- ■ Introduction: The Rapid Increase in Children with Foreign Roots
- ■ Current Status of Foreign Residents and “Dependent” Status Holders in Okayama City
- ■ What is the “Dependent” Status of Residence?
- ■ Challenges Faced in School Settings
- ■ Okayama City’s Initiatives: Policies Toward Multicultural Coexistence
- ■ The Role Companies Should Play: Supporting Families of Foreign Employees
- ■ What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Status of Residence Applications and Life Support
- ■ Toward the Realization of a Multicultural Society
- ■ Conclusion: What We Can Do Now
■ Introduction: The Rapid Increase in Children with Foreign Roots
In recent years, as the number of foreign workers in Japan has increased, the number of children coming to Japan as family members has also risen. According to local reporting, the number of elementary and junior high school students in Okayama City requiring Japanese-language support increased from 90 in 2021 to 189 in 2025, highlighting the growing need for educational and community-based support.
This trend is driven by the increasing number of children holding the “Dependent” status of residence, which accompanies the expansion of foreign talent acceptance in Japan. However, language barriers and cultural differences in school settings are creating situations where children are prone to isolation, raising concerns about risks such as bullying.
In this article, from the perspective of an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), we will provide a detailed explanation of the “Dependent” status of residence system, the challenges faced in school environments, and the support measures that companies and local communities should implement.
■ Current Status of Foreign Residents and “Dependent” Status Holders in Okayama City
Record-High Number of Foreign Residents
According to city-referenced reporting, the number of foreign residents in Okayama City had reached 17,708 as of the end of January 2025, an increase of 1,130 from the same period the previous year, marking a record high. This figure reflects the nationwide trend of expanding acceptance of foreign talent in Japan.
Trends by Status of Residence Category
Particularly noteworthy is the increase in foreign nationals holding the following statuses of residence:
“Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”
・March 2016: 530 people (5.1% of total)
・March 2025: 1,512 people (9.21% of total)
→ Approximately tripled
“Dependent”
・March 2016: 549 people (5.3% of total)
・March 2025: 1,144 people (6.97% of total)
→ Approximately doubled
These figures indicate a sharp increase in cases where foreign workers with specialized skills are employed in Japan, and their spouses and children come to Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence.
■ What is the “Dependent” Status of Residence?
Definition and Eligible Persons for “Dependent” Status
The “Dependent” status of residence (often loosely referred to as a dependent visa) is generally granted to the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan under an eligible mid- to long-term status of residence and being financially supported by that person.
It generally applies to the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan under an eligible mid- to long-term status of residence. In practice, this often includes family members of people holding work-authorized statuses, while family accompaniment is restricted under some categories such as Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Children residing in Japan under this status may attend public elementary and junior high schools in Japan.
Key Points to Note Regarding “Dependent” Status
HR personnel at companies employing foreign nationals should be aware of the following important points:
- Synchronization of Period of Stay: The period of stay for dependents is typically aligned with that of the sponsoring family member (parent).
- Employment Restrictions: In principle, Dependent status holders are not permitted to work. If they wish to engage in part-time employment, they must first obtain permission to engage in activities outside the scope of their status, and even then, work is generally limited to 28 hours per week.
- Need for Renewal: Even if the sponsoring parent renews their own period of stay, the child’s Dependent status is not renewed automatically; a separate application is generally required.
- Family Accompaniment Restrictions: Family accompaniment is not generally permitted under some categories, including Specified Skilled Worker (i), so companies should avoid assuming that all foreign employees can automatically bring spouses and children to Japan.
■ Challenges Faced in School Settings
Isolation Caused by Language Barriers
Children who cannot speak Japanese fluently face difficulties not only in keeping up with lessons but also in making friends. Ms. Sayuri Hamada, Secretary General of the Hashimoto Foundation, which supports children with foreign roots in Okayama Prefecture, points out that “many children feel isolated and constrained at school because they cannot communicate smoothly and have difficulty making friends.”
Risk of Bullying
Particularly among younger children, there are cases where insensitive remarks such as “your skin is dark” are made regarding physical differences. This is due to a lack of intercultural understanding education and insufficient communication among children.
Consideration for Cultural and Religious Needs
Some children from Muslim families face challenges such as being unable to eat school lunches (due to the need for halal food), wishing to wear a hijab, or requiring prayer five times a day. Understanding and accommodating such religious and cultural backgrounds is essential in school settings.
■ Okayama City’s Initiatives: Policies Toward Multicultural Coexistence
According to local reporting, Okayama City has been expanding support measures such as Japanese-language assistance, multilingual communication tools, and after-school support spaces for children with foreign roots.
1. Enhancement of Japanese Language Instruction
Part of class time is allocated to individual instruction by Japanese language teachers and support staff, enabling children with limited Japanese proficiency to gradually understand lesson content.
2. Provision of Multilingual Communication Support
To facilitate communication between schools and parents, or between teachers and children, the city has reportedly introduced translation devices supporting multiple languages.
3. Respect for Religious and Cultural Needs
Such support may include allowing packed lunches where needed, permitting religious or cultural attire such as hijabs, and making reasonable arrangements for prayer or quiet space where appropriate.
