Rising Tensions: Suspected Arson Attacks Target Muslim Community in Ebetsu, Japan

In Ebetsu, Hokkaido, a series of suspected arson attacks have raised alarm within the local Muslim community, particularly among the approximately 700 residents. The incidents began with a fire at the Ebetsu Masjid, a mosque, on February 28, 2023, which was followed by additional fires at businesses owned by Pakistani nationals. The most recent fire occurred on March 1, 2023, at an auto parts company, which is also operated by a Pakistani national. Police are investigating the possibility that these incidents are connected and may have been deliberately set.

Hokkaido Police Probe Second Suspicious Fire Near Mosque

• February 15, 2023: A fire destroys a two-storey prefabricated building used as an office and accommodation for a vehicle repair business owned by a Pakistani man. A resident was injured while escaping the blaze.

South China Morning Post

• February 28, 2023: The Ebetsu Masjid catches fire, causing significant damage to the mosque and an adjoining structure.

South China Morning Post

• March 1, 2023: A fire is reported at an auto parts company in Kakuyama, Ebetsu, damaging a section of the exterior wall.

Hokkaido Police Probe Second Suspicious Fire Near Mosque

The series of fires has instilled fear within the local Muslim community. Mohammed Imran, the chairman of the mosque, expressed the heightened anxiety among residents, stating, “We have women and children in the community, and I can tell you that everyone is scared. The situation has become very dangerous.” The mosque, which is typically left unlocked for community access, has become a focal point of concern.

South China Morning Post

Local police have indicated that the fire at the auto parts company appears to have been intentionally set, as there were no identifiable causes for the blaze. Investigations are ongoing to determine the connection between the mosque fire and the subsequent incidents targeting Pakistani-owned businesses.

Hokkaido Police Probe Second Suspicious Fire Near Mosque

The recent arson attacks have been linked to months of online agitation against the Muslim community, particularly regarding alleged construction violations. This online hostility has contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty among community members, who feel increasingly vulnerable.

South China Morning Post

While police investigations are underway, there is currently no definitive evidence linking the fires to a broader pattern of hate crimes. The community's fears are compounded by the lack of clarity regarding the motivations behind these attacks, leaving many questions unanswered.

South China Morning Post

• “The situation has become very dangerous,” — Mohammed Imran, Chairman of the Ebetsu Masjid

South China Morning Post

As investigations continue, the Muslim community in Ebetsu remains on high alert, grappling with the implications of these troubling incidents.

Hokkaido Police Probe Second Suspicious Fire Near Mosque