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Chapter 4: Policies for Making Kagawa a Place to Live Together With Foreign Residents

It is important to make information about municipalities’ administrative services, which are the most closely related to everyday life, available in multi-lingual formats (including simple, easy-to-understand Japanese), and in various media forms. This will allow foreign residents without the necessary level of Japanese ability to live their lives with peace of mind.

However, most cities and towns have not yet put these ideas into action. An urgent initiative is required to resolve this deficiency, but if every city and town were to produce their own multi-lingual information, the cost would be very high.
Therefore, in the interests of efficient and effective production, the prefecture will produce a basic version of the information necessary for life in Kagawa prefecture, and distribute this to the towns and cities, which can correct them to match local rules and regulations and then create pamphlets and websites to communicate the information.

Main Policy 1

Name: Production of basic lifestyle information for foreign residents

Content: The Prefecture will produce basic lifestyle information for foreigners covering such areas as the environment, health, welfare, education, taxes, etc., in 5 foreign languages then send these materials to cities and towns on data CD. Cities and towns will correct this information to match local rules and circumstances, then make it available by pamphlets and websites.

Duties: Prefecture; Prepare basic information Cities & Towns; correct information, publish

Timescale: Starting with areas with high populations of foreign residents in 2007, continuing until complete.

Next, on the subject of multi-lingual road-signs and public buildings, the country, prefectural and town and city administrations will, starting with the most easily changeable, take a lead in making these multilingual, and will request the cooperation of public transport companies (i.e. trains, buses and ferries).

In situations where a high level of Japanese conversation ability is required, such as when going to the hospital for a check-up, or claiming welfare services, there is a system for dispatching volunteer translators currently in place at ipal. We are working hard to increase the number of registered volunteer translators and also the number of languages which can be catered for, in order to make this system as effective as possible.

During foreign residents’ day-to-day lives, problems and issues will arise, and to ensure there is somewhere for these issues to be raised and dealt with the Prefectural International Exchange Association (ipal) regularly provides a point-of-contact for discussion in the four or five most common foreign languages.

Main Policy 2

Name: Lifestyle discussion groups for foreign residents

Content: ipal will provide a point-of-contact for discussion of any issues that may arise for foreign residents regularly. This could be in the form of face-to-face or telephone conversation. The discussion seminars will be provided in the four to five most common languages.

Duties: Prefectural International Exchange Association

Timescale: In effect from 2007

With the aim of raising the level of Japanese language of foreign residents, the Prefectural International Exchange Association offers Japanese language lessons, conversation classes and Japanese language volunteer training courses, which are aimed to appeal to a very wide range of foreign citizens, including trainees and foreign students.

We are aiming to develop a prefecture-wide Japanese learning support network through the cooperation of the I-Pal and town and city international exchange associations, which can share resources, lecturers and abilities, and proactively seek the aid of many volunteer Japanese teachers.

The Prefectural International Exchange Association is aiming to extend it’s Japanese Cultural Understanding Volunteer corps to make sure that all foreign residents in the prefecture have every opportunity possible to comprehend Japanese customs, culture and traditions sufficiently.

Securing a dwelling is one of the first challenges for any foreign person moving to Japan, however due to misunderstandings of culture or customs, or lack of communication, when it comes to renting private housing there are still prejudices remaining against foreign people.

Because of this, the Japan Property Management Association has produced a document called “Guidelines for Harmonizing the Leasing of Private Property by Foreigners” to help smooth the process for foreigners, and is using its website to publicize this issue within the registered real-estate broker industry. The prefectural government, with the cooperation of towns and cities, is engaging in widespread PR for these guidelines among related industries and landlords, etc., and in this way is promoting a better understanding of multiculturalism.

Also the prefectural government, via its multilingual website, introduces the procedures and basic vocabulary involved in property rental agreements along with advice about the various rules of daily life in Japan, such as trash collection and the like. At the same time it is requesting that cities and towns make this information available in printed form when people register as foreign residents.

