A Muslim association in Shizuoka says it has received threats of physical harm following the terrorist attack in Bangladesh earlier this month that left 20 people, including seven Japanese, dead.
An official of the Shizuoka Muslim Association said Wednesday it had received four handwritten letters in Japanese stating, "I feel sorry for the Japanese and Italians in Bangladesh" and "Be careful from now on because I will beat you with a bat from behind!"
Nine Italians, as well as two Bangladeshi and one person each from the United States and India were also killed in the attack.
The letters are believed to have been written by the same person, the official said.
The association asked local police to strengthen patrols around the building where it is based.
A secretary-general of the association said that terrorism is contrary to the teachings of Islam, which preaches forgiveness, and it is sad to think that the whole Muslim community could be misunderstood.