Takizawa (Rayl Black) Defends Conversion to Islam: “My Past Does Not Define My Faith”

Tokyo, — Former Japanese adult film star Rola Takizawa, also known as Rayl Black (birth name Kae Asakura), has responded to criticism following her conversion to Islam, stating: “My past does not define my faith. My connection is now with God, not people.”

Takizawa formally embraced Islam during Ramadan earlier this year, attracting significant attention in Malaysia and other Muslim countries, where videos of her attending mosques, breaking fast, and wearing traditional Muslim attire went viral on social media.

She revealed that her interest in Islam began during a trip to Malaysia in October last year, where she wore the hijab, tasted local dishes such as Nasi Kandar, and developed close ties with the Muslim community. She later shared her experiences in a detailed interview with Singaporean podcaster Zar Ismail.

Acknowledging criticism about her past career, she stressed that her old videos are no longer under her control and that she has left that life behind. While some detractors questioned her decision, many Muslims welcomed her new journey, gifting her Islamic books, prayer mats from Makkah, and dates as tokens of support.