Halal Certification, Market Access and Consumer Trust in Japan’s Hospitality and Food Industry

Halal certification has become a strategic aspect in the development of the global halal industry, including in Japan, a country with a minority Muslim population but experiencing significant growth in demand for Muslim friendly services. This study aims to analyze the impact of halal certification on market access, consumer confidence, and the competitiveness of the halal hospitality and food industry in Japan. Using a qualitative approach based on literature review, this article examines the results of previous studies from various international and national journals. The results show that halal certification serves as a market entry tool that can expand market access, both domestically and internationally. Halal certified restaurants in Japan have experienced a significant increase in sales, and the hospitality sector has seen an increase in occupancy. This study contributes to enriching halal industry research by examining the role of halal certification as a strategic instrument for market access and consumer trust building in countries with Muslim minority populations, particularly Japan, which is still relatively limited in global halal literature.