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Enhancing Community Integration: Fieldwork by Kanda Gakuin University Students in Fukushima

On November 19th and 20th, 2026, Kanda Gakuin University students will participate in a significant fieldwork initiative known as the "Global Community Project" in the Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture. This project emphasizes improving the living conditions for foreign residents, a vital step towards fostering a multicultural society in an area still recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear disaster.

Background of the Global Community Project

Kanda Gakuin University, located in Chiba City, has partnered with the Fukushima International Research and Education Institute (F-REI) to address the pressing issues surrounding the acceptance of foreign residents in the recovering Hamadori area. This region is seeing a future influx of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds due to advancements in academic and industrial activities, including various foreign researchers and workers.

The need for a supportive environment for foreign residents becomes paramount, especially regarding the translation of government services and disaster information into multiple languages. On September 8, 2023, Kanda Gakuin University signed a comprehensive cooperative agreement with Fukushima Prefecture to leverage language education and international exchange as valuable assets in disaster recovery efforts.

Fieldwork Overview

During the two-day fieldwork, 15 Kanda Gakuin University students will engage with local government officials and organizations to identify and document the challenges faced by foreign residents. Key areas of focus will include administrative processes, waste separation rules, and accessibility of disaster-related information, all critical to daily life for foreign residents. The students, benefiting from diverse perspectives—including those of international students—aim to explore how effectively information is communicated and propose improvements based on their findings.

Itinerary Highlights

• - November 19, 2026: The students will visit the Fukushima Disaster Memorial Museum and engage in discussions with local government representatives and F-REI officials to deepen their understanding of local recovery efforts.
• - November 20, 2026: Students will split into three groups to visit various municipalities and gather insights from local companies and hospitals about the current reception environment for foreign residents.

Future Activities

Following the fieldwork, the students will analyze the insights gathered from their interactions and propose actionable recommendations to enhance the living conditions for foreign residents. They will examine the need for multilingual resources tailored to local norms and regulations. Evaluation of the fieldwork will detail how the findings align with the overarching goal of improving community integration.

In mid-December 2026 through early January 2027, students will present their findings and proposed solutions to local municipalities and stakeholders during workshops designed to ensure a collaborative approach to community improvement.

Broader Impacts

Kanda Gakuin University’s commitment extends beyond mere research; it envisions creating sustainable environments where foreign residents feel secure and well-integrated into society. This initiative aims to bridge cultural divides and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding through continued collaboration with local communities.

Additionally, the university plans to utilize the outcomes of this project to guide future efforts in enhancing the international community in Fukushima, demonstrating a long-term dedication to social responsibility and multiculturalism.

By encouraging students to apply their language skills and cultural awareness to real-world challenges, Kanda Gakuin University seeks to contribute meaningfully to the revitalization of the Hamadori region while enriching the lives of those who call it home. More details about the university and the Global Community Project can be found on their official website.

For media inquiries regarding this project, please contact the Group Communication Department at Kanda Gakuin University.