KBRN, Tokyo: The laughter and joy of dozens of children and teenagers were seen in the GenQ (Quranic Generation) Tarhib Ramadhan Ceria which was held on Saturday (22/2/2025). GenQ Coordinator Muhammad Hanif explained that the Tarhib Ramadhan event was part of a series of short Islamic boarding schools for children and teenagers which are routinely held every Ramadhan by the Indonesian Islamic Community (KMII) Japan and the Indonesian Mosque Tokyo (MIT).

"The purpose of this event is to equip children with knowledge and enthusiasm in welcoming the month of Ramadhan. In addition, this activity is a means of friendship so that they can meet their peers and feel the atmosphere of Ramadhan together. Considering that in Japan it is quite difficult to feel the atmosphere of Ramadhan like in Indonesia, this event is expected to be a joint effort so that children can still feel the specialness of this holy month," explained Hanif, as quote from official statement, Friday (28/2/2025).

There are around 85 children participating in this cheerful GenQ Tarhib Ramadhan. Among them, there are also children of Japanese descent. The classes are divided into two, namely Japanese language classes and Indonesian language classes.

According to Hanif, the Japanese language class is intended for Japanese Muslim children of Indonesian-Japanese descent who cannot yet speak Indonesian. As well as Indonesian children who were born and raised in Japan but are not yet fluent in Indonesian. Around 60 children take the Indonesian language class, while 25 children take the Japanese language class.

Deputy Chairperson of KMII Japan Erwin Avianto explained that in general, the number of participants in the short-term Islamic boarding school during Ramadan from year to year averages between 100-150 children.

"Usually, around 60% take Indonesian language classes, while 40% take Japanese language classes. In yesterday's tarhib event, there were around 10-15 mentors and speakers, who were assigned according to the age group of the participants," he said.

"The teachers and mentors came from various Muslim organizations and communities in Japan other than KMII Japan. Such as the Tokyo Indonesian Mosque (MIT), Kemuslimahan Indonesia Japan (KIJ), TPA GenQ, Origami (Islamic Youth Program), FGA (Muslim Forum for the Mixed Marriage Association of Indonesia - Japan), and the MUDA Team (Muslimah Dunia Akhirat)," he added.