Towards a Multicultural Society in Japan: Lessons from Isesaki City and the Role of Companies and Professionals

Introduction

An article published in the Asahi Shimbun on March 23, 2026, titled “Difficulty in Communicating Garbage Disposal Rules: Neighborhood Associations Hold the Key to Coexistence with Foreign Residents,” highlighted the realities of a multicultural society in Japan. In the Sakaido-do Higashi district of Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, one-third of approximately 370 households are foreign nationals. The issues surrounding garbage disposal rules occurring there are not isolated issues but challenges that any community in Japan may face.

As administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) who handle visa applications and residence status procedures, it has become increasingly clear that “legal procedures alone cannot achieve true coexistence.” In this article, through the case of Isesaki City, we will examine the roles that companies employing foreign workers should fulfill, the challenges foreign residents face, and what we as professionals can do to support sustainable multicultural integration.

1. Current Situation in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture: The Frontline of a Multicultural Society

1-1. The Reality: One-Third of All Households Are Foreign Nationals

Gunma Prefecture has a thriving manufacturing industry and has actively accepted foreign workers as a labor force. The proportion of foreign residents among the population is in the mid-4% range, the second-highest in Japan after Tokyo.

The Sakaido-do Higashi district in Isesaki City has a particularly high ratio of foreign residents. Approximately one-third of residents come from Asian countries such as Bangladesh and the Philippines.

1-2. Why Garbage Disposal Rules Are Not Being Followed

According to neighborhood association president Takao Ueno (74 years old), the most significant operational challenge in the community is organizing and maintaining the garbage collection area.

Main issues:

• Disposal of oversized garbage on non-designated days
• Inadequate waste separation
• Cans and plastic bottles mixed into “non-burnable garbage” bags
• Approximately 10 people move in and out each month, making thorough communication difficult

The neighborhood association holds explanation sessions for foreign residents twice a year regarding garbage disposal, but with such high resident turnover, thorough implementation remains challenging.

Issues such as improper waste disposal are often perceived as individual behavior, but in many cases reflect insufficient corporate onboarding and support systems. When companies fail to provide adequate orientation about local regulations, the burden falls disproportionately on community organizations.

1-3. A Notable Incident: Calf Heads and Legs Were Discarded

In the spring of 2025, a semi-transparent plastic bag containing unusual contents was discarded on “burnable garbage” day. There were bloodstains around it. When the bag was opened under police supervision, two calf heads and four legs were found inside.

The individual responsible was not identified. However, in some Asian countries, it is not uncommon for people to butcher and consume cattle and pigs themselves. Mr. Ueno notes that such disposal would be highly unusual for a Japanese resident.

While the intent remains unclear, this incident exemplifies how differences in culture and customs can create friction with the local community, even without malicious intent.

1-4. The Neighborhood Association’s Operational Burden: Sorting for One Hour, Twice Monthly

Garbage that collection companies refuse to collect due to “violations” is re-sorted by Mr. Ueno and ten other neighborhood association members, divided into two groups, twice a month for nearly an hour each time.

“If we leave it as is, more violation garbage will pile up. Discontent among Japanese residents that foreigners ‘aren’t trying to integrate into Japanese society’ could grow,” says Mr. Ueno.

Although surveillance cameras were increased from one to four, identifying violators at night is difficult, and by the time violators are identified, they have often already moved away.

The cost of neglecting community integration often exceeds the cost of providing proper support. This incident illustrates how reactive measures (surveillance, manual sorting) consume more resources than proactive integration support would require.

2. The Meaning of “Japan First”: Rules for Coexistence, Not Exclusion

2-1. Voices of the Younger Generation

The younger generation in the area grew up in an environment where foreign residents were familiar. Shoichi Yamamoto (23 years old), representative of the NPO Asward, is one of them.

Since elementary school, there were always several foreign students in his classes. In the past, most were South American Nikkei (people of Japanese descent) and others who had settled in Japan for the long term. However, in recent years, the number of Asian workers who work for a few years and then return to their home countries has increased, and problems such as improper garbage disposal have become more noticeable.

Mr. Yamamoto emphasizes that “it is important that residents understand and follow local customs and rules.”

