Mem Global | Jewish-Japanese Fusion

September 8, 2025

Jewish-Japanese Fusion

By Rabbi Shari Shamah, Jewish Life Specialist

Jewish merchants first arrived in Japan in the 16^th and 17^th centuries.
Between 1603 and the mid-19^th centuries, Japan had a closed-door policy called ‘Sakoku’ which restricted trade with foreign nations. During this time there were no permanent Jewish communities in Japan.
The early Jewish immigrants settled in Yokohama, close to modern day Tokyo. They were mostly involved in trade and commerce.
In the late 1800’s – Jewish refugees from Russia fled pogroms and arrived in Japan.
During the Russo-Japanese war in 1904, many Russian Jewish soldiers were taken prisoner in Japan. After the war they formed a Jewish community in Kobe.
In the 20’s, 30’s and especially the 40’s there was increased antisemitism that began in Japan, especially when Japan sided with Nazi Germany. Though, while it was a somewhat public alliance, overall, Japan was largely indifferent about their relationship with the Jews. In fact, Japan’s consul in Lithuania (Chiune Sugihara) issued 2000-3000 transit visas before he was deported and is memorialized in Japan today.

In 2015 it was estimated that there are between 1,000-1,400 Jews in Japan. Most live in Tokyo with a minority in Kobe and other places. It is estimated that 30% are Israelis, 40% are Americans and the rest from all over the world.
Almost all the Jews in Japan are ex-pats who work with foreign businesses and banks.
The center of Japanese Jewish life is the JCJ, the Jewish Community of Japan.
There are two synagogues in Tokyo, a mikvah, Jewish funeral service, and 2 Chabad centers in Tokyo and Kobe.
You can’t attend a Jewish Day School in Japan, but the JCJ has supplemental religious school.
Kosher food is available in Tokyo.

Since 1952, Israel and Japan have full diplomatic relations, mostly centered around research and economic interests. There is an Israeli embassy in Tokyo.
In 2023 there was 1.5 billion in exports to Japan (electrical, scientific, chemical products) and 1.3 billion in imports (transportation and general machinery).
There is a large exchange of scientists between both countries through universities.

Shalom Japan opened in 2013 as a result of the marriage of chefs and owners Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi. They incorporate both cuisines on the menu and even ship Matzah Ball Ramen kits through Goldbelly.
The Wise sons Jews deli opened in Tokyo in 2018 and has Jewish delicacies like Reuben sandwiches, corned beef and potato salad.
If you swap out much of the pork in Japanese dishes you can make them Kosher as they don’t often contain much dairy.
The Chabad in Tokyo even has a list of Kosher fist on their website so that the integration of sushi into Jewish meals can take place easier. (Fish list – Chabad.jp)
Speaking of sushi… the first American city to embrace sushi was in LA, with the restaurant Kawafuku making it available to Californians. Fun fact, it was opened by Noritoshi Kanai and his Jewish business partner, Harry Wolff.
Today, 80-90% of kosher restaurants serve sushi.
Perhaps one of the reasons that Japanese and Jewish cooking can go hand in hand is the premise of not wasting and being mindful with food preparation.

How do you think the flavors of Japanese and Jewish food blend together?
With fewer than 1,500 Jews in Japan, it can probably feel isolating to be Jewish? How do you think the Jews living in Japan maintain their Jewish connection?
Have you thought about the relations between Japan and Israel before?
What’s your favorite Jewish/Japanese fusion dish?
Do matzah balls and ramen go together?