Lets hope our local lulldapull was not in the mosques when it happened
A prayer space and nearby Pakistani-owned properties were destroyed in a series of arson attacks in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan following online anti-immigrant agitation. [1, 2, 3]
The Incidents
Ebetsu Masjid: A prefabricated building used as a local Islamic prayer space in Ebetsu was burned down in late February 2026.
Pakistani-Owned Businesses: Multiple vehicle repair shops and offices nearby were also targeted by fires during a two-week period in February 2026, leaving one person injured after escaping a second-story window. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Investigation and Arrest
Ryotaro Ishii: A 37-year-old farmer from Chitose was arrested and put on trial for setting the fires.
Motive: The suspect confessed in court, stating he watched videos criticizing foreign residents every day and wanted to drive them out of Japan. [1, 2]
Background and Context
Misinformation: The attacks followed false social media rumors accusing the local Muslim community of illegal construction. City records later showed that most unpermitted structures in the area actually belonged to Japanese residents.
Community Impact: The violent escalation left the local Muslim and Pakistani population shaken and fearful for their safety. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
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