably lesser than private schools (Maisie, 2014).
SCHOOLING OF MUSLIM CHILDREN:
In Japan most Muslim children go to public schools and parents are not satisfied about this as their children are not able to practice their religion (Ito, 2012).
One of reasons for this is unavailability of ANY Islamic school in Japan. “There is not a single Muslim elementary or junior high school in Japan” (YILDIRIM, 2015).
This is also confirmed from a question posed by a Muslim parent on an Islamic website asking for an educational option for his children in the absence of any Islamic schools in Japan (“Japanese Muslims seeking Islamic education for children,” 2002).
Parents accordingly demand for establishment of Islamic schools, as identified in surveys.
SUPPLEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
Recent researches suggest the same finding and mention that Islamic education for children in Japan mainly relies on informal means and volunteer efforts (Ishikawa, 2015; Ito, 2012).
Such volunteer programs also include Sunday schools in mosques (ICJ, 2013).