2-2. Understanding “Japan First” in Context

In the 2024 Upper House election, the Sanseito (参政党) candidate who advocated “Japan First” received more votes than the Liberal Democratic Party candidate in Isesaki City.

The phrase “Japan First” should be understood not as exclusion, but as an emphasis on maintaining social rules while promoting coexistence. Mr. Yamamoto clarifies his position: asking foreign residents to follow Japanese rules is not an exclusionary stance, but rather “it’s necessary to promote coexistence while ensuring that the increasing number of foreign residents follow established community standards.”

This perspective reflects a pragmatic approach to multicultural integration—one that recognizes the importance of shared norms and mutual respect as foundations for sustainable coexistence.

2-3. Toward a Multicultural Future

Mr. Yamamoto is currently discussing community development in the Sakai district, which is experiencing population decline, with local business owners, neighborhood association leaders, and Bangladeshi leaders from Islamic prayer facilities.

“More Muslims will likely come in the future. I want to create a town where everyone can live comfortably and vibrantly.”

These words convey a clear vision of inclusive community development based on shared understanding of local rules and mutual cultural respect.

3. The Role Companies Employing Foreign Workers Should Fulfill

3-1. Obtaining a Visa Should Be Viewed as the Starting Point, Not the Final Objective

What we want to convey to corporate HR personnel is that obtaining a visa should be viewed as the starting point, not the final objective of foreign worker integration.

Even if residence status is obtained and the person becomes able to work in Japan, that alone is insufficient. Failure to address integration issues can lead to employee turnover, community conflicts, and reputational risks for companies. It is therefore a strategic corporate responsibility to create an environment where foreign workers can integrate into the local community and work with peace of mind.

3-2. Explanation of Living Rules at the Time of Employment

Companies should incorporate comprehensive orientation on local living rules as a standard practice during the onboarding process.

Garbage Disposal Rules

• Separation methods that differ by region
• Collection days and times
• How to dispose of oversized garbage and reservation procedures
• Types of garbage bags and where to purchase them

Involvement with the Local Community

• Joining neighborhood associations
• Participation in community events
• Greetings to neighbors
• Consideration regarding noise and odors

Public Manners

• Road traffic rules
• How to use public transportation
• How to use parks and public facilities

These topics should be covered as a standard practice during orientation at the time of hiring, with multilingual materials provided for reference.

3-3. Establishing Continuous Support Systems

It is also important to establish a consultation desk within the company where foreign workers can consult when they encounter difficulties.

Specific examples of initiatives:

• Establishing a consultation desk exclusively for foreign employees
• Creating multilingual manuals
• Conducting regular check-in interviews
• Introducing local Japanese language classes
• Providing support when daily life troubles occur
• Designating a cultural liaison officer within HR

Community engagement should be treated as part of corporate risk management and sustainability strategy, not merely as a compliance obligation.

3-4. Strategic Cooperation with the Local Community

When companies proactively cooperate with the local community, the acceptance of foreign workers proceeds more smoothly and community friction is minimized.

Methods of strategic cooperation:

• Prior consultation and information sharing with neighborhood associations
• Participation and support for local events
• Creating structured opportunities for interaction between foreign employees and local residents
• Establishing rapid response protocols when issues occur
• Contributing to local infrastructure (e.g., multilingual signage, community resources)

As the Isesaki City case demonstrates, active corporate involvement is essential to reduce the operational burden on community organizations. Companies that invest in community integration often experience lower turnover rates, better employee satisfaction, and enhanced corporate reputation.

4. What Foreign Residents in Japan Should Know

4-1. Lack of Awareness Does Not Necessarily Exempt Individuals from Responsibility

Many foreign residents unintentionally violate Japanese rules without malicious intent. However, lack of awareness does not necessarily exempt individuals from responsibility, and violations can have consequences for community relationships and, in some cases, residence status.

Garbage disposal rules, in particular, are often the first point of contact with the local community. Missteps in this area can deteriorate relationships with neighbors and lead to potential social isolation.

4-2. Proactively Seeking Information

Japanese administrative services and local information often cannot be obtained unless you proactively seek them out yourself. Waiting passively for information rarely yields results.