Main Policy 3

Name: Publication of multilingual “Manual for Renting a Home” on the internet, etc.

Content: Construction of a website explaining basic vocabulary used in property rental agreements (e.g. “key money”, “deposit”) and procedures and rules regarding moving house, such as trash disposal, use of communal areas and moving-day manners. This data will be sent to municipalities with a request for it to be printed out and distributed amongst foreign residents.

Duties: Prefecture: publication of basic data, dispatch to towns and cities. Towns and Cities: printing data, distribution to foreign residents.

Timescale: From 2007

Children of foreign residents may lack Japanese ability, which can result in difficulties with in study and school life. As a result, these children may experience problems with Senior High School entrance examinations and finding work.
In response to this, the Prefectural Board of Education will continue it’s current policy of providing either a special part-time Japanese guidance lecturer or extra staff at schools with children of foreign residents to cope with these problems. The course materials used by children of foreign residents and children returning from living abroad to improve their Japanese are sequentially revised and reprinted. (Main Policy 4)

Education in international understanding is promoted at all schools by members of the JET Programme, including Assistant Language Teachers (ALT’s) and Coordinators for International Relations (CIR’s), along with people who have experience in the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Also, schools with children of foreign residents in attendance are encouraged to take a more proactive role in guidance counseling and career support within their Japanese language study support.

Also, with regard to children of foreign residents whose Japanese is not strong enough to participate fully in the Japanese education system, or when there are communication difficulties between schools and households, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology`s 2005 publication, “School Entry Guidebook - Procedures for enrolling in Japanese schools”, we are working with municipalities to provide multilingual information on such topics as the education system, enrollment procedures and the system for assistance in school attendance.

Main Policy 4

Name: Japanese Language Materials for Children of Foreign Residents and Children Returning After Living Abroad

Content: Production of guidance materials covering methods of reception and initial Japanese language teaching, vocabulary and expressions necessary for school life, sentence patterns and grammar to build Japanese ability. Provision of textbooks for standard classes in the student’s mother tongue.

Duties: Prefectural Board of Education Compulsory Education Division

Timescale: From 2007

With the increase in foreign workers, wage and labor environment issues, social insurance avoidance problems, and illegal labor problems have become major issues in society.

On the subject of occupational consultation and referrals, the prefecture, with the cooperation of Hello Work, has established a foreigners’ employment and training corner which provides information essential to entrepreneurs and those seeking work, and provides introductions to related organizations. At the same time, if any laws and ordinances concerning foreign workers are altered, the Prefectural Advisor for Labor Policy will provide entrepreneurs with any necessary information on developments. The prefecture will, through efficient and effective use of this system, continue to improve foreign workers’ labor environment.

Also on the subject of employing foreign workers, the cooperation of industries that employ foreign workers is indispensable. Such cooperation will lead to related industries sharing awareness of problems, an important preventative measure.

Accordingly, in the interest of improving foreign workers’ actual working environments, we will gain the cooperation of industries which employ large numbers of foreign workers, economic organizations and relevant administrative organs, for the purpose of opinion exchange and discussion of problems relating to the hire of foreign workers, and to ensure that local enterprises are enlightened as to their responsibilities as members of local communities.

In the fields of medical treatment, insurance and welfare, the services most strongly sought after are provision of information in multiple languages and interpretation support. Because of this, the prefecture and the Prefectural International Exchange Association are cooperating with medical institutions to provide multilingual websites that offer information about clinics, and when foreign people do need to visit the hospital we are operating an active interpretation volunteer dispatch system.

However, a more advanced level of interpretation ability is required in cases such as if one has to undergo surgery, so to ensure that the interpreters can meet the necessary requirements, training courses are offered to help translators gain specialist knowledge and experience. Efforts are being made to increase the number of interpretation languages available and improve the quality of interpreters.

