Tokyo Camii: An Islamic Gem Admist the Bustling Rhythm of Japan’s Capital

Tokyo Camii possesses a certain magic that seems to cleanse both body and soul, providing a serene refuge for those caught up in the hustle and bustle of the mundane world.

Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆

Front view of the Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in Japan.

TOKYO, Japan — Every time I find myself in a new city, I’m drawn to the desire to seek out mosques. Despite not being a Muslim, my decade-long fascination with Islamic art and culture has fueled a curiosity to explore and, more specifically, understand more about how Islam manifests in non-Muslim countries.

During my stay in Tokyo, I diverted from the usual tourist trail, venturing southwest of Shinjuku. It was in this offbeat journey that I discovered Tokyo Camii (in Turkish, “camii” refers to a mosque), also known as the Tokyo Mosque. This exotic architectural gem stands against the backdrop of Shinjuku’s modern skyscrapers.

While Japan boasts numerous mosques, Tokyo Camii proudly claims the title of the largest among them. Nestled in a residential area, this place of worship is conveniently located, just a 5-minute walk from the nearest Yoyogi Uehara Station.

Inside the Biggest Mosque in Japan

As soon as I come closer to Tokyo Camii, I immediately notice a fascinating blend of cultures. Above the arch framing the entrance gate, there are inscriptions not only in Arabic calligraphy but also in Japanese spelling out “Tokyo.“ It's a unique fusion, as mosques typically feature Quranic inscriptions in Arabic, seldom incorporating foreign elements. The whole inscription reads: “Tokyo Camii is House of Allah, may eternal sacred light be upon this land.”

Carved wooden door at the entrance to Tokyo Camii — As you approach the entrance, the hand-carved wooden door adorned with intricate Islamic geometric patterns immediately draws your attention, emanating spiritual allure and cultural richness.

While examining the exterior of Tokyo Camii, I can’t help but notice the use of ablaq (Arabic: أبلق), a decorative technique commonly associated with Islamic architecture in the Arab world. This technique features alternating granite and green stones, simulating the distinctive style often found in Syria.

Entering through a wooden door adorned with geometric pattern work reminiscent of Egyptian and Moroccan craftsmanship, I stepped into the Entrance Hall. This ground-floor space also functions as an exhibition area, showcasing a collection of Turkish and Islamic art. In addition, there's a small bok corner offering publications in both English and Japanese, covering topics on Islam, including its arts, culture, and way of living.

Notably, there’s a remarkable recreation of a traditional Turkish Private House, functioning as a common area where individuals, both Muslims and non-Muslims from around the world, gather. In the air, the history of Muslims in the distant lands of Arabia from more than a millennia ago intermingles with the modern diaspora of Muslims in Japan.

“Once you step inside Tokyo Camii, its captivating embrace makes departure a challenge.”

As I proceed further, a staircase leads me to the upper floor, eventually reaching the entrance of the mosque’s Prayer Hall. The minute I step inside, I’m transported to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. This is no coincidence; the mosque draws inspiration from Ottoman architecture, the epitome of religious architecture throughout the history of Islam.

Within the Prayer Hall, Tokyo Camii reveals its engineering marvel, featuring six semi-domes encircling a larger central dome. The interior of the mosque is dominated by a white palette, accentuated by touches of turquoise and lapis lazuli blue. In Islamic culture, the colour blue symbolises the impenetrable depths of the universe, serving as a reminder of the vast skies and the distances of higher knowledge.

Although the use of blue is not as extensive as in the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, Tokyo Camii’s modest colour scheme is enhanced by natural lighting filtering into the sanctuary through coloured-glass windows. At first glance, these windows may evoke a gothic impression, but upon closer inspection, intricate Islamic-inspired designs and calligraphy become apparent. The light that permeates through these coloured windows imbues the mosque’s interior with vibrant hues, seemingly deepening the connection between devotees and the divine.

Mezzanine inside Tokyo Mosque in Japan — The rear side of the prayer hall features a mezzanine area exclusively designated for women's prayer.

The Prayer Hall, situated on the upper floor of Tokyo Camii, serves as a spiritual oasis amidst the bustling atmosphere of Japan’s capital.

Calligraphic inscription in Arabic inside Tokyo Camii — Beautiful calligraphic inscriptions adorn the interior of Tokyo Camii, including one that reads: “Praise and gratitude to Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Great, there is no sovereignty but Allah.”