Methods of gathering information:

• Use the foreign resident consultation desk at your municipality
• Consult with international exchange associations or foreign resident support organizations
• Ask supervisors or colleagues at work
• Join communities of people from the same country on social media
• Attend Japanese language classes
• Request orientation materials from your employer

4-3. Participation in the Local Community

Joining a neighborhood association is the first step toward integrating into the community and gaining access to essential local information.

Benefits of participation:

• Obtain daily life information such as garbage disposal rules
• Receive support during disasters and emergencies
• Build relationships with local residents
• Learn Japanese culture and customs through direct experience
• Establish a support network for when difficulties arise
• Demonstrate commitment to community integration

5. What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Support Beyond Legal Procedures

5-1. As Specialists in Residence Status Procedures

We administrative scriveners provide professional support for residence status procedures such as the following:

Main services:

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Application for Extension of Period of Stay
• Application for Change of Status of Residence
• Application for Permission for Permanent Residence
• Application for Certificate of Authorized Employment
• Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted

5-2. Comprehensive Support for Companies

For companies employing foreign workers, we provide strategic support that extends beyond basic legal compliance:

Services for companies:

• Consultation on appropriate residence statuses for specific positions
• Preparation and review of necessary documentation
• Representation in applications to immigration authorities
• Guidance on post-employment compliance obligations
• Development of training materials on living rules for foreign employees (multilingual)
• Consultation response and mediation when community or workplace issues occur
• Risk assessment for foreign worker integration

5-3. The Strategic Importance of Life Support

However, our role extends beyond legal procedures alone. True value lies in comprehensive integration support.

As the Isesaki City case demonstrates, life support is essential for foreign residents to integrate successfully into the local community and for companies to avoid costly conflicts and turnover.

Contents of comprehensive life support:

• Provision of multilingual materials explaining Japanese living rules
• Support for various notifications to municipalities
• Advice on finding housing in foreigner-friendly areas
• Guidance on how to use public services (healthcare, education, utilities)
• Emergency consultation response
• Cultural orientation and community introduction services

5-4. Functioning as Intermediaries Among Stakeholders

We administrative scriveners function as intermediaries connecting companies, foreign residents, and local communities—a role that becomes increasingly critical in multicultural environments.

Specific initiatives:

• Facilitating cooperation agreements between companies and neighborhood associations
• Promoting structured interaction between foreign communities and local communities
• Serving as neutral mediators when conflicts or misunderstandings occur
• Providing evidence-based information on multicultural coexistence best practices
• Conducting risk assessments and developing preventive strategies

6. Toward Realizing a Sustainable Multicultural Society

6-1. Cooperation Among Three Parties Is Essential

To realize a sustainable multicultural society, strategic cooperation among the following three parties is essential:

1. Companies

• Recognize employment as encompassing integration responsibilities
• Implement comprehensive onboarding that includes local living rules
• Establish proactive partnerships with local communities
• Treat community integration as a component of corporate sustainability strategy

2. Foreign Residents

• Proactively learn and follow Japanese community rules
• Participate actively in local community activities
• Seek assistance through appropriate channels when difficulties arise
• Demonstrate respect for local customs while maintaining cultural identity

3. Local Communities

• Develop cultural competence and understanding
• Create inclusive structures for foreign resident participation
• Collaborate with companies and professional organizations
• Balance preservation of community standards with openness to diversity

6-2. Understanding Context and Intent

Terminology and slogans can carry different connotations depending on context and audience. What is important is the underlying principle: sustainable coexistence requires mutual understanding, respect for established community norms, and willingness to accommodate cultural differences within a framework of shared rules.

Asking foreign residents to understand and follow Japanese community rules is not exclusionary, but rather a foundation for social cohesion. Similarly, Japanese communities must develop cultural awareness and create accessible pathways for foreign resident participation.

6-3. “Knowing” Cultural Differences as a Foundation

As illustrated by the calf incident in Isesaki City, conflicts arising from cultural and customary differences are inevitable in multicultural environments.

What is critical is to proactively “know” and understand such differences before they escalate into serious conflicts. Reactive approaches are costly; proactive cultural education and clear communication are investments that yield returns in social stability and community harmony.

