Japan

The middle of the nineteenth century saw Japan open up to Western ideas, leading to the arrival of Jewish settlers from Russia, UK, and the USA. 1860 saw the creation of the first Jewish community in Yokohama which consisted mainly of those on the run from anti-Semitism. Their numbers continued to grow to in the thousands by 1918.

Japan was allied to Nazi Germany, yet resisted the Nazis anti-Semitic attitude and maintained sympathy towards the Jews. This was evident through their assistance to the Mir Yeshivah’s 1940 escape from occupied Europe via the Japanese consul in Kovno, Lithuania. The Jewish community continued to grow with the arrival of Jewish servicemen from the country’s postwar American invasion, and those running from turbulent China. Of late there are Jewish foreign workers known as ‘gaijiin,’ the term ‘gaijin,’ is used to name any foreigner.

Castle in Japan

There is a synagogue in Tokyo along with two Chabad houses. There also is a nice small community in Kobe.

Japan was one of my favorite places to visit and I spent a few months there. I have a number of friends living around the country, some Jewish and some not. One of my Jewish friends lives up in the north. I visited him. He was delighted to have a Shabbat guest for the first time in over a year. He was a member of the Synagogue choir in Australia where I was the Chazzan. We had a great time singing all the old Synagogue tunes.

I spent a Shabbat at both Chabad houses in Japan. Both were wonderful. They also both provide kosher food services.

In Kobe I spent a few weeks. Made friends with the Rabbi and his family. I’d tell you all about how wonderful they are and how you should go visit, but they are now no longer there.

When I travel I eat a lot of fruit. Problem is, in Japan fruit is super expensive. This is mainly because all fruit must look perfect. This said, dried fruit and fruit juice I found to be some of the cheapest I’ve bought anywhere.

HIROSHIMA

Rabbi CLimbing Mout Fuji in Japna

TOURIST SITES

Holocaust Education Centre

866 Nakatsuhara, Miyuki, Fukuyama 720
Telephone: (849) 558 001, Fax: (849) 558 001

Website: www.urba.ne.jp/home/hecjpn/

Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10.30 am to 4.30 pm

KOBE

SYNAGOGUES
Orthodox Sephardi

Ohel Shelomoh (Jewish Community of Kansai)

4-12-12 Kitano cho, Cho ku 650-0002
Telephone: (78) 221 7236, Fax: (78) 242 7254

Mobile Phone: 08061 440652
Website: www.jckkobe.com

Service Friday night and Shabbat morning each followed by kiddush. If you are coming with a large group you should let them know in advance. There is a Mikveh.

I spent a few weeks in Kobe. Awesome Rabbi and family but they are not there any more.

TOKYO

Tyota Robot playing Trumpet in Japan at the Toyota car factory

COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
Japan Jewish Community Centre

8-8 Hiroo, 3 chome, Shibuya ku 150 150-0012
Telephone: (3) 3400 2559, Fax: (3) 3400 1827

Website: www.jccjapan.co.jp

EMBASSY

Embassy of Israel

3 Niban cho, Chiyodaku
Telephone: (3) 3264 0911
Website: www.tokyo.mfa.go^v.^it

MIKVAOT

Tokyo Mikvaot Telephone: (3) 3409 9443, Fax: (3) 3409 9443

RESTAURANTS

Jewish Community of Japan

8-8 Hiroo, 3 chome, Shibuya ku 150-0012
Telephone: (3) 3400 2559, Fax: (3) 3400 1827

Website: www.jccjapan.or.jp

They sell kosher prepared foods and have a meal on Friday night and Shabbat day. I did not attend these. I went to both of the Chabad houses which I very much enjoyed.

Kosher