■ Introduction: The Growing Foreign Resident Population and Regional Challenges

In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Japan has been increasing rapidly. According to statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the total number of foreign residents nationwide exceeds three million, and their presence is growing year by year, even in regional cities.

Toyama Prefecture is no exception. Last fiscal year, the number of foreign residents in Toyama reached a record high of 25,714. By nationality, Vietnamese residents are the most numerous, followed by Chinese and Indonesians, many of whom support the local economy as technical intern trainees or holders of work visas.

However, as the foreign resident population grows, new challenges emerge in local communities. Language barriers, cultural differences, and insufficient awareness of local rules can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and friction.

In response, Toyama Prefecture is working on drafting an ordinance on multicultural coexistence. Recently, a “Town Meeting on Multicultural Coexistence” was held in Imizu City. This article examines the content of the town meeting and, from the perspective of an administrative scrivener specializing in visa applications and residence status procedures, explores the perspectives and practical measures necessary to realize a multicultural society.

■ Overview and Significance of the Toyama Town Meeting

Purpose of the Town Meeting

The “Town Meeting on Multicultural Coexistence” organized by Toyama Prefecture was designed as a forum for direct dialogue among residents, aiming to create a community where everyone can live securely, regardless of nationality. Four sessions are planned, and the opinions gathered will be reflected in the forthcoming ordinance.

Key Opinions and Responses from the Prefecture

At the town meeting, participants expressed the following opinions:

  • Opinions from Japanese Residents: “We are concerned that foreign residents are concentrating in certain areas and living according to their own cultural practices.”
  • Response from the Prefecture: “It is a prerequisite that foreign residents follow Japanese customs and social norms. We will make efforts to share information about local rules.”
  • Opinions from Foreign Residents: “We love Japan and came here because of that. We want to work together to make Japan an even better place.”

Through this exchange of perspectives, the first steps toward mutual understanding were taken.

■ The Impact of the Growing Foreign Resident Population

Economic Benefits

Foreign workers play a vital role in industries facing severe labor shortages, such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and nursing care. Particularly in regional cities, where the outflow of young people has made labor shortages acute, accepting foreign talent is essential for maintaining the local economy.

Social and Cultural Challenges

On the other hand, rapid multiculturalization can also bring confusion to local communities:

  • Communication difficulties due to language barriers
  • Differences in daily habits, such as garbage disposal rules and noise levels
  • Low participation rates in local events and neighborhood association activities
  • Insufficient language support in educational settings

If these issues are left unaddressed, they can lead to isolation and friction within the community, resulting in division rather than coexistence.

■ The Administrative Scrivener’s Perspective: The Relationship Between Residence Status and Community Coexistence

Understanding Residence Status as the Foundation of Coexistence

For foreign nationals to stay in Japan, they must obtain a residence status (visa) appropriate to their purpose. Work-related statuses include “Technical Intern Training,” “Specified Skilled Worker,” and “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.” Family-related statuses include “Dependent” and “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

Each residence status has different conditions regarding permission to work, period of stay, and renewal requirements. If employing companies or foreign nationals themselves do not properly understand these, there is a risk of illegal employment or violations of residence status.

Corporate Responsibilities and Roles

Companies employing foreign nationals have the following obligations and responsibilities:

  • Verification of residence cards and execution of proper employment contracts
  • Notification to immigration authorities (upon hiring and separation)
  • Compliance with labor-related laws and regulations (minimum wage, working hours, social insurance, etc.)
  • Life support (housing, Japanese language learning, explanation of local rules)

Fulfilling these responsibilities leads to the retention of foreign talent and smooth integration into the community.

■ Concrete Measures for Realizing a Multicultural Society

1. Multilingual Information Provision

Local governments and companies are required to provide local rules, daily life information, and administrative services in multiple languages. The use of “Plain Japanese” is also effective.

2. Creating Opportunities for Dialogue

By continuously holding dialogue forums like town meetings, mutual understanding deepens. Within companies, it is also important to consciously create opportunities for interaction between foreign and Japanese employees.

3. Promoting Participation in Local Communities

Efforts are needed to encourage foreign residents to participate in neighborhood association activities and local events so they are accepted as members of the community. Companies should also support their employees’ participation in the community.

4. Collaboration with Professionals

By collaborating with professionals such as administrative scriveners, social insurance and labor consultants, and attorneys, proper legal procedures and labor management can be ensured, preventing troubles before they arise.

■ Message to Corporate Managers and HR Personnel

Employing foreign talent is not merely a response to labor shortages. Accepting people with diverse values can invigorate an organization and bring new perspectives.

However, this requires an appropriate acceptance system and ongoing support. Management of residence status, life support, and bridging with the local community—if these are neglected, it can lead to low retention rates and damage to the company’s reputation.

Our office provides the following support related to foreign employment:

  • Application for Certificate of Eligibility
  • Application for Extension of Period of Stay
  • Application for Change of Status of Residence
  • Application for Certificate of Authorized Employment
  • Corporate compliance support

By utilizing professional support, you can accept foreign talent with confidence.

■ Conclusion: A Society of Coexistence Built on Dialogue and Understanding

The Toyama Town Meeting represents an important step toward realizing a multicultural society. The words of foreign residents—”We love Japan and came here because of that. We want to work together to make Japan an even better place”—give us great hope.

Multicultural coexistence cannot be achieved through systems and ordinances alone. It is the understanding, actions, and accumulation of dialogue by each individual that create a society where everyone can live securely.

Companies, communities, and professionals—each fulfilling their roles—can build the future together.

Reference article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/f794a259b9cb52457ddb8909cc826b51df7b2c71

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