#Japan #Tokyo #NGO #Multiculturalism #JANIC

National Conference for Practitioners in Multicultural Cooperation 2025

On July 28 and 29, 2025, the International NGO Center for Japan (JANIC) held its inaugural National Conference dedicated to multicultural collaboration and international cooperation. This event brought together more than 300 practitioners dedicated to the ideals of a diverse and inclusive society. Among the participants was Kenzo Yamaji, the director of the Multicultural Human Resource Support Center, a prominent member of the conference's organizing committee. The conference aimed not just at fostering dialogue among NGOs and NPOs but also at building robust partnerships with government entities and local organizations.

The Context of the Conference

The Janic Multicultural Working Group (WG) was established in 2023 amid increasing pressure from within the NGO sector, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many organizations pivoted towards supporting foreign residents in Japan as the need for dedicated support mechanisms grew. The establishment of the WG aimed to facilitate dialogue between NGOs and government departments focused on foreign policy, responding to the rising demand for collaborative efforts in the area of multicultural integration.

The conference marks a pivotal moment, as it attempts to expand the network of those dedicated to advancing multicultural cooperation throughout Japan. With a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation, attendees gathered at the JICA Global Plaza in Shinjuku to share experiences, challenges, and strategies for effective multicultural integration.

Event Highlights

The conference kicked off with attendees partaking in five distinct working groups on the first day, focusing on various aspects of multicultural communication and cooperation. Discussions ranged from methods of fostering relationships in local communities to the creation of sustainable systems that ensure ongoing support for foreign residents. On the second day, representatives from participating ministries were invited to hear summaries of the discussions held in each working group, aimed at ensuring that the government remains engaged in dialogue with the community activists who are central to these processes.

This conference arrives at a crucial time, as debates surrounding immigration and foreign residents have increasingly become a focal point in Japanese politics, as highlighted by recent elections. This underscores a timely need for constructive engagement between public and private sectors. The aim is to not only discuss necessary actions but to also delineate the paths forward for budding initiatives and policies that align with Japan's goals for a multicultural society.

Objectives of the Conference

The conference set out several key objectives:
1. Building Relationships: Create a space where local practitioners of multiculturalism can meet face-to-face, nurturing personal connections that strengthen collaborative networks.
2. Facilitating Dialogue: Establish opportunities for dialogue between NGOs/NPOs and government representatives on foreign residency policies and encourage mutual contributions to the multicultural agenda.
3. Discussion on Ecosystem Sustainability: Debate the necessary human and financial resources needed to foster a sustainable ecosystem for multicultural coexistence within local communities.

Important Details

• - Dates: July 28, 2025 (13:30 - 17:30) & July 29, 2025 (09:00 - 12:00)
• - Location: JICA Global Plaza International Conference Hall and Seminar Rooms, 10-5 Ichigayamotomura-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Organizer: JANIC Multicultural Cooperative Working Group
• - Co-Hosts: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Foundation, Association for Internationalization of Local Governments
• - Sponsors: Kamenori Foundation
• - Capacity: 300 participants (100 in-person and 200 online participation)

Media inquiries can be directed to the conference office at the Diversity Research Institute, via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 03-6233-9540.

This gathering emphasizes the importance of collective action in creating a vibrant multicultural society in Japan, addressing immediate needs while also laying down the groundwork for future initiatives. Through collaboration and cooperation, the conference aims to strengthen the framework for inclusivity, ensuring every voice is heard in the ongoing dialogue about multiculturalism.