4. Establishment of After-School Classes (Starting April 2025)
According to reporting, after-school classes are being organized for elementary school students with foreign roots, providing a space where children with similar backgrounds can gather to play and do homework with Japanese language teachers and university students, creating a mentally secure environment.
5. Pre-Enrollment Japanese Language Classes
Local reports indicate that Japanese language classes have been offered to preschool-age children from Indonesia and Pakistan to help them learn basic Japanese before entering elementary school, supporting a smoother start to school life.
■ The Role Companies Should Play: Supporting Families of Foreign Employees
Understanding Employees’ Family Situations
For HR personnel at companies employing foreign talent, managing statuses of residence is an important task. However, this alone is insufficient. For employers, supporting foreign employees should not stop at work authorization and visa renewal alone. Understanding family circumstances—such as children’s schooling, language needs, and adjustment to daily life—can also be an important factor in employee retention and stability.
Family Security Affects Work Performance
Issues such as a child being bullied at school or feeling isolated due to language barriers can significantly impact the mental health of the employee. This can result in decreased concentration at work or even lead to resignation.
Specific Support Measures Companies Can Implement
- Orientation at the Time of Hiring
・Provide information on local Japanese language classes and support organizations
・Provide practical guidance or referrals regarding school enrollment and transfer procedures - Regular Follow-Up
・Conduct family situation interviews several times a year
・Connect employees to administrative scriveners or support organizations if issues arise - In-House Cross-Cultural Understanding Training
・Raise awareness of multicultural coexistence among Japanese employees
・Create a workplace environment that does not isolate foreign employees and their families - Support During Status of Residence Renewal
・Ensure that “Dependent” statuses are also renewed without oversight
・Collaborate with administrative scriveners to ensure smooth procedures
■ What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Status of Residence Applications and Life Support
Professionals in Status of Residence Application and Renewal
Administrative scriveners specialize in supporting status of residence application and renewal procedures for foreign nationals. Particularly for the “Dependent” status, typical supporting documents may include proof of employment and income of the sponsoring family member, documents proving the family relationship, and other materials requested by immigration authorities.
Preparing such documents and filing applications with immigration authorities can be complex. By engaging an administrative scrivener, applicants can avoid errors and omissions, ensuring smooth acquisition of the status of residence.
Supporting Life Planning for the Entire Family
Administrative scriveners do not merely handle visa procedures. They provide comprehensive support to help foreign employees and their families live securely in Japan, including:
・Consultation regarding children’s school enrollment
・Introduction to local Japanese language classes and support organizations
・Advice on housing contracts and various administrative procedures
・Consultation on future permanent residency acquisition
Bridging Companies and Foreign Talent
For HR departments, managing the statuses of residence of foreign employees can be burdensome. By establishing ongoing advisory support arrangements or retainer-based support from an administrative scrivener, companies can gain the following benefits:
・Centralized management of status of residence renewal schedules
・Rapid response to legal amendments or system changes
・Function as a consultation window in case of trouble
・Contribution to improved retention of foreign talent
■ Toward the Realization of a Multicultural Society
Building a System of Community-Wide Support
Creating an environment where children with foreign roots can grow without isolation requires support not only from schools but from the entire local community.
Collaboration among government agencies, schools, companies, NPOs, and professionals such as administrative scriveners is essential to promote community development where foreign nationals and their families can live with peace of mind.
Dual Approach: Japanese Language Education and Safe Spaces
As Ms. Hamada of the Hashimoto Foundation points out, “the biggest challenge is the inability to communicate, but this cannot be resolved immediately.” Therefore, it is important to advance Japanese language instruction while simultaneously creating safe spaces where children can express themselves.
Significance for Companies
For many companies, hiring foreign talent has become indispensable. However, hiring alone is not enough. Ensuring that employees and their families can live securely in Japan contributes to the sustainable growth of the company.
“Multicultural coexistence” is not just an ideal—it is also a practical business advantage.
■ Conclusion: What We Can Do Now
The news that the number of elementary and junior high school students requiring Japanese-language instruction in Okayama City has doubled in five years symbolizes the nationwide expansion of foreign talent acceptance in Japan.
To ensure that children who come to Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence can attend school with peace of mind, without being isolated due to language barriers or cultural differences, the following actions are necessary:
Role of Government
・Enhancement of Japanese language education
・Expansion of translation tools and multilingual support
・Promotion of after-school classes and safe spaces
Role of Schools
・Implementation of intercultural understanding education
・Respect for religious and cultural needs
・Prevention of bullying and creation of inclusive environments
Role of Companies
・Understanding and following up on employees’ family situations
・Collaboration with local support organizations
・Reliable management of status of residence renewal
Role of Administrative Scriveners
・Professional support for status of residence application and renewal
・Consultation on life planning for the entire family
・Serving as a bridge between companies and foreign talent
As administrative scriveners and professionals in legal procedures, we are committed to providing full support to foreign nationals and their families so they can live securely in Japan.
If you have any concerns regarding the employment of foreign talent or status of residence-related matters, please feel free to contact us. Let us work together toward the realization of a multicultural society.
【Contact Information】
For inquiries regarding status of residence and visa applications, please feel free to contact our office.