What companies can do:

• Conduct research on the cultures of countries from which employees originate
• Implement training programs that acknowledge cultural differences while clarifying non-negotiable local rules
• Foster cross-cultural communication skills among Japanese and foreign employees alike
• Establish clear protocols for addressing cultural misunderstandings

What local communities can do:

• Organize cultural exchange events that facilitate mutual understanding
• Provide essential information in multiple languages through accessible channels
• Cultivate tolerance and cultural competence among Japanese residents
• Recognize that cultural diversity, when well-managed, can enhance community vitality

7. Future Prospects: Strategic Pathways to a Multicultural Society

7-1. Gunma Prefecture’s Initiatives

Because Gunma Prefecture has a high proportion of foreign residents, it is actively developing comprehensive initiatives toward multicultural coexistence.

Examples of prefectural measures:

• Provision of daily life information in multiple languages
• Establishment of specialized foreign resident consultation services
• Financial and organizational support for Japanese language education
• Creation of employment guidelines and best practice frameworks for companies

7-2. Nationwide Strategic Imperatives

However, coexistence with foreign residents is not a challenge limited to Gunma Prefecture. It is a nationwide issue that will intensify as Japan’s demographic challenges deepen and reliance on foreign workers increases.

Necessary future initiatives:

• Formulation of unified national guidelines with local implementation flexibility
• Financial and technical support for developing community acceptance infrastructure
• Clear articulation and enforcement of corporate employment responsibilities beyond legal minimums
• Mandatory orientation programs on living rules and cultural norms for foreign residents
• Investment in multilingual public services and community liaison systems

7-3. Our Mission as Legal and Integration Professionals

We administrative scriveners have a dual mission: as legal procedure specialists ensuring compliance, and as strategic advisors facilitating successful multicultural integration.

Future initiatives:

• Conducting seminars and workshops for companies on integration best practices
• Developing comprehensive, multilingual living guides for foreign residents
• Strengthening partnerships with local governments and community organizations
• Proactive dissemination of information and strategies to prevent conflicts
• Advocating for policy improvements based on frontline experience

Conclusion

The case of Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, provides valuable insights into the realities and challenges of building a multicultural society in Japan.

The words of neighborhood association president Mr. Ueno are particularly instructive: “There are differences in culture and national character with foreign residents. We must patiently teach local rules and immediately address any violations. Neighborhood associations hold the key to ‘coexistence.'”

However, sustainable coexistence cannot rest on the shoulders of neighborhood associations alone. Companies, professional service providers, and government institutions must each fulfill their responsibilities strategically and proactively.

Obtaining a visa is merely the starting point. Creating an environment where foreign residents can integrate into the community, work productively, and live with security and dignity requires sustained effort across multiple stakeholders. This is not merely a moral imperative—it is a strategic necessity for companies operating in Japan’s evolving demographic landscape.

To Foreign Residents in Japan:
If you have questions or concerns about living in Japan, please seek assistance proactively. We provide support not only regarding visas and residence status but also regarding successful integration into daily life and community participation.

To HR Personnel of Companies Employing Foreign Workers:
Successful foreign employment extends far beyond legal procedures. It requires comprehensive support including post-employment life integration and strategic community partnerships. Failure to address these issues can lead to employee turnover, community conflicts, and reputational risks for companies. If you seek guidance on developing robust integration systems, please consult with us.

As legal specialists and as strategic partners in realizing sustainable multicultural societies, we are committed to supporting all stakeholders in this essential transition.

【Key Points of This Article】
✓ One-third of all households in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, are foreign nationals
✓ Improper waste disposal often reflects insufficient corporate onboarding systems
✓ Understanding cultural differences proactively is essential for conflict prevention
✓ Companies should extend responsibility to post-employment integration support
✓ Sustainable coexistence requires shared rules combined with cultural respect
✓ Administrative scriveners provide both legal compliance and strategic integration support
✓ Community integration should be treated as corporate risk management strategy

【Reference Article】
Asahi Shimbun “Difficulty in Communicating Garbage Disposal Rules: Neighborhood Associations Hold the Key to Coexistence with Foreign Residents”
March 23, 2026, 5:00 PM

60分無料相談お申し込みフォーム 60-min. Free Consulting Request Form