On July 29, 2026, disappointing news came from Sapporo. A plan to open an international school at the former Tokiwa Elementary School in Minami Ward, Sapporo—which closed in 2021—has been canceled. The Tokyo-based education company that held the priority negotiation rights withdrew on July 23, citing “the spread of misinformation and protest activities that pose risks to school operations.”
This incident highlights issues deeply relevant to our work supporting foreign nationals with visa applications, residence status acquisition, and settlement in Japan. In this article, we carefully examine the background and significance of this case and reflect on the future of multicultural coexistence for foreign residents, their families, and executives and HR managers of companies employing foreign workers.
- Background of the International School Project and Its Cancellation
- The Social Cost of Misinformation: Understanding International Schools Correctly
- Similar Challenges in Residence Status and Visa Application Practice
- Transparency of Information and the Role of Specialists
- Perspectives Required of Corporate Executives and HR Managers
- Message to Foreign Residents in Japan and Their Families
- Toward a Multicultural Coexistence Society: What We Can Do
- Conclusion: Dialogue and Understanding Shape the Future
Background of the International School Project and Its Cancellation
Tokiwa Elementary School in Minami Ward, Sapporo, closed in 2021 due to declining population and a low birthrate in the area. Sapporo City sought to repurpose the building and publicly solicited buyers. A Tokyo-based education company was selected as the priority negotiator and planned to open an international school in the summer of 2027.
However, as the project progressed, false information spread online and on social media, claiming that the school would be “exclusively for Indian children.” Protest activities ensued, and the company decided to withdraw, considering the safety and risks involved in operating the school.
At a press conference, Sapporo City officials stated, “There was misinformation such as ‘a school exclusively for Indians,'” and “We deeply regret that we were unable to adequately convey accurate information to citizens and protesters, leading to the company’s withdrawal.” The city plans to proceed with negotiations with the next priority negotiator, a social welfare corporation proposing a community café. However, the loss of this opportunity for international education is a significant setback.
The Social Cost of Misinformation: Understanding International Schools Correctly
First, it is essential to clarify that international schools are not “exclusive schools for a specific nationality.” International schools provide education based on international curricula (such as the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge Curriculum) to children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Both Japanese and foreign children can benefit from an international learning environment.
The information spread during this incident—that the school would be “exclusively for Indians”—was factually incorrect. Nevertheless, this misunderstanding spread and escalated into protest activities, revealing issues with information literacy and the persistence of anxiety and prejudice toward different cultures.
Similar Challenges in Residence Status and Visa Application Practice
This problem frequently occurs in visa and residence status application work. For example, when companies consider hiring foreign workers, vague concerns such as “hiring foreigners involves complicated procedures” or “language and cultural differences may cause trouble” often lead to hesitation.
Similarly, when foreign residents in Japan seek to bring their families over, they sometimes face prejudice-based opposition from local residents, such as “an increase in foreigners will worsen public safety.” Much of this misunderstanding and anxiety stems from a lack of accurate information.
Immigration law and residence status regulations are complex, and without specialized knowledge, accurate understanding is difficult. However, when emotional reactions and misunderstandings prevail without accurate information, opportunities and benefits that should be realized are lost.
Transparency of Information and the Role of Specialists
In this Sapporo case, the city itself acknowledged, “We were unable to adequately convey accurate information to citizens.” This highlights challenges in government public relations and communication strategies. It also underscores the importance of how specialists and businesses communicate information clearly and carefully.
The same applies to residence status and visa application work. Specialists such as administrative scriveners and lawyers play a crucial role in accurately understanding laws and regulations and explaining them clearly to clients. However, that alone is not enough. Outreach activities to spread correct knowledge and understanding of accepting foreign residents within local communities and corporate organizations are also necessary.
For example, holding seminars for HR managers on the procedures, benefits, and precautions of hiring foreign workers, or conducting workshops for local residents on the significance of multicultural coexistence, are effective measures.
Perspectives Required of Corporate Executives and HR Managers
For executives and HR managers of companies employing foreign workers, this case is not someone else’s problem. Creating an environment where foreign employees can work and live with peace of mind is both a corporate social responsibility and a way to enhance competitiveness.
Specific initiatives include:
- Sharing accurate information within the company: HR departments should understand the types of residence statuses, renewal procedures, and conditions for family accompaniment, and provide accurate information to foreign employees.
- Collaboration with the local community: Encourage foreign employees to participate in local events and create opportunities for interaction with local residents.
- Promoting multicultural understanding: Conduct multicultural understanding training within the company to foster a workplace culture where Japanese and foreign employees respect each other.
- Utilizing specialists: Consult specialists (administrative scriveners, lawyers) for visa and residence status matters to ensure legal compliance and proper procedures.
Message to Foreign Residents in Japan and Their Families
For foreign residents in Japan and their families, incidents like this may cause anxiety or disappointment. However, there is no need to give up.
Japanese society is undoubtedly changing. Accepting foreign workers is a national policy, and multicultural coexistence initiatives are spreading across the country. While misunderstandings and prejudices still exist, efforts to overcome them continue.
What is important is that you actively engage as a member of the local community and communicate. Language barriers and cultural differences certainly exist, but rather than isolating yourself, you can gradually build trust by participating in local events and exchanging greetings with neighbors.
If you have concerns or questions about residence status or visas, we recommend consulting a specialist. Obtaining accurate information can alleviate anxiety and allow you to continue living in Japan with confidence.
Toward a Multicultural Coexistence Society: What We Can Do
This Sapporo case demonstrates both the difficulty and the importance of realizing a multicultural coexistence society. To eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices, the following efforts are necessary:
- Strengthening transparency and communication of information: Government, businesses, and specialists should collaborate to actively disseminate accurate and understandable information.
- Promoting dialogue and exchange: Create opportunities for direct dialogue between local residents and foreign residents to deepen mutual understanding.
- Advancing education and awareness: Implement multicultural understanding education in schools, companies, and local communities to reduce prejudice and discrimination.
- Enhancing specialist support systems: Expand consultation services for visas and residence status to create an environment where foreign residents can consult with confidence.
Conclusion: Dialogue and Understanding Shape the Future
The cancellation of Sapporo’s international school project was unfortunate. However, we are now challenged to learn from this case and determine how we will act.
As professionals engaged in residence status and visa application work, we will continue to support foreign residents, their families, and companies employing foreign workers through accurate information provision and careful communication. Realizing a multicultural coexistence society cannot be achieved overnight, but we believe that the accumulation of individual understanding and effort will eventually bring about significant change.
Dialogue instead of misunderstanding. Understanding instead of prejudice. With such attitudes, let us build the future together.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/b4eb4b8cf50f0fd1b11a16e4007e02244fd7760b
