- Introduction: The Reality That Exclusionary Sentiment Hurts Japanese Citizens Too
- What’s Happening in Setagaya Ward? The Doubling of Foreign Residents and Surge in Consultations
- The Danger of the Term “Foreign National Problem”—The Subject Is Too Broad
- The “Information Gap” and “Lack of Awareness” Behind Rule-Breaking
- The Importance of Involving Foreigners in Local Communities
- Actions Companies Employing Foreign Nationals Should Take
- Council Member Ozgul’s Journey—Entering University at 14, Coming to Japan at 21
- “Harmony Is to Be Valued”—The Foundation of Multiculturalism
- Our Role as Immigration Specialists
- Conclusion: Toward a Society Where Each Person Understands Others as Fellow “Residents”
Introduction: The Reality That Exclusionary Sentiment Hurts Japanese Citizens Too
Since 2025, exclusionary sentiment has been rising in Japanese society. However, those affected are not only foreigners. Japanese people in international marriages, Japanese people with foreign friends and colleagues, and company executives and HR personnel who employ foreign workers—many Japanese citizens are also deeply hurt by this trend.
In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, the foreign resident population has doubled over the past decade, reaching approximately 30,000 people (as of March 2026). According to Council Member Ozgul, originally from Uzbekistan, consultations are increasing rapidly—not only from foreigners, but primarily from Japanese citizens.
“Actually, we’re receiving more consultations from Japanese people than from foreigners.”
This statement reveals the serious impact that exclusionary sentiment has on society as a whole.
As administrative scriveners specializing in visa applications and residence status, we hear similar voices every day. In this article, we will examine the case of Setagaya Ward to explain the essence of multiculturalism and the responses that companies employing foreign nationals and local communities should take.
What’s Happening in Setagaya Ward? The Doubling of Foreign Residents and Surge in Consultations
Setagaya Ward Where Foreign Residents Doubled in 10 Years
The number of foreigners living in Setagaya Ward increased from 16,861 on March 1, 2016, to 30,802 on March 1, 2026—nearly doubling. The percentage of foreign residents in Setagaya Ward’s total population has also risen from 1.9% to 3.3%.
These figures reflect a nationwide trend. As Japan’s population ages and the birthrate declines, foreign residents are expected to continue increasing to address labor shortages and as internationalization progresses.
The Background of Increasing Consultations from Japanese Citizens
Many of the consultations received by Council Member Ozgul include the following:
- Spouses in international marriages feel cold stares or receive hurtful comments whenever they go outside and are frightened
- A person born and raised in Japan but with foreign roots and different facial features was refused service by a taxi
- Children of mixed heritage are being bullied
- A Japanese person’s close foreign friend is suffering
- A Japanese colleague working with foreigners is troubled
- A business owner conducting business overseas is concerned
The majority of these consultations come not from foreigners themselves, but from the Japanese people around them. The number of consultations increased significantly after the 2025 House of Councillors election and Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election.
The Danger of the Term “Foreign National Problem”—The Subject Is Too Broad
The Harm of Lumping All Foreigners Together
Council Member Ozgul points out that “the subject is far too broad.”
The term “foreign national problem” gives the impression that all foreigners are problematic. However, like Japanese people, foreigners have diverse nationalities, backgrounds, occupations, and life experiences. Some follow rules and some don’t. They also fulfill tax obligations just like Japanese citizens.
Not “Japanese vs. Foreigners” but “Those Who Follow Rules vs. Those Who Don’t”
Council Member Ozgul proposes the following perspective:
“Instead of distinguishing between Japanese and foreigners, we should distinguish between those who follow rules and those who don’t.”
This perspective is extremely important when considering multiculturalism. By using behavioral standards rather than nationality or appearance as criteria, fair and constructive discussion becomes possible.
The “Information Gap” and “Lack of Awareness” Behind Rule-Breaking
The Reality That Rules Are Written Only in Japanese
One reason some foreigners don’t follow rules and manners is that the rules themselves are not properly communicated.
“This is Japan, so Japanese rules and manners should be respected. However, those rules are often written only in Japanese. Of course, learning Japanese is necessary for living in Japan, but people who just arrived in Japan or tourists don’t understand.”
Council Member Ozgul proposes promoting multilingual signage and extensive use of pictograms.
The Reality of Setagaya Ward’s Multilingual Support
Setagaya Ward’s website offers multilingual support, but the reality was as follows:
- The English version page had typhoon warnings from several years ago still posted, not updated
- The Setagaya Ward Disaster Prevention Portal also offers multilingual display, but the language switching button is only in Japanese saying “言語選択” (Language Selection)
This makes it impossible for foreign residents to access necessary information.
Awareness of the Foreign Resident Facility “Crossing Setagaya”
Setagaya Ward has a facility called “Crossing Setagaya” that provides Japanese language classes, international exchange events, and life consultations. However, a 2025 survey of foreign residents revealed the following results:
- Don’t know about “Crossing Setagaya”: 73.2%
- Know about it but have never used it: 22.4%
- Know about it and have used it: 4.4%
It’s clear that awareness is completely insufficient.
The Importance of Involving Foreigners in Local Communities
Responding to Declining Birthrate, Aging Population, and Shortage of Community Leaders
Setagaya Ward is also experiencing a declining birthrate and aging population, with a decrease in people to carry on traditional events. Council Member Ozgul suggests involving foreigners as well.
