ISTANBUL

A Japanese restaurant owner who converted to Islam seven years ago says reading the Quran played the decisive role in his decision after he began learning about the religion through a Turkish friend.

Kazuki Suleyman Kanehara, 31, who lives in Kyoto, said he first encountered Islam while studying in Germany at the age of 19, when he met Muslim students for the first time.

"My first impression for Muslims… they're very kind people," Kanehara told Anadolu during a visit to Istanbul.

He explained that his previous understanding of Islam was largely based on Japanese television and films, which frequently portrayed the religion negatively.

"What I hear about Muslims is from only TV about Islam," he said. "I had some dangerous image, maybe through movies and stuff, but I was never judging, so I never met Muslims."

Learning about Islam through Turkish friend

Kanehara said he began learning about Islam through a Turkish friend named Ismail.

"He's the reason I started researching, studying about Islam. He has been very patient, teaching me Islam. And, he was a good role model to me. He's been really nice to me all the time. Even I was wrong. He's been big brother to me."

Later, his Turkish friend Ismail introduced him to a religious teacher in Osmaniye province in southern Türkiye.

During his visit, Kanehara stayed with the teacher's family and was impressed by their hospitality. "That made me think (about) what they believe in and what Islam (really) is," he said.

"What is this religion? What makes them become kind to me this much. In Japan, we also welcome travelers, other family members, but not this much. Turkish hospitality. Just, it touched my heart."

Quran reading becomes turning point

After researching the religion for several years, Kanehara said his perspective changed rapidly once he began reading the Quran.

"The Quran is the most beautiful and perfect book that ever exists," he said. "We are Muslims. We're not perfect. So I would say if you want to learn (about) Islam, read Quran."

Kanehara said he formally embraced Islam in Osmaniye by reciting the shahada with his friend and teacher present.

Life in Japan after conversion

Now operating a restaurant in Kyoto, he prepares traditional Japanese dishes in accordance with halal food principles and also shares content about Islam on social media.

He said he sees similarities between Islamic teachings and Japanese cultural values, particularly respect for elders.

Kanehara later adopted the name Suleyman after learning about the life of the Prophet Solomon and said he is impressed by Istanbul’s historical landmarks, including the Sultanahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia.

He added that his wife later converted to Islam in the western Turkish province of Usak, and the couple now has two young sons.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul