This project research institute aims to conduct a comparative study on the current situation and factors of the symbiosis of Muslim minority and non-Muslim majority in Asia, with a focus on East Asian countries including Japan, as well as the countries of Southeast Asia.

"Migration" and "networks" are key terms to be considered when studying the issues related to Muslim minorities in Asia. Muslims who have migrated or crossed borders (newcomer Muslims) form networks while keeping close ties with the communities of their origin. On the other hand, Muslims who have resided in an area for centuries (historical Muslims) also belong in cross-border global Muslim networks and maintain their own religious identities, even after they have been marginalized and become minorities. Synchronic and diachronic comparative analyses are considered effective in drawing out the specific interrelationship between Muslim minorities in all parts of Asia and their regional/global networks.

To that end, this research will employ an interdisciplinary approach that uses the theories and empirical methods from a wide range of disciplines, including demography, history, sociology, and anthropology. Specifically, research will revolve around two primary research issues: A) social research aimed at coexistence with Muslims, and B) historical progress and acceptance of Muslims in East Asia. Furthermore, through collaborative comparative research with researchers from Korea and Taiwan, among other countries, the research aims to set out and present to society the prerequisites that are of importance to symbiosis in Asia, as well as to strengthen the existing network of Asian researchers centered around Waseda University.

KOJIMA Hiroshi
Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences

CHANG Chung-Fu
Chair/Associate Professor, Department of Ethnology, National ChengChi University, Taiwan

KAWASHIMA Midori
Professor, Institute of Asian Cultures, Sophia University

KOMATSU Kaori
Professor, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences

LEE Hee-Soo
Professor, Department of Cultural Anthropology, Hanyang University, Korea

NODA Jin
Junior Researcher/Assistant Professor, Organization for Islamic Area Studies

Omar FAROUK
Deputy Vice Chancellor/Professor, Albukhary International University
Emeritus Professor, Faculty of International Studies, Hiroshima City University

SAI Yukari
Research Associate, Organization for Islamic Area Studies

SAKURAI Keiko
Professor, School of International Liberal Studies

SHIMBO Atsuko
Professor, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences

TANADA Hirofumi
Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences

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