Halal-Friendly Initiatives in Japan Gain Momentum Through Social Media Influencers

As interest in Japan grows among Muslim travelers, a small but expanding network of social media influencers and digital platforms is helping make the country more accessible to visitors seeking halal-friendly services and food.

According to an article on Muslimnetwork.tv, finding food that complies with Islamic dietary laws — which prohibit pork and alcohol and require halal certification for permissible food — has been a common challenge for many Muslim tourists in Japan. In response, influencers and tech entrepreneurs are using online media to spotlight halal options and related amenities across the country.

Among them is 24-year-old social media personality Nanako Shibasaki, who creates content in Indonesian to introduce halal-certified restaurants and menu items to her predominantly Muslim audience. Shibasaki, known online simply as “Nanako,” has amassed approximately 1.7 million followers on TikTok, about 80 % of whom are based in Indonesia. She began sharing Indonesian-language posts after engaging with followers during extended livestreams, significantly increasing her reach and fluency.

In one example highlighted by Japanese media, Nanako filmed at a halal-certified restaurant in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, showcasing dishes such as halal pancakes and chicken burgers to her viewers abroad. That restaurant reports that roughly 60 % of its customers are international visitors, with 80–90 % identified as Muslim.

Other efforts to support Muslim travelers involve digital tools such as the Halal Navi app, led by influencer and CEO Ikuto Hongu, who promotes halal-certified eateries and prayer facilities. The app, which attracts millions of social media users monthly, has also worked with local governments — including Yamanashi prefecture — to develop certification systems aimed at broader dietary diversity.

Local authorities have begun expanding halal certification programs to cover a wider range of food services, and organized tours have been launched to introduce influencers, travel industry representatives, and Muslim visitors to certified restaurants and cultural sites.

Supporters of the online efforts say the increased visibility of halal information and services contributes to making Japan a more welcoming destination for Muslim tourists, while influencers involved describe their work as building cultural bridges between Japan and Muslim communities worldwide.