Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision

Creating Our Bright Future Together

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Formulating the Vision・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

1

1. Purpose of formulating the vision・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

1

2. Positioning the vision and the planning period・・・・・・・・・・

2

Chapter Two

Environmental Analyses・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

4

1. Changes in the socio-economic environment ・・・・・・・・・・・

4

2. Hamamatsu City today and past initiatives ・・・・・・・・・・・

7

3. National and international trends ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 13
4. Major challenges and future directions・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 15
Chapter Three

Realizing an Intercultural City・・・・・・・・・・・・ 17

1. The vision’s goals for the future ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 17
2. Promotion principle and system・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 19
3. Policy chart and priority fields ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 21
Chapter Four

Implementation Plan・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 24

1. City built jointly by everyone, hand in hand (Collaboration) ・・・

24

2. City developed by making the most of its diversity (Creation)・・・

28

3. City where everyone can live comfortably (Comfort)・・・・・・・ 32
4. List of initiatives and performance indicators ・・・・・・・・・・ 36< Glossary >・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

40

Chapter One: Formulating the Vision
1. Purpose of Formulating the Vision
In 2001, the Hamamatsu Global City Vision (revised in 2007) was
formulated by Hamamatsu City as a guide to our internationalization policy andpromoted in the disciplines of Coexistence, Exchange and Cooperation, andPromotion. The policies of Coexistence have especially made stable progress inevery policy supporting the coexistence of Japanese and foreign residents with theconcurrent operation of the Multicultural Center and Foreign Resident Study
Support Center.
Meanwhile, as we look back on the socio-economic environment subsequent
to 2007, the accelerating speed of globalization has been accompanied by increasing
environmental instability that involves citizens such as the global financial crisis of2008 and the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. It is in times like this, that there
is a call to build a community in which everyone, regardless of nationality, can livein peace.
It is in times like this that in regions such as Europe, new ideas are attracting
attention. The existence of foreigners and other residents with diverse cultural
backgrounds are being regarded as sources of city vitality. Residents with diverse
cultures are indeed the source of creativity that is important in realizing the Creative
City that Hamamatsu aims to be.
The “Hamamatsu City Comprehensive Plan” outlines the future of
Hamamatsu City as a Creative City built on civil collaboration, shining into the
future. To achieve this goal, we propose a new “Hamamatsu Intercultural City
Vision”, built on the three pillars Collaboration, Creation, and Comfort.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-1-2. Positioning the Vision and the Planning Period(1) Positioning the vision
In March 2011, Hamamatsu City drew up the 2nd Hamamatsu City
Comprehensive Plan with an outline for the city as a Creative City built on civil
collaboration, shining into the future. The Intercultural City Vision is a sectoral plantaken from the Hamamatsu City comprehensive plan, also, there is a plan which
promotes the notion Pride for the Homeland, Flowing with Vitality, which is one of
the seven major strategies within the Urban Management Strategies.
Hamamatsu City has various plans related to intercultural integration. The
Intercultural City Vision does not only promote the upper level plans, but also
integrates and promotes individual plans in other areas.
*Sectors such as International Exchange and Cooperation, included in the previous
Hamamatsu Global Vision, will be considered separately from now on as part of theCity’s international strategy.
< The 2ndHamamatsuCity Comprehensive Plan >Urban Management Strategies – main strategies – number seven – Pride for theHomeland, Flowing with Vitality

