Kobe Mosque
Kobe Mosque
- Kobe Mosque, also known as Kobe Muslim Musjid, was founded in October 1935 in Kobe and is Japan’s first Musjid. It is situated in the Hyōgo Prefecture city of Kobe. Established in October 1935, it holds historical significance as a symbol of the early presence of Islam in Japan. Its construction was funded by donations collected by the Islamic Committee of Kobe from 1928 until its opening in 1935. The Musjid was confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943, survived air raids in 1945, and withstood the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995. It is located in the Kitano-cho foreign district of Kobe, one of the city’s best-known tourist areas, which features many old western-style buildings.
- The Musjid was built in traditional Indo-Islamic style by the Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr (1885–1969), who also designed a number of Western religious buildings throughout Japan.
- In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the Musjid serves as a focal point for Japan’s Muslim community. Over the years, it has become one of more than 113 Musjids across Japan.
- The Kobe Mosque’s construction, initiated by the Islamic Committee of Kobe in 1928, overcame financial and logistical hurdles. Confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943 during World War II, its restoration efforts epitomized resilience amidst wartime adversities, highlighting the community’s commitment to their faith. Surviving the 1945 air raids largely unscathed, the Kobe Musjid emerged as a symbol of hope amidst devastation, showcasing its cultural and historical significance. Similarly, during the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995, though damaged, the Musjid stood as a pillar of strength, continuing to serve as a vital center for worship, community, and resilience for Kobe’s Muslim community and beyond. Its endurance through these trials has earned it the moniker of the “Miracle Musjid.”