Plans to build the town of Fujisawa's first mosque have exposed deep divisions in Japan over immigration and social change, as the country's shrinking, ageing population forces it to rely increasingly on foreign workers despite historically restrictive attitudes to immigration. The dispute, which has drawn thousands of protesters as well as counter-demonstrations calling for tolerance, reflects wider unease about how an influx of migrants with different cultures, languages and religions is reshaping local communities.

Anti-mosque protests broke out earlier this year at Fujisawa's train station, with critics arguing the planned building would be disrespectful in scale compared with a nearby Shinto shrine. Local residents such as Noriko Izumizawa say polarising immigration debates in the US and Europe have fed their own anxieties, while others, including a nearby coffee shop owner, call for greater dialogue and understanding. Reports of hate speech, abusive calls and emails to mosques have also emerged nationally, echoed by Osaka-based Sri Lankan businessman Mohamed Mohideen, who says attitudes towards Muslims have hardened noticeably after nearly four decades living in Japan.