Foreign Residents in Japan & The Role of Japanese NPOs
JCIE USA conducted a 9-month project from January 1-September 30, 2025 focused on Japanese NPOs that support foreign residents. Through background research and interviews with a select group of Japanese NPOs, the project identified their key challenges, how they collaborate with other stakeholders, and the insights they are seeking from international experience, particularly the United States.
Japan–South Korea Immigration Policy Exchange Program
Japan and South Korea are facing rapid increases in immigration, leading to the development of more multicultural and multiethnic societies. In November 2017, JCIE began a two-year program aiming to facilitate the exchange of opinions on societal and governmental policy proposals to empower immigrants living in both countries.
Roundtable on Japan’s Migration Policy
In the fall of 2018, JCIE launched a new roundtable to discuss Japan’s immigration policy. The project’s 25 members include national and municipal policymakers, business leaders, experts from NPOs, academics, and foreign residents.
Survey on Multiculturalism and Accepting Foreigners
JCIE conducted a survey of local Japanese governments as part of the Population Decline and a Vision for Accepting Foreigners into Japan Project.
Sustainable Aid Systems for Foreign Residents in Japan (SAFOR)
JCIE has launched the Sustainable Aid Systems for Foreign Residents in Japan (SAFOR) Project in cooperation with Japan Platform to provide ongoing humanitarian assistance to foreign residents in need in Japan.
Humanitarian Aid for Marginalized Immigrants (HAMIS)
In partnership with the Japan Platform (JPF), JCIE has launched a project to provide grants utilizing funds held in dormant bank accounts in Japan. Humanitarian Aid for Marginalized Immigrants (HAMIS), will provide financial support to organizations that provides humanitarian assistance and support self-reliance among foreign residents in Japan.
Diverse Roots, Inclusive Society Program
JCIE has launched the Diverse Roots, Inclusive Society initiative to build the social infrastructure needed to build a more inclusive Japanese society that can fully support youths with foreign roots. JCIE will act as a funding organization to provide grants that support the types of educational support, employment support, etc., that youths with foreign roots require.
Building a Multiethnic Society and Revitalizing Local Communities
JCIE operated a three-year project with community leaders from around the country to examine case studies of areas with active communities foreign-born residents, analyze the roles played by the actors who work as a bridge between foreign and Japanese residents at the community level, and explore ways communities can better support foreign-born residents.
Mainichi OpEd Quotes JCIE’s Menju, Says Japan Is Now an Immigrant Nation
“This rigid focus on accepting foreigners as a mere labor resource adjusting valve risks compromising human rights. Moreover, half-hearted integration policies and Japanese language education may exacerbate societal divisions.
The JCIE’s Menju says, ‘Japan is no longer in any position to treat immigration as taboo. The government must make its basic stance on this clear.'”
WEBINAR | Public Symposium Towards a Safer Transnational Migration—Bringing Together Multiple Stakeholders’ Perspectives
JCIE will hold an online public symposium, ” Towards a Safer Transnational Migration: Bringing in Migrants’ Perspectives,” to enhance information access for foreign migrants and promote accountability by comparing the experiences of individuals from Nepal and Myanmar in Japan and Korea.