Photo/Illutration Kiyoji Ota, head of the educational board in Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, attends a news conference on Sept. 24 to clarify false claims that the city plans to offer halal school lunches for Muslim students. (Yuta Torio)

KITA-KYUSHU, Fukuoka Prefecture–Education officials here are grappling with an xenophobic backlash sparked by social media misinformation claiming that the city plans to provide school lunch options tailored for Muslim students.

Over a six-day period ending Sept. 24, officials received more than 1,000 complaints and inquiries, with some residents stating, “If they are attending Japanese schools, they should eat what is served."

At a news conference on Sept. 24, the city’s board of education clarified that no decision has been made to introduce meals specifically for Muslim students.

“As someone responsible for educational administration, I find this deeply disheartening,” said Kiyoji Ota, who heads the board. “Our goal is simply to see children enjoying their meals. I hope people will take a moment to reflect on that.”

The controversy stems from a 2023 petition submitted by a Muslim woman requesting halal school lunches. Although the issue was discussed in the municipal assembly, the petition was ultimately not adopted.

However, misleading claims spread online, suggesting the petition had passed and that the city had implemented Muslim-focused school lunches.

Officials emphasized the logistical challenges of implementing halal meals citywide, citing limited kitchen facilities, staffing and budget.

Meanwhile, they also highlighted ongoing efforts to make meals more inclusive for students with allergies and general religious dietary needs—not specifically those of Muslim students.

For example, some dishes have substituted chicken for pork. As a result, these changes have created more opportunities for Muslim students to eat the same meals as their peers, officials noted.

The development comes amid a growing wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in Japan, as the country sees an increasing number of foreign workers and tourists.

This week, the Japan International Cooperation Agency is expected to scrap its Africa Hometown project following a similar backlash fueled by social media misinformation.

The symbolic cultural and international friendship program was misunderstood as a plan to issue special visas to migrants from four African countries, prompting widespread criticism of the aid agency.

Related News