Supporting Tokyo's Integration Initiatives: A Call for Monthly Donors to the Neighbor Program

A Step Towards a Kind Future of Coexistence in Tokyo

The Japan Intercultural Intelligence Association (JII), located in Meguro, Tokyo, is launching a donation project titled "A Kind Future of Coexistence Grown from Small Understandings" starting from November 5. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the operations of various multicultural programs, including the Neighbor Program and the Family Friend Program, while seeking to recruit 50 monthly supporters before the project concludes on December 25.

In a city of immense diversity, where roughly 1 in 20 residents is a foreign national, Tokyo presents a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. Despite this, many foreigners encounter obstacles due to language and cultural barriers, leading to feelings of isolation or misunderstandings. JII has been actively addressing these challenges since the launch of the Neighbor Program in 2020. This initiative pairs Japanese volunteers with foreigners to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding, achieving a remarkable matching success rate of over 90% with over 1,500 participants.

The Neighbor Program allows participants to engage in shared activities, such as meals, casual conversations, and daily life discussions, fostering relationships that help transform differences into strengths. Additionally, JII offers various support services, including the Spot Neighbor program—addressing administrative, medical, educational, and welfare challenges for foreign residents—and the Hanamaru Class, dedicated to teaching Japanese to children with foreign roots.

This donation campaign aims to expand the circle of ongoing support while creating a safe space for dialogue and understanding. With a target of raising 1.5 million yen by recruiting new monthly supporters and accepting individual donations, the project will facilitate initiatives that assist in administrative procedures, medical support, and cultural integration during critical periods

Background and Purpose of the Project

JII envisions a society beyond cultural and national boundaries, where mutual understanding prevails. In Tokyo, with approximately 720,000 foreign residents, the organization recognizes that integrating these individuals into the community is essential for social cohesion. Thus, during times of year-end festivities, when many may feel lonely or anxious, the Neighbor Program seeks to ensure that foreigners feel safe and connected.

Many participants have expressed their desire to learn more about Japanese traditions and local interactions, which is reflected in JII’s initiatives. The campaign aims to build a reliable support framework, enhancing matching systems and operational structures, while reaching out for monthly support to maintain these essential services.

Donation Impact

Your donations can significantly influence this mission, turning contributions into tangible benefits for both foreign residents and local communities. Here is how your support can help:

- 3,000 yen: Assists a foreign resident facing challenges with administrative procedures.
- 5,000 yen: Supports one foreign resident's integration into Japanese society for six months.
- 10,000 yen: Organizes a Japanese learning class for one session for children of foreign descent.
- 30,000 yen: Creates opportunities for 10 foreign residents to connect with locals.
- 100,000 yen: Facilitates events and courses on multicultural coexistence for community members.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in contributing to this noble cause, visit JII’s donation project website here. Your support will help foster a culture of kindness, understanding, and collaboration between Tokyo’s diverse residents. Join us in cultivating a society where differences are celebrated and understood, and connections flourish through simple yet profound dialogues.

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Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of background, feels at home in Tokyo.