Basic Policy
Through the great deeds of our ancestors, Hamamatsu has prospered as a city based on the
manufacturing industry. As a result, it is home to companies who have launched out into the world,
not to mention individuals who have experienced living abroad as they embarked in vigorous
business activities. It is also home to many foreign citizens who support the development of theregional economy. Living in this environment, one can say that Hamamatsu is a city that can
provide many opportunities for our citizens to be exposed to and feel closer to diverse cultures of
the world.
In order to make the most of these features, it is necessary for Japanese and foreign residents
to recognize each other’s cultures and customs to build a city together in which everyone can takean active part of the community. As such, all residents, regardless of nationality, will cometogether in an intercultural society to fully exert the powers that they have within the regional
economy and community. (Edited)
Leading Project○ Realizing an intercultural society
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-2-With respect to the education of children, our mission is to ensure that they will become thefoundation for an intercultural community by promoting school education that fosters a global
perspective and providing learning support for foreign resident children. Japanese language
education and consultations regarding daily life will also be provided to adult foreign residents,
while communication between Japanese and foreign residents will be promoted so that they sharethe same community rules. This will lead to mutual acceptance and further the realization of anintercultural society in which everyone can participate in city planning.
Urban Management Strategies – Sectoral Plan – Urban Management

Main Policy○ Building a global community in tune with the world (International Affairs Division)
As Japanese and foreign residents deepen their understanding and respect for each other’sculture and values, we aim to become an intercultural society based on respect for rights andfulfillment of obligation that everyone is comfortable living in. Making the most of our city’s
characteristics, we aim to take on a valuable role in the world to become a place where exchanges
between people and of information are on a world-class level. Furthermore, we will promoteinternational exchange where citizens are the key players and collaboration with other cities inJapan and abroad, while we transmit a wide range of our city activities to the world.

(2) Planning Period
The planning period will be a total of five years, from 2013 to 2017.
However, sections directly concerning initiatives (Chapter Four: Implementation)
will be reviewed each year and revisions added when necessary.
FY 2013

FY 2014

FY 2015

FY 2016

FY 2017

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision
Implementation

Implementation

Implementation

Implementation

Implementation will be reassessed each year on a rolling basis.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-3-

Implementation

Chapter Two: Environmental Analyses
After reflecting on the situation involving intercultural integration, we
looked at major issues and future directions to consider when formulating thevision.

1. Changes in the Socio-economic Environment
In the five years since the last Hamamatsu Global City Vision was drawn in
2007, we have seen the following major changes in the socio-economic
environment.

(1) Progress of globalization
The momentum at which globalization where people, commodities, capital,
and information cross borders back and forth with enormous vitality knows no limit.
Telecommunication technologies continue to advance, and now that Social
Networking Services* is a household term, it is even easier for people to be in touchwith the whole world. In addition to that, the opening of the Mt.FujiShizuokaAirport
and the Shin-Tomei Expressway, physical transportation is becoming moreconvenient by the day.
Today, more than 214 million people out of the Earth’s entire population live
in a country other than the one they were born in.1 In this age of advancing
globalization and economic liberalization, international migration is expected tofurther increase, and it is predicted that it will no longer be unusual for people withdiverse cultural backgrounds to live together in one community.

(2) Aging population and population decline
Japan’s total fertility rate has continued to decline since 1973 and is now
experiencing an aging population unprecedented by any other country in the world.
By 2060, Japan’s population is estimated to reduce to 86.74 million, of which 39.9%
will be over 65 years old.2
In 2012, the Japanese government issued an interim regulatory report basedon a review conference to discuss an intercultural society including foreign* See Glossary for words indicated with an asterisk.
1
2

United Nations Population Fund (2011): State of the World’s Population in 2011
National Institute of Population and Social Security Research: Population Projections of Japan (estimation of January 2012)
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-4-

residents. The report stated that there was a necessity to broadly deliberate anddebate the best practices regarding acceptance of migrants in Japan, which shallreflect national consensus and future vision. We need to continue to pay close
attention to future trends.

(3) Changes in industry and employment structure
As globalization progresses, economic activity has seen optimization ofinternational work division and production bases for low cost and better efficiency.
In addition, global competition in technological development has accelerated morethan ever.
The historical rise in the Japanese yen has caused concern fordeindustrialization due to domestic manufacturing being transferred overseas. Whilecross-border competition becomes fierce, it is now necessary to enhancecompetitiveness on a regional level.
Furthermore, the importance of securing global human resources* is
growing on the corporate level and international competition over high-quality
human resources is on the rise.