Main Policy 5

Name: Volunteer Medical Interpreter Training

Content: Recruit interested people from the register of volunteer interpreters and hold seminars to teach them necessary specialist vocabulary and practical knowledge for them to become volunteer medical interpreters.

Duties: Prefectural International Exchange Association

Timescale: From 2007

Multilingual pamphlets with information on mother and infant health check-ups, domestic violence support services, and other such welfare matters, have been produced and sent to all cities and towns. This is a continuing process with new information being made available as necessary. It is possible for foreign residents who meet the criteria to join the National Health Insurance and Nursing Insurance schemes, but this is not known widely enough amongst foreign residents so the prefecture is working together with towns and cities who act as insurers to use their websites to make this information common knowledge.

For foreign residents involved in any kind of disaster, prompt provision of multilingual emergency information will reduce feelings of anxiety. Accordingly, in the event of a disaster, evacuation information, etc. will be published on the prefectural website and at the same time, cities and towns have been provided with “Disaster Information Multilingual Production Tool” software which can be used to provide relevant information. Also a system using FM Radio and digital broadcasting to provide emergency information is under consideration. Also, progress can be made in methods of confirming the whereabouts of foreign residents and the provision of relevant organizations and bodies by consideration of every opportunity as it arises.

Furthermore, so that they know what to do and can act without panicking in a disaster, foreign residents are given disaster training and provided with multilingual materials on disaster prevent measures. Organizations with relations to foreign residents are sent these materials and people concerned are to educate foreign residents on measures to help cope with disasters. The prefecture also provides opportunities for foreign residents to experience natural disaster simulations.

Main Policy 6

Name: Increasing Awareness of Natural Disaster Counter Measures Amongst Foreign Residents

Content: - Translation of the book “Our house’s disaster prevention methods” into multiple languages. So that foreign residents know how to cope with natural disasters, the book, which has already been sent to every household in Japanese, will be translated into multiple languages and sent to every city and town hall and related organization in the prefecture. - Provision of seminars on measures provided to help foreigners cope in the event of a natural disaster. During a natural disaster prejudice can lead to friction between Japanese and foreign residents. To prevent this, training courses for those in charge of providing support measures for foreign residents will be held. - Foreign residents’ natural disaster awareness days. Training in fire fighting, emergency aid, and earthquake simulator experience days will be held at the prefectural disaster prevention center.

Duties: Prefecture: production of media, distribution, provision of training courses, practice sessions, etc. Town and City Halls: increasing awareness in every locality.

Timescale: From 2007

Along with encouraging the organizations which provide study abroad students courses in Japanese language and culture in order to support their education and general way of life, the Prefectural International Exchange Association offers a co-signing system to act as housing guarantors to study abroad students, and the Takamatsu City International Exchange Association continues to provide support in the form of paying one-tenth of national insurance fees. Also, activities such as provision of information regarding recycled furniture and electrical appliances necessary for daily life, etc., are under consideration.

A well-developed system of support for foreign students looking for employment is important for the cultivation of excellent international business talent and revitalization and internationalization of the region’s industry and society. However, at present even though there is both a supply of foreign students looking for employment, and a demand for qualified foreign employees, an insufficiency of relevant information means that the matching of job-seekers to jobs is not proceeding smoothly.

For this reason, Kagawa is working together with commerce and industry organizations and all the universities in the prefecture to create a more proactive, enterprising system of recruitment, more efficient provision of information and interview meetings, etc., in order to get the best match between recruiters and job-seekers.

Main Policy 7

Name: International Student Recruitment Project

Content: Provide recruitment information to foreign students and businesses within the prefecture. Set up meetings where the both international students and businesses can exchange opinions and ideas to aim for a closer match between recruiters and job-seekers.

Duties: Prefecture, Commerce and Industry Organisations, Universities

Timescale: From 2008

To reduce isolation in society resulting from cultural differences or language barriers, the creation of an environment where interns and technical trainees can participate actively in the regional community is important and begins with the support of each locality’s international organizations and volunteers. For that reason, local residents’ and organizations’ warm welcome of foreign interns and technical trainees into the area and supporting them as much as possible in their daily lives is very important, as is inviting them to take part in local social activities such as cleaning and cultural events.

