The Story of Toru, a Japanese Convert Who Waited 12 Years to Perform Hajj

Dream - The desire to perform the Hajj pilgrimage is surely felt by all Muslims, including a convert. Just like what is also felt by a Japanese citizen who now resides in Indonesia.

His distinctive face, unlike the natives, has attracted the attention of the Hajj pilgrims from the Village of Dangin Puri Kelod, East Denpasar, Bali.

Toru Tokoi, who has registered for Hajj since 2011, has succeeded in having the opportunity to depart to the holy land with this year's group.

This 73-year-old man admitted that the beginning of registering for Hajj was because he was invited and wanted to accompany his beloved wife.

"My wife initially invited me to register for Hajj. I didn't mind because I wanted to accompany her," said Toru.

Actually, Toru had the opportunity to depart for Hajj in 2020. However, the pandemic prevented him and his wife, who are already elderly, from going to Mecca at that time.

"Last year in 2022, I couldn't depart either, because Hajj pilgrims aged 65 and above were not allowed to perform the Hajj pilgrimage," he continued.

After waiting for 12 years, he feels grateful to be called as a guest of Allah to the House of Allah through the Surabaya embarkation, group 46.

This man from Tochigi City, about 100 km north of Tokyo, tells that he has been living in Indonesia since 1995 to marry his sweetheart, a woman from Bali who has been faithfully accompanying him until now.

Since then, he has been determined to bear witness and declare the two testimonies of faith. He even admitted that he has been circumcised because he embraced Islam.

"Alhamdulillah, because I have become a Muslim, in 1996 I was also circumcised. It was just a bit difficult because I was already an adult," he recalled shyly.

According to him, unlike in Japan, religion is an inseparable part of various aspects of life in Indonesia. Therefore, Toru is very impressed with the religious life in Indonesia.

"There, religion only functions ceremonially when someone passes away. There is no visible religious life on a daily basis. There are no national holidays for religious festivals either," explained Toru.

In his 70s, this father of one is still actively playing tennis three times a week. He admits to enjoying his old age.

"I used to manage a large tutoring center in Japan for high school and university entrance exams in Japan. I also taught Mathematics and English," he explained.

Now he has handed over the management of the tutoring center to his friend and spends his days with his wife in Denpasar, Bali.

When performing the pilgrimage in the holy land later on, Toru has a prayer for the safety, welfare, and longevity of his family.

Toru Tokoi's presence was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of Group 46, Mr. Jauhar. He appreciates the departure of the convert to the holy land.

"Mr. Toru, if there is anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to contact me," he said kindly.

Not only that, he also prays for Toru to have a smooth pilgrimage to the House of Allah and become a righteous pilgrim.

"Mr. Toru has been chosen as a guest of Allah in the holy land, God willing, it will be accepted and approved," said Jauhar.

source: Ministry of Religious Affairs of East Java