(4) Wavering safe and secure society
The global financial crisis that began in fall 2008 triggered a rapid reductionof employment. This especially affected foreign residents of the Hamamatsu area, as
many of them were not permanent full time employees. Although the number ofjobs has increased since then and there are prospects for recovery, direct
employment has not increased greatly. An unstable situation continues for the
livelihood of foreign residents.
Meanwhile, the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 caused
tremendous damage. Many lives and properties were lost. Implementation oftsunami measures and disaster prevention has become a major priority for
Hamamatsu City, where the development of a crisis management system andimprovement of disaster prevention capabilities in the community are called for in
preparation for a possible Tokai earthquake and other disasters that are predicted.
To build a community in which all residents can feel safe and secure, it isvital to steadily work together with the national government and relevantorganizations as well as corporations etc.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-5-(5) Civic collaboration
As social issues and needs become more diverse and complicated, there isan even bigger need for governments, as well as NPOs and other civilian groups tocooperate and collaborate so that they can provide effective and efficient public
services. In 2010, with the government’s announcement of the new publicdeclaration etc, today, various groups are displaying their various concepts of new
public and this has been attracting attention.
In the field of intercultural integration, since there is a need to continue torespond to circumstances flexibly, it is essential to proceed with initiatives throughcivic collaboration.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-6-

2. Hamamatsu City Today and Past Initiatives
Now we take a look at the current intercultural situation in Hamamatsu City
today.

(1) Foreign residents of Hamamatsu City
The number of foreign residents living in Hamamatsu City on April 1, 2012
was 25,138.3 This is 3.1% of the total population, 816,848. By nationality, Brazil
had the largest representation with 12,268, followed by The Philippines with 3,013,
China with 3,010, and Peru with a total of 2,035.
It is a special characteristic that Latin Americans make up 60% of theforeign population and in particular, Hamamatsu has the largest number ofBrazilians in Japan.
Following the amendment of the Immigration Control and Refugee
Recognition Act in 1990, the number of Latin Americans of Japanese decent andtheir families increased rapidly. However, with the recession of 2008, the number ofthese foreign residents in Hamamatsu City which had been on the rise, started todecrease.
On the other hand, one of the features of Hamamatsu is that it has manytechnical trainees and exchange students from China, Indonesia and other Asian
countries, as well as permanent residents and settlers from The Philippines andVietnam. With the declining number of residents from Latin America, the increase
in Asians has helped to further diversity.
Of the foreign residents in Hamamatsu, 51.3% are permanent residents,
making up the majority. 19.6% are permanent settlers, making up the second largest
group. Others are long-term residents such as residents with Japanese spouse or
special permanent resident statuses. Long-term residents make up 83.4% of all
foreign residents. According to a survey conducted by Hamamatsu City in 2010 on
Latin American foreigners in the city, 78.2% had lived in Japan for a total of morethan nine years, suggesting a trend towards long-term settlement by foreign
residents.

(2) Initiatives towards intercultural integration taken so far

3

Based on alien registration in the city. The alien registration system was abolished in July 2012. Foreign residents are now subject toresident registration.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-7-

Recognizing foreign residents in the community as a strong force to support
the local economy and as important partners in city planning, Hamamatsu City has
actively promoted intercultural integration policies. The initiatives are explained
below.
Hamamatsu Multicultural Center
To promote an intercultural society where everyone can live in peace,multicultural coordinators* and specialist staff are dispatched to the center toimplement various projects. Lifestyle consultations in multiple languages,
Community Co-existence Model Project in cooperation with neighborhood
associations etc, projects promoting education for international understanding,social work training* for intercultural integration, mental health consultation *,one-stop consultations in collaboration with related agencies dealing with various
issues faced by foreign residents and a wide variety of other projects have been
implemented.
Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center
This center was opened in January 2010 aiming to become a national model
to promote intercultural integration. It is a base for study support for foreign
resident adults and children to have access to and study all about the Japanese
language and culture. The center also provides training for Japanese language
volunteers and intercultural experience courses about Japanese culture. Portuguese
lessons are also available for locals who are interested in supporting foreign
residents.
Foreign Residents Council
Foreign residents, who are also members of the community, make up theForeign Residents Council. The council researches and discusses issues about civic
life and promotes intercultural integration. There are eight foreign resident members
chosen from public applicants, one educator and one expert. Their opinions will bereflected in government decisions. The purpose for this council is for foreign
residents to excel in initiatives that concern the foreign resident community.
Education Support for Foreign Resident Children
As part of educational support to assist foreign resident children attending
public schools, Hamamatsu City dispatches Japanese language instructors and otherschool subject instructors, as well as school assistants and study supporters to help
with interpreting and translating. Classes in Japanese and native languages are held,and staff who are fluent in that particular language and have guidance experience
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision-8-

