Social Innovation Program

Event Report: Symposium “Creating a Multicultural Society with Foreign Communities”

- Cases from the Philippines, Nepal, and Uzbekistan -

Masako Iwashina, Program Officer, Social Innovation Program, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

August 21, 2025

Organizer: Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Co-organizer: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Embassy of Nepal, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Supported by: Immigration Service Agency
In cooperation with: NPO Citizen's Network for Global Activities（CINGA)
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 14:00-16:30 (JST)
Venue: 11^th Floor International Conference Hall, Sasakawa Peace Foundation/ Zoom Online

Mr. Itsu Adachi, Executive Director of SPF

Overview

In this symposium, after the opening remarks by Executive Director Itsu Adachi, embassy officials from the Philippines, Nepal, and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives from the Immigration Service Agency, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the foreign communities, and Japanese civil society, participated in presentations and discussions on the following topics

Current situation and challenges of Filipinos, Nepalese, and Uzbeks living in Japan
Efforts by embassies and communities of each country
How to improve systems and provide information to promote coexistence with foreign residents

Since FY 2023, the various organizations concerned have collaborated to conduct pre- and post-departure orientations. What became clear during this process was the importance of creating a system to ensure that necessary information is actually delivered in cooperation with the foreign community.

The situations and challenges of foreign residents change with each life stage. Therefore, the need to provide support not only at the time of arrival in Japan, but also to enhance the information provision and consultation system through continuing collaboration between the Japanese side and the foreign community was emphasized.

【Part 1: Practical Report】

Speech: Efforts by Each Embassy

H.E Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Nepal

H.E Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Nepal

Ambassador Subedi expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s efforts in fostering a multicultural society and highlighted the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Nepal and Japan. He praised the contributions of the Nepalese community, which is the fifth largest foreign residents in Japan. He also noted Nepal's great potential in providing the human resources needed by Japan, and thanked the Japanese government and people for their support and warm hospitality toward Nepalese residents.

H.E. Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines (Video Message)

H.E. Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines (Video Message)

Ambassador Mylene highlighted the growth of the Filipino population in Japan and their vital roles in sectors like healthcare, education, and skilled labor. She also emphasized comprehensive support by the Philippines government for migrants, from pre-departure training, legal assistance and community outreach.
Key initiatives through multi-stakeholder partnerships were introduced, including guidebooks for new mothers and community-led orientation programs. Looking ahead, she identified emerging concerns such as elderly care and disaster preparedness.
The speech concluded by reaffirming the embassy’s commitment to supporting Filipinos in Japan and statement that migration is more than just moving people, it is about building lives, families and futures across borders. Ambassador Mylene concluded that with the compassion and cooperation of the relevant organizations and community people, migrant people can be empowered and grow.

Mr. Yusufkhuja Rikhsivoev, Second Secretary and Consul, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Mr. Yusufkhuja Rikhsivoev, Second Secretary and Consul, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Mr. Rikhsivoev highlighted the growing Uzbek community in Japan and their contributions in key sectors like agriculture, construction and elderly care.
He introduced support initiatives of the Uzbek government, including pre-departure training, and post-arrival legal assistance.
The embassy emphasized efforts to prevent irregular migration and promote lawful behavior.
He praised community-led orientation programs that foster trust and integration.
The speech concluded with a commitment to safe, humane migration and stronger ties with Japan, stressing that inclusion begins with fairness, respect, and shared responsibility.

Speech: "Policy and Measures for the Realization of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals"

(Ms. Nobuko Fukuhara, Director-General, the Residency Management and Support Department, Immigration Services Agency)

Ms. Nobuko Fukuhara, Director-General, the Residency Management and Support Department, Immigration Services Agency

Ms. Fukuhara emphasized that many foreign residents in Japan are in their 20s and 30s, and after arriving in Japan, there are increasing numbers of those who experience life events such as childbirth, childcare, and schooling for their children.
Given this background, she stressed the need for multifaceted support for these individuals as members of society.　For this reason, she pointed out that orientation programs—both before and after entering Japan—are crucial for understanding Japan’s social systems and rules. She also noted that learning becomes more effective with the help of foreign residents in Japan and by comparing Japan’s systems with the social and cultural backgrounds of their home countries.　Furthermore, Ms. Fukuhara stated that communication with foreign communities will become even more important in the future. With the expected increase in foreign residents due to the introduction of the new "Employment for Skill Development" program, she stressed the needs for collaboration among stakeholders and the creation of a society that avoids division and exclusion. She emphasized the need for an environment where Japanese and foreign residents can respect each other as neighbors.　Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

Event Venue

Report: SPF's "Building Models towards an Inclusive Society" Project

(Ms. Masako Iwashina, Program Officer, Social Innovation Program, SPF)

Ms. Masako Iwashina, Program Officer, Social Innovation Program, SPF

Ms. Iwashina, Program Officer, explained the characteristics of newcomers from the Philippines, Nepal, and Uzbekistan who participates in current orientation programs. She also reported on the challenges faced by these newcomers, which have been identified through collaboration with foreign communities from each country, as well as the content of the orientation sessions.
Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

Practical Report：Orientation for New Arrivals by Each Community

Nepal: Ms. Mina Shakya (CINGA)

Ms. Mina Shakya, CINGA Coordinator for Nepal Community

Ms. Shakya introduced an initiative through training for Nepalese community leaders to reflect the contents of orientation programs based on the consultations that Nepalese community leaders receive on a daily basis. By incorporating the actual situation on the ground, the orientation is designed to better address the challenges faced by newcomers.
Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

Uzbekistan: Ms. Makliyo Alieva (Uzbekistan Community)

