Japan Announces First Day of Ramadan On February 19 As Crescent Moon Not Sighted

The Crescent Seeing Committee in Japan has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The decision follows the unsuccessful sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, confirming that the current Islamic month of Sha'ban will complete its full 30-day cycle.

In an official statement released by the Committee, President Saeed Sato confirmed that moon-sighting activities were conducted across Japan on Tuesday, February 17 (the 29th of Sha'ban). However, the crescent was not visible to observers.

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"R.H.C.J.(Ruyat Hilal Committee Japan) is pleased to announce that 1st Ramadhan Al-Mubarak, 1447 A.H. falls on Thursday 19 February 2026 in Japan, as the Hilal (Crescent) was neither sighted in Japan nor in Malaysia on 29 Shaban, 1447 A.H. (17 Feb. 2026). So according to Fatwa of Ulama we follow Malaysia Islamic authorities in this case. Wednesday will be 30 Shabaan, 1447 A.H. (18 Feb. 2026)," stated Ruyat Hilal Committee Japan.

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Following established protocols, the Japanese committee coordinated with Islamic authorities in Malaysia. "Because the crescent was not sighted in Japan nor in Malaysia, we are following the decision of the Malaysian Islamic Authorities," the statement noted. This alignment adheres to the fatwa of the Islamic Jurisprudence Complex, which allows for regional coordination in the absence of a local sighting.

As a result of the moon not being sighted, Wednesday, February 18, will be observed as the 30th day of Sha'ban. Consequently:

Final day of Sha'ban: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

First day of Ramadan fasting: Thursday, February 19, 2026