are available for consultations and to school visits.
Also, there are four foreign schools in Hamamatsu City that are accreditedby the national governments of Latin American countries4 and together with otherpublic schools, are of great importance to the education of foreign resident students.
As such, the city dispatches Japanese language teachers to assist foreign resident
children with their Japanese studies and provides aid for textbook purchases forforeign resident children attending the foreign schools. The city also supports
foreign schools accredited by the prefecture by providing student grants for foreign
resident students.
Hamamatsu City also takes the issue of children not attending schools very
seriously and started a three-year program in 2011 entitled “Zero School Refusal in
Foreign Resident Children”.

(3) Current status involving foreign residents
The following is a summary of the situation and issues involving foreign
residents, based on a survey conducted by Hamamatsu City in 2010 regarding Latin
American residents and Japanese residents.
 Current Situation
The characteristics of results are outlined below.
Labor
y In employment, 46.5% of respondents were in non-direct employment(dispatch, contract etc). Although this is a large figure, the ratio of direct
employment has increased since the last survey in 2006.
y As for job description, manufacturing (transportation vehicles such as
automobiles and bikes) has the largest figure at 45.4%. However this trend canbe seen in other occupations as well.
Medical, Health and Welfare
y Nearly 20% (18.9% to be exact) do not have national health insurance.
However, this is an improvement over 2006 where the figure was 32%.
y Nearly 40% (38.7%) are not registered for the national pension plan. However,this is an improvement over 2006 where the figure was 65%.
Community and Disaster Prevention
y Overall Japanese language ability is increasing, but the number of people who
can read kanji (Chinese characters) only accounts for 38.9%, which are still
4

As of May 1, 2012
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision
-9-

y

y

y
y

less than half.
As for housing situations, the largest group live in “private apartment houses”
which accounts for 40.3%. This is followed by 30% of people living in “public
housing”, 16.1% living in “their own houses”, and 10.5% living in “company
housing or apartment houses rented by companies.”
According to the survey subject to foreign residents, 88.1% of them answered“I associate with Japanese neighbors closely” or “I associate with Japaneseneighbors at the level of greeting each other.” According to the survey subject
to Japanese neighbors, 30% of them selected similar answers concerningassociation with foreign resident neighbors.
The ratio of foreign residents who joined neighbors’ associations remains at
36.1%.
As for preparation for disaster, 57.9% of foreign residents answered “I have notmade any special preparations for it,” and 42.9% answered “I do not know
where the evacuation site is.”According to the Hamamatsu City Board of Education, situations of foreign
residents in education are as follows.
Educationy As of May 1, 2012, the number of foreign resident students registered at
public elementary schools and junior high schools in Hamamatsu City is
1,447.
y Among foreign resident students, the number of Japanese-born students has
increased. In April 2012, approximately 52% of foreign resident first
graders had been born in Japan.
y High school education continuance rate of foreign resident students isapproximately 83%5 . Compared to Japanese students, the ratio of foreign
resident students going to part-time high schools is higher.
y Recently, the number of children with Asian nationalities has increased, andvarious types of assistance are required.
 Issues Surfacedy5

