AMBASSADOR HOSTS IFTAR DINNER

UNCLAS TOKYO 004533

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR R

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO KISL ODIP KPAO JA
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR HOSTS IFTAR DINNER


1. Nearly one hundred guests attended the Ambassador's annual
Iftar dinner, hosted at the residence on September 20. The
guest list included Ambassadors and chiefs of missions from
Islamic nations and their spouses, members of Tokyo's small
Muslim community, and Japanese academics who specialize in
Islamic affairs. At sunset the guests broke their fasts with
dates and lentil soup and were called to prayer by Imam
Muhammad Akhtar Shaikh, amir of Al-Falah Masijid Yokohama.
They then dined together on traditional Middle Eastern
cuisine. In addition to the main party, a separate prayer
area and dining room were set up in the Embassy's consular
section for the drivers.


2. As in years past, the event was widely anticipated and
greatly appreciated, according to one Ambassador who wondered
how it would be possible to reciprocate. It also provided
Embassy officers with a valuable opportunity to connect with
members of Tokyo's small Muslim community and with scholars
who study Japan's relations with the Moslem world.
Schieffer