The Prayer Hall features a mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca that Muslims face during prayer) and a minbar (the pulpit from which the Imam deliver sermons). Both the mihrab and the minbar are constructed in white marble, a hue symbolising divine light and, consequently, associated with concepts of purity, sacredness, and modesty.

The Prayer Hall, along with an additional mezzanine (reserved for women’s prayer), the veranda, and the Multipurpose Hall on the ground floor, can accommodate up to 2,000 people during the Eid festival.

As I sat within the spacious yet quiet Prayer Hall of the largest mosque in Japan, a profound sense of inner tranquility surged within me.

The echoes of silent prayers, the architectural intricacies, and the spiritual ambiance forged a profound connection between the visible and the invisible. This not only bridges the geographical gap between Tokyo and the land of Arabia, the cradle of Islam, but also transcends the confines of the physical mind, reaching toward the divine.

“Tokyo Camii possesses a certain magic that seems to cleanse both body and soul, providing a serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of the mundane world.”

Divine Expression: Calligraphy within Tokyo Camii

Beyond the architectural wonders, what captivates me most is the ubiquitous presence of Arabic calligraphy, gracing both the interior and exterior of Tokyo Camii — from the front to the rear and every side in between. Whether it’s the intricate design of the chandelier suspended from the dome, the vibrant hues of the coloured-glass window, or the walls of the mezzanine, these inscriptions predominantly feature verses from the Quran and the words of Prophet Mohammad (circa 570-632).

Within the Prayer Hall, a band along the upper register showcases the 99 Names of Allah (Arabic: سْمَاءُ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ), each describing the characteristics or attributes of God: The Creator (ٱلْخَالِقُ), The Omnipotent (ٱلْجَبَّارُ), The Affectionate (ٱلْوَدُودُ), The One (ٱلْأَحَد), among others. These exalting names are inscribed against a backdrop in lapis lazuli blue, creating a visual rhythm that flows throughout the prayer hall, akin to the repetitions of a mantra during meditation.

I personally find the mosque’s main light source — in the form of a chandelier — quite fascinating. Constructed with divine writings, it bears the Quranic verse: “His command, when He wills a thing, is to say to it “Be,” and it is.” (Quran 36-82). Illuminating the praying devotee below with a warm glow, this chandelier serves as a contemporary addition to the Ottoman-style architecture, reaffirming the Creator’s potency.

Arabic calligraphy inside Tokyo Camii, Japan — One side of the mezzanine wall bears the inscription: “You alone we worship, to you alone we turn for help.” (Quran 1-5)

Inside Tokyo Mosque, Japan — The main light source at Tokyo Camii, a chandelier-like structure adorned with multiple mosque lamps, features intricate designs incorporating Quranic verses."

Past & Present of Tokyo Camii

Tokyo Camii was originally built alongside an adjoining school in 1938 by the Turkish community who had emigrated from Kazan (Russia) after the October Revolution. It was overseen by the first Imam, Abdurreshid Ibrahim, and Abdülhay Kurban Ali.

In 1986, due to severe structural damage, the mosque had to be demolished. Fortunately, with the guidance and support of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, a new building was initiated in 1998.

The architect for the new structure was Hilmi Şenalp, drawing inspiration from the ornate details of Ottoman architecture. Approximately 70 Turkish craftsmen were involved in the finishing touches, and a significant amount of marble used in the construction was imported from Turkey.

Since its completion in 2000, Tokyo Camii & Diyanet Turkish Culture Centre has continued to attract visitors from around the world.

Tokyo Camii is not only a spiritual oasis for Muslims amidst the vibrant rhythm of Japan’s capital but also a treasure trove showcasing the beauty of Islamic art through its architecture, calligraphy, and more.

This “baytullah” (House of Allah) possesses a certain magic that seems to cleanse both body and soul, providing a serene refuge for those caught up in the hustle and bustle of the mundane world.

Once you step inside Tokyo Camii, its captivating embrace makes departure a challenge. And if you must leave, it’s with a profound sense of purification lingering within.

Tokyo Camii is the largest mosque in Japan — Tokyo Camii is not only a spiritual oasis for Muslims amidst the bustling rhythm of Japan’s capital but also a treasure trove showcasing the beauty of Islamic art.

Reference:
Diyanet Foundation of Japan. (n.d.) Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Centre: The Intersection of Tradition and Future. Diyanet Foundation of Japan.