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Kawagoe City Hall has stated that the mosque was built in an urbanisation control area where construction is generally prohibited unless specific permission is granted under the City Planning Act. Officials confirmed that the structure was erected without city approval.
The mosque is located on a 4,500-square-metre plot classified as mountain forest land. Residents first raised concerns in October 2024 after noticing a steel-frame structure being erected. By the time inspectors reached the site, the exterior was largely complete.
In December 2024, the city issued a stop construction order after identifying unauthorised work, including the mosque’s dome. Officials later said requests for demolition had been received and are now under review.
Land transfer and disputed responsibility
Property records show the land was transferred in March 2025 from a Fujimi-based real estate agent to a company registered at the Kawagoe site address. In March 2026, the company’s representative submitted a correction plan stating the structure would be demolished within five years.
Despite this, an inauguration ceremony was held in April 2026, attended by foreign nationals including Pakistan’s Ambassador Abdul Hameed. The event prompted fresh public questions over whether proper approvals had been obtained.
The real estate agent involved said they were not connected to the construction and refused to disclose the buyer’s identity. Officials also said the identity of the main contractor remains unclear.
The project representative told Asahi Shimbun the land was purchased without knowledge of construction restrictions. However, another individual identifying himself as the representative’s father claimed the structure had already existed and was only being used for prayer.
City officials have maintained that the building is illegal and must not be used while compliance is assessed. Monitoring of the site continues.
Embassy distances itself from project
The Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo has issued statements urging its nationals to comply fully with Japanese laws when constructing places of worship. It stressed that no construction should begin without proper permits.
The embassy said it had no connection to any projects that violate local regulations, including the Kawagoe mosque. It added that the ambassador attended the inauguration after being informed that all required approvals had been obtained.
Review continues as authorities weigh action
Kawagoe authorities have confirmed that demolition requests have been received and are under review. Officials are coordinating with relevant agencies before deciding on further action.
They also noted uncertainty over whether residents were properly informed before construction began, adding another layer to the ongoing assessment.
The final decision on the mosque now rests with local authorities as they evaluate compliance under Japan’s planning laws.
