#Japan #Tokyo #Community Engagement #Intercultural Exchange

Bridging Divides Through Understanding: An Event for Local Residents and Foreign Nationals

The Japan Intercultural Intelligence Association (JII), based in Meguro, Tokyo, is excited to announce an event known as the "Otonari-san Exchange Meeting" scheduled for December 7, 2025. This interactive gathering aims to foster direct connections between Japanese volunteers and foreign residents who are part of JII's signature Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP). Through engaging activities, participants will explore how everyday understanding can create a more harmonious society.

Event Highlights

This event will not only feature experiences shared by OFP pairs but will also include a thought-provoking talk session led by Jun Goto, an associate professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. Furthermore, there will be an exciting food tasting segment focused on globally popular snacks, encouraging participants to connect beyond cultural differences through delightful culinary experiences.

The primary goal is to engage attendees in discussions about how small everyday exchanges can contribute to building coexistence within communities. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and share experiences, fostering a spirit of understanding.

Background of the Event

Since its inception in 2020, JII has been facilitating meaningful interactions between Japanese volunteers and foreign residents through the Otonari-san Family Friend Program. Over 1,500 participants have benefited from this initiative, which boasts a matching success rate exceeding 90%. In a world where divisive language often dominates, the personal experiences and dialogues that arise from the OFP represent invaluable lessons towards achieving societal coexistence.

Event Details

• - Date: December 7, 2025
• - Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• - Location: Inside Belta Co., Ltd.
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 30 participants
• - Target Audience: Members of the Otonari-san Family Friend Program and their invited guests (children are welcome)
• - Registration: Via the application form on the event's webpage
• - Supported by: Belta Co., Ltd.

Program Outline

1. Introduction to Otonari-san Experiences: Participants who have previously engaged in pair activities will share their stories, offering insights for both seasoned and new members eager to learn about the exchange dynamics.
2. Talk Session with Guest Speaker Jun Goto: Delving into empathy research, Goto will discuss the societal impacts of online discourse and the steps we can take to bridge social divides.
3. Networking Time: An opportunity for attendees to mingle and forge new connections.
4. Interactive Activity: In collaboration, participants will draft a “Message for the Future,” emphasizing their shared visions for community ties in the years to come.
5. Special Snack Tasting Event: Participants will enjoy a tasting of beloved snacks from various countries, nurturing connections and understanding through shared enjoyment of food.

Collaborator: Belta Co., Ltd.

Belta, the host of this event, operates under the mission to address life-stage challenges faced by women. They provide products and services aimed at supporting women through significant transitions such as pregnancy, postpartum life, and menopause. Every year, over 20,000 foreign nationals give birth in Japan; these individuals often encounter feelings of isolation due to language barriers and cultural differences. Belta has partnered with JII to implement the Mikaduki project, aiming for a better society for all.

About the Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP)

Initiated in 2020, the Otonari-san Family Friend Program pairs Japanese volunteers with foreign residents for six months of regular interaction and assistance. This program incorporates casual exchanges such as meals, conversations, shopping, and childcare consultations. Such everyday interactions help cultivate understanding and mutual respect among participants. Over the years, the program has attracted a diverse participant base, including foreign professionals, families, international students, and refugees.

At JII, we believe that small moments of understanding contribute to a more inclusive community where diverse individuals can live together peacefully. Our mission is to facilitate interactions that promote integration and support for foreign residents in Japan.

Contact Information

Organization: Japan Intercultural Intelligence Association
Location: 5-27-5 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Chairperson: Norihiko Ishikawa
Established: 2010
Vision: To realize a cultural coexistence that embraces diversity
Website: www.j-ii.org