Seeking new opportunities in a global market said to be worth over $600 billion, Japanese food and tourism businesses are turning their eyes to Muslim consumers and starting to offer food and other products and services that follow the Islamic rules of halal.
In a dimly lit Japanese restaurant near Tokyo's Roppongi district, seven Muslim tourists from Malaysia gathered to enjoy "yakiniku" grilled meat that had been specially prepared and served according to Islamic Sharia law.
For those reserving the halal fare at the restaurant in advance, halal beef placed in a separate freezer is served with plates and glasses that are kept in cupboards apart from other dishes to avoid direct and indirect contact with pork and other nonhalal food.