Beginning with foreign interns and technical trainees, a wide ranging debate on foreign residents’ social activity is underway, and a foreign residents’ residence support network will be set up. Together with a stronger emphasis on consultation with and guidance of enterprises accepting foreign interns and technical trainees, a point of contact for discussion of problems will be established for foreign interns and technical trainees to encourage a more discussion-based system of conflict resolution.

Main Policy 8

Name: Support for Interns and Technical Trainees

Content: Administrative personnel, such as Prefectural staff, and staff in city and town governments etc., will provide free training courses at interns' and technical trainees' general induction sessions.

Duties: Prefecture, Cities and Towns, Kagawa Prefecture Central Assembly for Medium and Small Industries, Kagawa Prefecture Assembly for Communicating with Enterprises Accepting Foreign Interns and Trainees., enterprises accepting foreign interns and trainees.

Timescale: Implementation from 2008

The construction of an environment which is attractive for foreign residents to live in is not just a case of making policies aimed at the foreign residents. The most important thing to do is deepen understanding on both sides, with Japanese and foreign residents living in the same area. This does not mean merely learning about foreign countries and international understanding but also making an effort to accept foreign residents as co-members of a multicultural local community.

Kagawa prefecture, in cooperation with its municipalities, is accelerating local community activation projects with the aim of constructing communities which have dealt with internationalization and are rich in foreign residents’ participation in local activities.

Main Policy 9

Name: Provision of a Foreign Residents’ Residence Support Network

Content: The Prefecture will appeal to cities and towns and provide a place for all related organizations’ representatives to hold discussions on problems with foreigners and foreign resident support. With the cooperation of all regions working as a network, a system to cope with various problems will be constructed.

Duties: Prefecture: policy guidance. Towns and Cities: enactment of the projects, provision of regional representatives.

Timescale: Beginning in 2007 with areas with especially high rates of foreign residency, and continuing in order.

The construction of an environment which is attractive for foreign residents to live in is not just a case of educating the area’s Japanese residents in international awareness. The foreign residents must also feel strongly that they are independent, responsible members of a community and as such actively take part in local social activities. By way of various activities both parties can deepen their understanding, find out about differences in customs, and break down feelings of uncertainty. In this way a locality attractive for foreign people to live in is created.

However, it is thought that even foreign residents who wish to actively take part in activities do not know where to start or what kind of activities they can take part in. In response to this, the International Exchange Association holds regular information sessions in the four or five most requested foreign languages which deal with how to take part in social activities, as well as with problems and matters which need discussion related to this. (Main Policy 2).

Furthermore, every year regular exchange meetings are held where foreign residents of all nationalities and races may meet, exchange ideas and opinions, and enjoy multicultural society.

Main Policy 10

Name: Project to Hold Multicultural Unity Exchange Meetings (temporary name)

Content: THold meetings where foreign residents of all nationalities and races may meet, exchange ideas and opinions, and enjoy multicultural society.

Duties: Prefecture: Prefectural International Exchange Association: Policy guidance. International Exchange Organisations: Carrying out the project.

Timescale: From 2007

So that foreign residents can live in safety and with peace of mind, they should be fully aware of the rules and customs which govern daily life. Amongst these, traffic rules and those aimed at crime prevention are directly related to physical safety so should be treated with the greatest importance.

For this reason, every police station holds regular traffic safety/crime prevention lessons for international interns. Personal experience style coaching classes are held with themes such as purse-snatching and bank machine fraud, locking doors, how to ride a bicycle correctly, etc. These classes will be opened up to general members of the foreign community from now on after requests from local authorities. This effort is a precautionary measure against incidents and crimes caused by foreigners.