As for the employment pattern, signs of change are recognized, but the ratio ofHigh school education continuance rate of students who graduated from public junior high schools within Hamamatsu City at theend of 2011

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 10 -

y

y

y

y

indirect employment is still high. Also, foreign residents are often hired under
fixed-term hiring contracts, so their unstable working and living conditions still
continue.
The ratio of foreign residents who are not covered by health insurance isimproving but is still high. Issues are pointed out regarding unpaid medical
expenses, unpaid national health insurance premiums, and outstanding amounts
in local taxes. It can be said that these issues are a result of the unstable hiring
environment in which foreign residents are placed, as well as people’s
insufficient understanding of systems including cultural and language
differences.
Looking at the ratio of participation in neighbors’ associations and association
with one’s neighbors, it is hard to say that foreign residents fit into thecommunity. There are some regional issues on how to take out garbage, noise,and how to use parking spaces, which arise from cultural and language
differences.
One cannot say that foreign residents are sufficiently prepared for disasters. An
investigation into actual conditions was implemented before the Great East
Japan Earthquake, and there is still a lack of awareness concerning disasterprevention (disaster prevention education) among foreign residents.
In the education field, the number of foreign resident children born and raised inJapan is increasing as foreign residents tend to settle down in Japan. Theirnationalities are becoming more diverse. Their parents’ unstable livelihood
influences the children’s educational environment.
To realize an intercultural society, it is necessary to resolve these issues.
Together with steadily promoting initiatives as a city, it is necessary to
make proposals to the national and prefectural government for
improvement in order to resolve issues caused by national law or systems.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 11 -



From the Foreign Residents Council
The Foreign Residents Council mentioned earlier submitted a proposal in May
2012 based on what they have discussed to date.
<Outline of Our Proposal>
1. Reinforcing the Structure for Disaster Prevention
Proposal 1: Japanese and foreign residents work together to improve disasterprevention
Proposal 2: Maintain various information providing systems
2. School Refusal in Foreign Resident Children
Proposal 1: Create a framework in which all children are expected to attend
schoolProposal 2: Raise the awareness of caregivers regarding the education of
their children
3. Participation and Collaboration with the Community
Proposal 1: Promote mutual understanding between Japanese and foreign
residents
Proposal 2: Aim to build a community that foreign residents can easily
understand
4. Making the Most of Diversity in City Development
Proposal 1: Designate opportunities where residents with different
backgrounds can share their cultures with one another
Proposal 2: Make use of residents with diversified cultures as humanresources

In addition to the above, it was suggested as the first step for exchange, it isnecessary to have initiatives close to home such as creating opportunities for foreign
residents and Japanese residents to meet face to face or to greet one another, and on
the premise of community participation, stable employment opportunities were also
a vital issue.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 12 -

3. National and International Trends
Now we look at trends in intercultural integration in cities across the country,
national trends and trends overseas.

(1) Trends in cities across the nation
Since the 1970s, policies were implemented for foreign residents mainly bymunicipalities where many so-called old comers, foreign residents from Asian
countries who had been residing in Japan, lived. Later in the 1990’s, the number ofso-called new comers, foreign residents, including Latin Americans, started toincrease resulting in the occurrence of various regional issues arising from culturaland custom differences.
In the midst of this, in 2001, the Council of Municipalities with Large
Migrant Populations was established due to the initiative of Hamamatsu City. The
council has actively tackled various emerging problems in regions while exchanging
information between cities regarding policies and lifestyle circumstances related toforeign residents. As of today, 29 cities nationwide have joined this council.
Stemming from the “Hamamatsu Declaration” in 2001, the Council
continues to present suggestions to the national and prefectural governments as wellas organizations concerned, relating to the many issues experienced by foreign
residents which arise from laws and systems.

