Oita LDP City Council Group Makes Unusual Request for 'Nationwide Development of Islamic Earth Burial Cemeteries'

An unusual request has been submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) city council group in Oita Prefecture, calling for the nationwide development of earth burial cemeteries for Muslims, to be handled under national responsibility. This move has reportedly been championed by House of Representatives member Takeshi Iwaya. In response, strong concerns and backlash from a wide range of citizens have erupted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The specific content of the request is for the national government to lead the development of cemeteries nationwide that allow for earth burial, in accordance with Islamic doctrine. However, Japanese citizens have raised various criticisms and questions:

Public Concerns and Criticisms

• Concerns about Japan's Climate and Public Health: Many posts point out the hygiene issues and risk of infectious disease spread that earth burial could pose in Japan's humid climate. Comments such as, "Problems will undoubtedly arise if that's done in Japan's climate" and "Japan prohibited earth burial customs and enacted cremation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases" have been voiced.
• Demand for Respect for Japanese Culture and Laws: Numerous opinions emphasize Japan's traditions and legal system, with statements like, "This is Japan, so please follow Japanese law, order, and culture" and "Earth burial is unnecessary in Japan."
• Questions Regarding the Principle of Separation of Church and State: Some have pointed out, "The state preparing cemeteries for a specific religion is a complete violation of the constitution," expressing concern that this contradicts the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
• Discrepancy Between Immigration Policy and Public Sentiment: Frustration is evident over prioritizing the demands of foreigners while neglecting issues faced by Japanese citizens, with comments such as, "What's with Islam and diversity when there are Japanese citizens at home that the nation should be doing something about? For example, shouldn't rescuing the 'ice age generation' come first?" There is also strong, persistent opposition to immigration policy itself, with remarks like, "Absolute opposition to immigration policy" and "No country has succeeded with immigration policy."
• Strong Criticism of Representative Takeshi Iwaya: Takeshi Iwaya, who reportedly spearheaded the effort, has been subjected to highly emotional accusations in a series of posts, calling him a "national traitor," "sellout," "useless," and demanding his resignation. Many also harshly question his political stance, stating, "Oita's trash Iwaya is left unchecked, free to engage in anti-Japanese activities."
• Issues of Cost and Disregard for Public Opinion: Questions have been raised regarding the cost of development ("How much?"), and there is opposition to policy promotion without sufficient public input, with comments like, "This is not an issue to proceed with without consulting public opinion."
• Concerns for Local Oita Residents: Worries about the impact on local residents have also surfaced, such as, "Will Oita Prefecture eventually become full of earth burials and foreigners? Are the citizens of Oita okay with this?"

This request goes beyond a mere issue of cemetery development, raising complex problems deeply intertwined with Japanese culture, public health, constitutional principles, and the future of immigration policy. As public concern grows, the future response of the government and relevant parties will be closely watched.

The Context

In Japan, cremation is the overwhelmingly dominant practice for funerals, with over 99% of bodies being cremated. Earth burial, while not entirely illegal, is highly restricted by land use regulations and public health ordinances, making it extremely rare. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is Japan's long-standing dominant conservative political party. The 'ice age generation' refers to those born roughly between the early 1970s and early 1980s, who faced significant economic hardship, unstable employment, and social challenges when entering the workforce during Japan's 'lost decades.' The public's strong reaction to the request for state-sponsored Islamic earth burial cemeteries highlights a broader tension in Japan concerning cultural preservation, public health standards, the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and multiculturalism.