Ms. Makliyo Alieva, Uzbekistan Community

Ms. Alieva reported on the actual challenges faced by Uzbeks living in Japan. She then introduced the contents of an orientation video created based on these challenges. The video is designed to convey the issues visually and concretely through information dissemination.
Please refer to the materials. (Japanese only)

Philippines: Secretary Dante Klink Ang II (Chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas)

Secretary Dante Klink Ang II, Chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Secretary Ang introduced the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by the Philippine government, as well as the orientation session conducted in cooperation with the Japanese side. He emphasized the importance of support systems both before and after arrival in Japan.
Please refer to the materials. (English)

Philippines: Ms. Bituin Shimada (Representative, Kakehashi)

Ms. Bituin Shimada, Representative of Kakehashi, Philippines Community

Ms. Shimada provided an overview of the challenges encountered by new arrivals to Japan and the orientation program that Kakehashi has implemented in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and CINGA to address these issues. She further discussed the program’s achievements and explored the possibility of implementing similar programs for other countries.
Please refer to the materials. (English)

【Part 2: Panel Discussion】

Panelist

Nepal Community: Ms. Kamana Bhandari, Ms. Mina Shakya
Uzbekistan Community: Mr. Ibrokhimjon Abdujabborov, Doctoral Program, Graduate School of Global Studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Philippines Community: Dr. Maria Carmelita Kasuya, Volunteer, Kakehashi
Immigration Services Agency: Ms. Mitsue Numoto, Director, Foreign Residents Policy Planning Office, Immigration Services Agency
CINGA: Ms. Midori Nii, Coordinator

Moderator: Mr. Shingo Naganawa (Deputy Director, Social Innovation Program, SPF)

Mr. Shingo Naganawa, Deputy Director, Social Innovation Program, SPF

During the panel discussion, the speakers introduced themselves, including the background of their arrival in Japan, and introduced the support activities provided by their respective ethnic communities for newcomers to Japan. (For details, please refer to the presentation materials.) Following the introductions, the discussion focused on three main themes, which were actively discussed among the panelists.

(1) Significance of Orientation for Newcomers to Japan

Mr. Ibrokhimjon Abdujabborov, Uzbekistan Community (Left) and Ms. Kamana Bhandari, Nepal Community (Right)

As shared in the first part of the symposium, the development of orientation programs started with the Philippines and expanding to Nepal and Uzbekistan through collaboration between ethnic communities and Japanese people.

From their perspectives as both organizers and participants, Mr. Abdujabborov from Uzbekistan (Please refer to the materials (Japanese only)) and Ms. Bhandari from Nepal (Please refer to the materials (English and Japanese)) emphasized the importance of providing information and training to the newcomers.

(2) Issues Related to the (Dependent) Residence Status

Ms. Mitsue Numoto, Director, Foreign Residents Policy Planning Office, Immigration Services Agency

Ms. Numoto from the Immigration Services Agency explained that in order to address the challenges faced by foreign nationals at various life stages, it is essential to provide accurate information and collaborate with local communities. She noted that while the number of foreign nationals coming to Japan under the "Dependent" residence status has increased to 310,000 (doubling over the past 10 years), there are employment restrictions, and changing to a work-permitted status is not easy. Furthermore, if the income of the supporting family member is lost, it can lead to instability in daily life, marital conflict, or even divorce. These risks, she explained, can potentially be prevented by “understanding accurate information in advance.”
To achieve this, it is effective to share information through orientation sessions conducted in collaboration with various stakeholders, including members of the communities where foreign nationals live in Japan.
Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

Ms. Midori Nii, CINGA Coordinator

Ms. Nii from CINGA stated that once a problem occurs, it becomes difficult for them to seek advice within their community. Therefore, providing information through concrete examples before issues arise is extremely effective. She also emphasized the need for Japanese supporters to play a role in conveying information to people who have limited access to government information.
Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

Ms. Shakya pointed out that for many Nepalese people, simply “going to Japan” tends to become the goal itself, and there is often a lack of understanding about the risks involved in daily life. She emphasized that once incorrect information takes root, it is difficult to correct later, making it essential to provide accurate information at an early stage.
Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

Dr. Maria Carmelita Kasuya, Volunteer, Kakehashi, Philippines Community

Dr. Kasuya mentioned that Filipinos tend to prioritize sending money to support their families hence putting off plans to prepare for their own future. Therefore, she stressed the importance of providing support that can address important issues or concerns at each life stage.
Please refer to the materials. (English and Japanese)

(3) Issues Related to Aging Population

Dr. Kasuya pointed out that among Filipinos who have been in Japan for more than 30 years, a sharp increase of issues related to the death of a spouse has been observed since the spouses are generally older than the Filipina wife. These include inheritance, loneliness, pension and nursing care. Notably, the condolence booklet/handbook containing the information and documents related to procedures following the death of a spouse that are provided by government offices are in Japanese and difficult to understand. She stressed the urgency of this matter and suggested to immediately design support mechanism to help people cope after the death of a spouse or family member.

In response, Ms. Numoto acknowledged that while the social security system is complex even for Japanese, it is important to have a system that allows foreigners to understand the points of the social security system and the benefits of membership, and to participate in the system. She also introduced the establishment of a portal site that organizes information by life stage, as well as the FRESC consultation center in Yotsuya and temporary consultation sessions held in regional areas.

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Event Report: Symposium “Creating a Multicultural Society with Foreign Communities”

- Cases from the Philippines, Nepal, and Uzbekistan -

【Part 1: Practical Report】

【Part 2: Panel Discussion】

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Event Report: Symposium “Creating a Multicultural Society with Foreign Communities - Cases from the Philippines, Nepal, and Uzbekistan -"

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