(2) National trends
At the national level, the “Study Group of Promotion of Multicultural
Coexistence” was created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communicationsin March 2006.Based on this report, the Ministry established “The Multicultural
Community Promotion Plan” in the same month, asking municipalities to create
guidelines and plans related to the promotion of intercultural integration. In
December 2006, “Comprehensive Measures for Foreigners as Citizens” was madeby the governmental “Liaison Conference of Concerned Ministries and Agencies on
Foreign Workers Issues.”
In January 2009, the “Office for Promoting Measures for Foreign Residents”
was established in the Cabinet Office. In fiscal 2010, “Basic Guideline of Measures
for Japanese-descended Residents” and “Action Plan” was made.
In May 2012, “Review Session for Realization of ‘Society where JapaneseHamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 13 -

and Non-Japanese can Live in Comfort’” consisting of vice ministers related to the
Cabinet Secretariat was established. In August, “Aiming for Realization of Society
in which Japanese and Non-Japanese can Live in Comfort (Intermediate
Arrangement)” was made by the above session. According to the report, it isimportant to promote intercultural integration more comprehensively andsystematically by harmonizing “Policy of Society in which Japanese and
Non-Japanese can Live in Comfort” and “Immigration Control Measures” andfocusing on it as a “pillar” of policy for foreign residents.

(3) International trends
When looking at other countries, even in countries that were not traditional
immigrant countries such as in North America or Oceania, integration policies forforeign residents have undergone changes.
In Western Europe, there was a large movement of migrant laborers being
accepted and settling in the 1970s and 80s. The Assimilationist Policy was a policythat required immigrants to fully integrate themselves into the accepting community.
Multiculturalism on the other hand respected and allowed immigrant groups to holdon to their identity. Regardless of the type of policy, by the 1990s, unemployment
rates for first and second generation migrants, education, getting along with migrantcommunities and other problems became issues, leading to the reassessment ofimmigration policies. Since the year 2000, incidents of terrorism and rioting
involving migrants have pushed immigration policies in many countries into the
spotlight.
Under these circumstances, a new urban policy called the Intercultural
Policy has been gaining attention. By focusing on dialogue and exchanges between
groups with different cultural backgrounds, isolation and segregation can beprevented. Cultural diversity brought by migrants and minorities is not seen as athreat, but rather as an opportunity for vitality and innovation – a source of
creativity and growth.
In connection with this policy, there is a program led by the Council ofEurope called the Intercultural City Program with 21 European member cities, underwhich specific practices are presently being conducted.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 14 -

4. Major Challenges and Future Directions(1) Major challenges
Based on the content discussed previously, our vision will focus on thefollowing three major challenges.
 Stability and independence in the daily life of foreign residents
After the global financial crisis of 2008 and amidst continuing unstableeconomic conditions, the stability of livelihood for foreign residents, especially with
employment, is a major challenge for the community. It is necessary to build acommunity in which everyone can feel safe and secure.
 Fostering a generation to be the future leaders of Hamamatsu
With settlement increasing, children with international roots 6
inHamamatsu will grow up to be part of the generation in charge of the City’s future.
For this reason, it is necessary to create an environment in which children can use
their abilities so that they can support their community in the future. More than 20
years have passed since the foreign population from South America started toincrease, and children who were born into the second generation are alreadybecoming adults. It is essential to support their self-activation and fulfillment. Also
this globalization is not exclusive to foreign residents: it is equally important tofoster internationally minded Japanese children raised in Hamamatsu as well.
 Social participation by foreign residents as members of the community
To isolate and segregate foreign residents will not bring about ideal results
for the community. It is important to provide information in multiple languages,
offer opportunities for foreigners to learn Japanese and Japanese customs, to offer
communication support, and to increase opportunities for exchange between
Japanese and foreign residents. In addition, in order to reduce problems incommunity, it is necessary to deepen mutual understanding of regional lifestylerules. It is necessary to create an environment where all citizens can fulfill their
obligations and enjoy their rights so that foreign residents too can take part incommunity development as leaders of the community.
6

In addition to children of foreign nationality, children who have Japanese nationality but have one parent of foreign nationality,
children with Japanese nationality who lived abroad for a long time and then returned to Japan, and children who acquired Japanesenationality will all be regarded as “children with international roots” in this vision.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 15 -

