抄録
This study aimed to explore how Muslim images differ in Japan and Korea. These two countries have similarities and differences in terms of the social circumstances surrounding Muslims. In this context, we aimed to investigate how these similarities and differences at the social level are reflected in Muslim images at the individual level. The data collected from 330 Japanese and 339 Korean participants were analyzed with a statistical method called structural equation modeling. The analysis revealed two similarities and two differences in Muslim images in Japan and Korea. As for similarities, this study showed that 1) an equivalent three-factor structure (“negative image,” “positive image,” and “piety image”) could be observed in both Japan and Korea, and 2) “negative image” and “positive image” did not show a significant difference. As for differences, it was shown that 1) the score of “piety image” was higher in Korea compared to Japan, and 2) while the relation between “positive image” and “piety image” was negative in Korea, this relation was insignificant in Japan. Possible reasons for these similarities and differences and how these findings facilitate future research were further discussed.
