Building New Community Connections with Foreign Residents: JII at NPO Summit 2025

New Community Connections with Foreign Residents: JII at NPO Summit 2025

The Japan Intercultural Intelligence (JII) is set to participate in the NPO Summit 2025, to be held on December 21, 2025, at the Cybozu headquarters in Chuo, Tokyo. This event, themed "From Empathy to Resonance," aims to connect nonprofit organizations with supporters in a charity setting, providing a platform for dialogues that highlight social contributions and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

Event Overview

- Date and Time: December 21, 2025, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Doors open at 12:00 PM)
- Venue: Cybozu Tokyo Office, 27th Floor, Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower, 2-7-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo
- Format: In-person and online participation
- Participation Fee: 3,000 yen for in-person attendance, 1,000 yen for online attendance (credit card payment)
- Organizer: Sonorite
- Website for More Information: NPO Summit 2025

At this summit, 13 nonprofit organizations will present their initiatives and engage in discussions that encourage attendees to support their chosen causes. Special keynote speeches will include renowned figures, such as Wada Tsuyoshi, an advisor to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. There will also be interactive elements like musical performances and charity raffles designed to enhance participant engagement.

JII's Role in Fostering Community

As part of its mission to promote a society where foreign residents can easily integrate into Japanese communities, JII emphasizes building genuine relationships through its initiatives. With approximately 3.95 million foreigners residing in Japan, particularly in metropolitan areas like Tokyo, the need for understanding and collaboration between Japanese and foreign residents has never been more pressing.

In many instances, foreign residents face barriers that hinder genuine interactions with local communities. Misconceptions and negatives biases in societal narratives can further perpetuate separation instead of integration. This is where JII steps in, establishing various programs to bridge the cultural divide and foster an inclusive environment.

The organization runs the "Neighbor and Family Friend Program (OFP)" where Japanese citizens partner with foreign residents for direct support and foster meaningful cultural exchanges. Launched in 2020, this initiative has connected over 1,500 individuals, creating authentic bonds and providing mutual benefits that reflect positively on both sides.

Expanding Cultural Understanding Through OFP

The OFP program not only assists foreign residents but has also produced rewarding experiences for Japanese volunteers. This engagement allows both groups to experience each other's cultures firsthand, creating a cycle of empathy and understanding critical for harmonious coexistence. Participants in this initiative often report profound growth, empathy, and a more nuanced understanding of the cultural challenges faced by foreign residents.

Additionally, JII offers various support activities tailored to foreign residents, including one-time assistance programs, language classes for children, and consultation services that tackle common living challenges. This holistic approach ensures that foreign residents can thrive in their daily lives while simultaneously enriching the communities they are part of.

JII’s overarching vision is to create a diverse society empowered by cultural coexistence. By participating in events like the NPO Summit, JII aims to inspire more people to recognize the value of diversity and to contribute to a supportive community environment.

Through initiatives that promote trust and mutual respect, JII hopes to demonstrate that even the smallest acts of understanding can pave the way for a more inclusive Japan. By ensuring everyone, regardless of background, can feel seen and supported, a slightly better world is within reach.

About Japan Intercultural Intelligence (JII)

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Meguro, Tokyo, JII is focused on harnessing diversity to realize a vision of cultural coexistence. With a dedicated team led by Chairman Norihiko Ishikawa, they seek to foster an environment where people from various backgrounds can connect and thrive together. For more information about JII and its initiatives, visit JII Official Website.