(2) Vision direction
While responding to major issues, the following three points have been
established as a direction of focus towards the future of intercultural integration thatis not simply measured by the support to date, but by how actively the citizens’
diversity is made use of in city planning.
 A city built by Japanese and foreign residents together
No intercultural city planning will proceed without discussion andexchanges between the people of the city who come from different cultures. For thispurpose, as a first step, it is important to promote initiatives close to home, such as
involving all stakeholders from within Hamamatsu to organize an intercultural
promotion system, to deepen understanding towards each others’ cultures and toincrease opportunities for exchange, and so on. Within the community also, it isimportant to develop face-to-face relationships between Japanese and foreign
residents.
 A city developed by making the most of diversity as the city’s source ofvitality
In order to prosper as an attractive city, it is extremely important to foster
the next generation to be responsible for Hamamatsu’s future. This includes children
with international roots. In addition, the diverse cultures that foreign residents haveare a potential source of city vitality. Based on this idea, we aim at creating new
cultures by making the most of the city’s diversity and revitalizing the community.
To engage and proceed in these initiatives, it is important to build relationships withintercultural integration cities in Japan and abroad, and learn from each other.
 A city where everyone can live peacefully
The livelihood of foreign residents is still not stable, there are stillchallenges remaining which should be resolved. Creating a community where one
can live in peace of mind is necessary. This must be done by steadily implementing
various support projects. Also, in order for intercultural integration, together withbecoming proficient in Japanese, as it is the language of everyday life, it isnecessary to abide by basic rules of the community. Based on respect for rights andfulfillment of obligation, it is necessary to proceed with more specific support inorder to promote coexistence in the region.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 16 -

Chapter Three: Realizing an Intercultural City
1. The Vision’s Goals for the Future
The City’s future vision is as stated below.

An Intercultural City built together
Where Creativity and Development Continues
Based on mutual understanding and respect
In 2001, the Council of Municipalities with a Large Migrant Population
adopted the Hamamatsu Declaration,7 which called for policies on the premise ofbuilding a multicultural community.
The progression of foreign settlement means that foreign residents live together in thesame area as local residents. They are a major force supporting the local economy as they
are important partners in creating a new regional culture based on the coexistence of diverse
cultures and in city planning.

Based on this recognition, it is essential to establish asystem and rules for coexistence to build a safe and comfortable community, in cooperation
with the consensus of all residents.
We, the 13 municipalities, with the participation and cooperation of all Japanese andforeign residents, will work in close cooperation to promote the formulation of a truly
harmonious society based on respect for rights and fulfillment of obligations, essences thatare indispensable to healthy urban life, through understanding and respect for the culturesand values of one another. (Translation of excerpt)

Ten years have passed since the adoption. Permanent residency byforeigners has steadily progressed and the role played by foreign residents asmembers of the community is becoming increasingly important. This Hamamatsu
Declaration (2001) has a common focus with the Intercultural Policy touched on in
Chapter Two in that foreign residents are important partners in city planning, thecoexistence of diverse cultures will create a new regional culture, and the necessity
to respect rights and fulfill obligations.
7

Hamamatsu Declaration and Proposal (Japanese only)http://www.shujutoshi.jp/siryo/index.htm
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 17 -

However, initiatives related to intercultural integration had a tendency to becentered on supporting foreign residents. From now on, there is a demand formeasures to actively make use of citizens’ diversity in city development, in addition
to past initiatives.
Hamamatsu’s Comprehensive Plan sees the future of Hamamatsu City as a
Creative City built by civil collaboration and shining into the future. The existenceof citizens who have diverse cultures is now the center of attention as an element infostering a new culture and building a creative city. This vision, which is a sectoralplan under the comprehensive plan, aims to realize the creative city that is
Hamamatsu, making use of its diversity through initiatives relating to intercultural
integration.
To make our future vision a reality, we will continue to promote policies
based on the three directions mentioned above.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 18 -