Pamphlets available at police stations will be translated into as many languages as possible and into simple Japanese so that information on the law and society rules can be communicated as widely as possible.
Furthermore, enterprises accepting foreign workers, various organizations and local authorities will share information necessary for the prevention of foreign residents’ trouble and crime with foreign residents under their jurisdiction and work together to find ways to make their organization more proactive in their offers of support. (Main Policy 8)

The police and related organizations have until now been employing various measures to combat steeply rising incidences of foreigner crime. Recently, immigration control has been raised as an object of concern, and policy research is going on at the national level to look into ways of keeping track of residency information while still taking into account the convenience of foreign residents.

From now on, relevant organizations and bodies will work together much more closely to reduce the number of people overstaying their visas and living in Japan illegally. Naturally great effort is placed into crime prevention and resolution. It is thought that close exchange between Japanese and foreign residents would act as a preventative measure against illegal residency and overstaying of visas, discourage crime, and on top of that help to prevent discrimination and prejudice. (Main Policy 8)

With the explosion in the number of foreign residents, services such as labor, education, welfare, and health must be able to deal appropriately with the changes. As the providers of these kinds of administrative services, the prefectural government and local municipalities must work together, gain the support of various organizations and the people of the prefecture, and proactively deal with the new situation.

These municipalities, as the authorities who deal most closely with residents’ needs, must offer a complete system providing those services necessary for daily life. Within the prefecture, they must provide direction for foreign resident support policies, and, in order for towns and cities with larger foreign resident populations to provide efficient, effective support, they must also decide general policy and give advice on the creation of a liaison and coordination council to cover cross-departmental issues.

Main Policy 11

Name: Plans to Promote Multiculturalism in Cities and Towns

Content: Deciding fundamental policy direction to ensure that Japanese and foreign residents alike can live rich lifestyles actively, safely, and with peace of mind.

Duties: Towns and cities

Timescale: To be carried out in order of importance from 2008

Along with this, in order to reinforce cooperation between the various departments enacting foreign resident support policies, the existing Internationalization Policy Liaison and Coordination Council will be more thoroughly utilized.

Furthermore, the division of roles between the prefectural government and the Prefectural International Exchange Association, which has until now not been entirely clearly defined, will be clarified. The Association’s independence and originality will be reinforced. The Association will then endeavor to treat those policies that cannot be dealt with at the level of city and town government with great importance.

The individual support offered by each area’s international exchange organizations and volunteers, which can be tailored to meet individual foreign residents’ needs, are very important to those foreign residents’ ability to live with peace of mind. Because of this, along with reinforcing the support and collaboration systems offered to local international exchange organizations by the prefectural government and the Prefectural International Exchange Association, we are endeavoring to perfect the details of volunteer systems such as the volunteer interpreters system.

With the cooperation of cities and towns, facilities where local residents can deepen their understanding and personally take a leading part in debates on such topics as foreign residents’ participation in regional activities and the way support should be provided to foreign residents will be created. For most associations and industries accepting foreign workers, more favorable conditions for acceptance will be sought with the cooperation of related organizations.

In these ways, local residents, various organizations and enterprises, and the prefectural, city and town governments working together can continue, not just for the term covered by this document, but into the future as well, to make Kagawa prefecture a place where Japanese residents and foreign residents alike can overcome nationality and language barriers, and live together with respect for each others’ cultures in safety and with peace of mind. The enactment of these regulations is a declaration both within the prefecture and outside it of Kagawa’s attitude towards internationalization, and progress will continue to be reviewed in the future.

Main Policy 12

Name: Declaration of and Regulations for Making Kagawa an Attractive Place to Live for Foreign Residents.

Content: Enactment of regulations to make Kagawa Prefecture a prefecture where Japanese residents and foreign residents alike can overcome nationality and language barriers and live rich lives together with respect for each others’ cultures, in safety and with peace of mind. Continuing review of these regulations and declaration of Kagawa’s attitude towards internationalization both within and outside the prefecture.

Duties: Prefectural government

Timescale: Review of progress towards 2010 completion of policies