A controversy has arisen regarding a mosque built in Kawagoe city of Japan. The administration has ordered the removal of this mosque built without government permission. The local administration says that this mosque has been constructed without obtaining necessary approval under Japanese laws.
According to the report, this mosque was built in Kawagoe city by a Pakistani in violation of local laws without taking permission from the local authorities. Which will now be removed. This case has sparked a new debate about the observance of local rules by foreign communities in Japan.
Pakistan’s ambassador was involved
This mosque named Japan Jame Masjid Ramzan was opened in a ceremony organized on 3 April this year. According to media reports, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed also attended the inauguration ceremony of the mosque and inaugurated it. However, after the matter came to light, the Pakistan government and its embassy were seen distancing themselves from it.
Pakistan’s embassy said that before attending the event, the ambassador had received assurance from the organizers that all necessary government permissions for the construction had been obtained. The Pakistani Embassy has also issued instructions to Pakistanis living in Japan to follow local laws.
When I went to 川越化田, there was a different method. https://t.co/asuMxgKPt1 pic.twitter.com/MevevmKMkh
— 河合ゆうすけ】1st (@migikatakawai) June 2, 2026
Pak Embassy issued statement
Issuing an official statement, Pakistan Embassy in Japan said, ‘Pakistan Embassy in Japan urges all Pakistanis living in Japan to follow Japanese laws in all matters including construction of mosques. Any type of construction work should be done only after obtaining necessary permission from the local authorities.
The statement said, ‘Pakistani Embassy in Japan is not associated in any way with projects that do not comply with local government laws and regulations. The Ambassador accepted the invitation to attend the event after receiving information that all necessary permissions for the building had been obtained as per Japanese law.
Instructions to remove illegal construction
According to the Urban Development Department of Kawagoe City, the building in question was constructed without the necessary applications and permits. The administration has directed the Pakistani company that owns the land to remove the structure. Officials say that special exemption cannot be given to any illegal construction just because it is a religious place.
According to the local administration, the land on which the mosque is built comes under the Urbanization Control Zone. Any type of construction work in this area requires special government approval. Officials say that no such permission was taken for the building in question.
Illegal construction revealed in 2024
The report further states that the Kawagoe Municipal Administration became aware of the illegal construction in October 2024. At that time the external structure of the building was almost complete. The administration ordered construction work to be stopped immediately, although workers reportedly continued construction, saying they did not understand Japanese. The administration had to go to the spot several times and give instructions to stop the construction.
The company is represented by a Pakistani national
In March 2025, the ownership of the land was transferred to the company of a Pakistani citizen. An improvement plan has also been submitted to the administration by the company, in which assurance has been given to start the process of removing the structure. According to corporate records, the company that owns the land is represented by a Pakistani national, who is also the chairman of the company. The head office of the company is also registered at the same address.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani owner’s father said, ‘When we bought the land, this building was already present. We are discussing a plan to demolish it, but demolition also costs money so it is difficult. At present, we are talking to the Municipal Corporation about what to do.
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