International Symposium co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Shizuoka prefecture, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON
FOREIGN RESIDENTS AND THEIR INTEGRATION IN JAPAN:
Reflections on Experiences of European Countries and Challenges Facing Communities in Relation to Japanese Descendants from Brazil

Japanese
Portuguese [PDF]

Date:

25 March 2008 (Tue), 9:30 - 16:40

Place:

Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center "GRANSHIP"
79-4 Ikeda, Suruga ward, Shizuoka city >> map

Organizers:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• Shizuoka prefecture
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)

ALL are invited to attend

Objectives of the symposium

In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Japan has kept rising, exceeding two millions as of end 2006. This trend is likely to continue as globalization advances further. At the same time, Japanese descendants from foreign countries - so-called "Nikkeijin" - have rapidly increased particularly since 1990's. They have proven to be indispensable labour force for the industries in many cities, and their residence has become more permanent, inviting their family members from the countries of origin.

These foreign residents face a number of problems, including unstable employment, non-subscription to social insurances, and insufficient proficiency in Japanese, among others. Due to the difference in languages, culture and customs, there have been many cases of frictions between such foreign residents and host communities. Some cities have witnessed emergence of communities of Japanese descendants isolated from local communities. In light of these challenges, there have been active debates as to how best to integrate foreign residents in Japan.

Such debates over how best to integrate migrants have also evolved in European countries. The recent trend in integration policy is to emphasize adaptation on the part of migrants as members of society to the culture of the host communities including the local language, while paying due regard to the cultural diversity of migrants.

On Tuesday 25th March 2008, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Shizuoka Prefecture and the International Organization for Migration will co-organize "an International Symposium on Foreign Residents and their Integration in Japan" in the Shizuoka Prefecture. We will discuss, together with the audience, such issues as to what are the obstacles hampering the harmonious co-existence between Japanese and foreign residents; what kind of relationship the Japanese people should build with the rapidly increasing foreign residents in Japan amid the deepening globalization; and what kind of model is appropriate for Japan to integrate them.

The first session will shed light on the multicultural policy (a model of the integration policy), in which the host society broadly promotes and assists migrants to retain their original culture including mother tongues. While listening to the experiences in European countries which are regarded to have adopted such integration model, we will discuss the thrust and challenges of such model.

The second session will focus on the Japanese descendants from Brazil and their integration in Japan, in light of the 100th anniversary of the Japanese emigration to Brazil this year. Based upon the current situation and efforts in the Shizuoka prefecture in which a number of Japanese descendants from Brazil and other foreign nationals reside, the symposium will consider effective ways to address various challenges facing the Japanese descendants from Brazil living in Japan.

Agenda and participants (provisional)

English-Portuguese-Japanese simultaneous interpretation available

Symposium Agenda [PDF version]

*Sign language interpretation and day-care will be available.

Registration

by 14 March 2008 (Fri)

To attend this symposium, please fill out the application form and submit the information on this webpage .

• The secretariat will not be sending emails, etc. to confirm your registration.
  Your understanding will be appreciated.
• Please indicate if you require the secretariat to reserve a lunch box (JPY 700 including tea) as there are only a few restaurants, cafeterias, etc. near the venue.
• Please also inform if you have requests for day-care no later than 5 Mar 2008 (Wed).
• Personal data submitted to us will be properly administered and used for the purpose of the management of this symposium.
• There are a limited number of seats, please reserve early. You may have to stand if sitting capacity is full.

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