“If that’s the case, we should have foreigners participate and support the local community together. Whether it’s festivals or trash collection, I want them to utilize the power of foreigners.”
Face-to-Face Relationships Reduce Anxiety
One reason vague anxiety about foreigners is spreading is that few Japanese people actually interact with foreigners.
By calling out to foreigners in shopping districts, neighborhood associations, and local events and participating in activities together, face-to-face relationships are born. If relationships where people can greet each other are established, anxiety will also decrease.
Mutual Support Even During Disasters
If Japanese people and foreigners know each other in the local community, they can help each other even during disasters. Multiculturalism doesn’t mean prioritizing foreigners; it means a society where people help each other.
Actions Companies Employing Foreign Nationals Should Take
Sharing Company Rules in Multiple Languages
When companies accept foreign talent, it is essential to make company rules and work manuals multilingual. If only Japanese is used, foreign employees may find themselves in situations where they “want to follow rules but cannot.”
Utilizing Pictograms
To overcome language barriers, utilizing pictograms (icons/symbols) is also effective. Visual aids for safety signs, garbage sorting, break room usage, etc., are needed.
Introducing a Mentor System
To prevent foreign employees from becoming isolated, introducing a system where Japanese employees serve as mentors is effective. By providing consultation not only on work matters but also on daily life, an environment where people can work with peace of mind is established.
Encouraging Participation in Local Communities
When companies encourage foreign employees to participate in local events and activities, not only does the employees’ own life satisfaction improve, but it also leads to building good relationships with the local community.
Council Member Ozgul’s Journey—Entering University at 14, Coming to Japan at 21
A Girl Fascinated by the Beauty of Hiragana
Council Member Ozgul was born in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Raised in a family where her mother and grandparents were teachers, she was a child who loved reading books.
She skipped grades and entered high school at 13, and happened to peek into a Japanese language club where she was captivated by the characters written on the blackboard.
“Hiragana looked like a single ‘beauty’ to me.”
From there, she immersed herself in Japanese and entered Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies at age 14. She graduated at 18 and completed graduate school at 20—learning at an astonishing speed.
Struggles in Japan—Job Hunting Rejected by 53 Companies
She came to Japan at age 21 upon marriage, but life in Japan was a series of struggles.
- Job hunting was rejected by 53 companies because she “didn’t graduate from a Japanese university”
- She couldn’t rent an apartment because she was a “housewife”
- When trying to open a wine bar as a foreign national woman, she was suspected of running an illicit business
These experiences became the catalyst for pursuing a career in politics.
2023, Elected to Setagaya Ward Council
She ran in the 2023 Setagaya Ward Council election with endorsement from the Constitutional Democratic Party and won. She currently operates independently as a single-member faction called “Association to Love Japan from Setagaya.”
“Harmony Is to Be Valued”—The Foundation of Multiculturalism
Learning from Prince Shotoku’s Spirit
Council Member Ozgul says that Prince Shotoku’s words “harmony is to be valued” are the very foundation of multiculturalism.
“Japan should thoroughly promote multilingualization and information dissemination. Foreigners should study Japanese properly, follow Japanese rules, and respect Japan as a country. I want people who have love for Japan to come.”
Creating a Japanese Model of Coexistence
“I think Japan is now at the same stage as when Europe first accepted immigrants. While learning from Europe’s positive and negative experiences, I believe we can create a Japanese model of coexistence.”
The foundation of this is for local Japanese people and foreigners to know each other as fellow residents.
Our Role as Immigration Specialists
The Importance of Visa Application and Residence Status Support
As administrative scriveners, we support visa applications and residence status renewals for foreign nationals living in Japan.
However, our role doesn’t stop at simply handling procedures. We also consider it an important mission to contribute to building a society where foreigners and Japanese people understand each other and grow together.
Support for Corporate HR Personnel and Executives
We provide the following support to HR personnel and executives at companies employing foreigners:
- Explanation of types and requirements of residence statuses
- Employment contract drafting support
- Residence status renewal and change procedure support
- Advice on life support for foreign employees
Support for Foreign Nationals Living in Japan
We provide the following support to foreign nationals living in Japan:
- Residence status application and renewal procedures
- Permanent residence permit applications
- Naturalization applications
- Family reunification
- Information on Japanese life rules and manners
Conclusion: Toward a Society Where Each Person Understands Others as Fellow “Residents”
The case of Setagaya Ward highlights challenges facing Japanese society as a whole.
Exclusionary sentiment hurts not only foreigners but Japanese people as well. People in international marriages, people with foreign friends and colleagues, company executives and HR personnel employing foreigners—many Japanese people are suffering from this sentiment.
What’s needed is not the confrontational structure of “Japanese vs. foreigners,” but the perspective of “those who follow rules vs. those who don’t.”
And to follow rules, multilingual information, thorough awareness campaigns, and promoting participation in local communities are essential.
Companies need to accept foreign talent not as “labor” but as “residents” and partners who grow together.
Local communities can reduce mutual anxiety by involving foreigners in community activities and building face-to-face relationships.
“Harmony is to be valued”—this Japanese spirit is the very foundation of multiculturalism.
We, as administrative scriveners, will continue to contribute to building a society where foreigners and Japanese people understand and help each other through support for visa applications and residence status.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
