This post is also available in: Indonesia
Written by: Zunita Ramli
Eid Mubarak!
Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy around the world. In Niigata, Japan, the first Eid was celebrated on April 22, 2023. Despite being a minority community in Niigata, we found a way to celebrate Eid with great fervor. This was my 11th year celebrating Eid overseas, but my first time celebrating it in Urasa City, Niigata Prefecture. The Eid celebration here was a wonderful experience.
The celebration started on the night before the first Eid when the Malaysian community in Urasa City organized a takbir raya. This is a tradition of reciting Allahu Akbar in unison. The gathering for the takbir raya created excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Eid celebration and strengthened the bond between us as a minority community of Malaysian Muslims in the area.
On the morning of the first Eid, the Muslim community at the International University of Japan (IUJ) organized Eid prayers in the university’s gymnasium. The IUJ Muslim community made all necessary arrangements, such as cleaning the area, arranging prayer mats, and ensuring necessary amenities were available for worshippers. Many people from the Muslim community in Urasa, including students and families, joined in the Eid prayer.
After the Eid prayer, the IUJ Muslim Association community served delicious Pakistani desserts to all the worshippers. The desserts were a perfect end to the prayer and provided a great opportunity for people to socialize and share the joy of the festival.
See Also
Eid Al-Fitr 2023 Celebration in Japan
In the afternoon, I went to the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo to celebrate Eid with Malaysians in Japan. The embassy was buzzing with activity, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement. I had the opportunity to taste some delicious Malaysian dishes, including nasi briyani, ayam masak merah, kuih raya, and tropical fruits like jackfruits and pineapples. I met many Malaysians, especially students from Kanagawa, Tokyo, and Yokohama. It was such a nice and memorable experience.
But the celebration did not stop there. On the second day of Eid, the festivities continued with a barbecue activity with the Malaysian community in Urasa. The potluck was filled with a variety of dishes, including satay, beef rendang, fried noodles, cendol, lemonade, and brownies. The weather was perfect for the barbecue, and the activity went very well. It was a great opportunity for people to bond and create lasting memories.
The two days of Eid celebrations in Niigata were a great success, and I am very content. It was a beautiful experience to celebrate Eid with the Muslim community in Niigata, and I am grateful for all the wonderful memories. Alhamdulillah!
See Also
Muslim in Japan; What Is It Like To Celebrate Ramadan 2022 in Japan?
How Did I End Up In Japan?