2. Promotion Principle and System(1) Promotion principle
To implement this vision, not just the city administration, but cooperation byvarious organizations is emphasized, and activities are promoted by paying attention
to the following points, based on the intercultural integration promotion throughpartnership.
 All Hamamatsu collaboration structure
It is important for all actors, including administrative agencies, citizens who
are the central players of regional development, companies hiring foreign workers,
and citizens’ groups endeavoring in intercultural integration to make the most of
their own characteristics and fulfill their roles, in order to realize a society ofintercultural integration. All Hamamatsu promotes activities in which variousorganizations cooperate with each other through the “Hamamatsu City Intercultural
Integration Promotion Council” in which various organizations and agencies
involved in promotion of intercultural integration participate.
 Civic collaboration
Many organizations and individuals are working on intercultural integrationin Hamamatsu City. It is important that not only the government but also citizens’organizations, volunteers, neighbors’ associations and foreign resident communities
co-operate hand-in-hand and concentrate their intellectual abilities to further policy
making.
 Cooperation with intercultural cities both home and abroad

It is necessary to continue to cooperate with cities in Japan, including cities
participating in the Council of Municipalities with a Large Migrant Population, andalso to further research and practice into issues and policy. To implement policies
from an international perspective, we will cooperate with intercultural cities
overseas including cities that participate in the Intercultural City Programme inEurope.

(2) Promotion system and progress management
Progress of our vision will be reported in the Hamamatsu City Intercultural
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 19 -

Integration Promotion Council and the Hamamatsu City Foreign Residents Council,
and will be announced to the public.
As for “Chapter Four: Implementation” of the vision, the content will be
reviewed and necessary corrections will be added after going through the above
process every year.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 20 -

3. Policy Chart and Priority Fields
The policy chart and priority fields of the vision are set as follows.

(1) Policy chart
Policies are organized in forms corresponding to the previously mentioned
targets.
Vision Direction

A city built by Japanese and foreign residents together

Policy 1. A City built jointly by everyone, hand in hand (Collaboration)
We aim to work together to create a community active with dialogue andexchange between residents of diverse cultures. In this sector we will undertake
initiatives in promoting an all Hamamatsu approach, education forunderstanding each other, creating opportunities for exchange and foreign
resident participation in city planning.

Vision Direction

A city developed by making the most of diversity as the city’ssource of vitality

Policy 2. A City developed by making the most of its diversity(Creation)
We aim to be a community where Japanese and foreign residents alike canuse their abilities and create new values with diverse cultures integrated. In this
sector we will nurture education for the next generation with initiatives in
activating the community and creating a culture making the most of diversity.
We also promote cooperation with cities in Japan and abroad.

Vision Direction

A city where everyone can live peacefully

Policy 3. A City where everyone can live comfortably (Comfort)
We aim to be a community where everyone can live in peace and comfort.
In this sector we will undertake initiatives such as disaster prevention,communication support, support in solving local challenges, medical, healthand welfare issues, and housing.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 21 -

(2) Priority fields
Based on the aforementioned major issues, “education for children who areresponsible for our future” and “disaster prevention for a safe and secure life” canbe pointed out as highly urgent issues, and “city-planning making the most ofdiversity” as an important initiative for the future. These items will be positioned aspolicies of priority and will be carefully implemented.
1. Education for children who are the people responsible for our future
In the midst of increasing foreign resident settlement, cultivating thenext generation to bear the future of Hamamatsu City will be very important.
We will implement support of education for children with international roots
including cultivating international sensibility of children to carry on our
global society and promoting a strategy to eliminate school refusal of foreign
resident children.
2. Disaster prevention for residents to live safely in peace of mind
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, strengthening disaster prevention
policies has become one of the most important issues in the city. Efforts fordisaster prevention are also very important from the perspective ofintercultural integration. We will strive for establishing a disaster prevention
system and improving the regional disaster preventive ability based on
experience from the Great East Japan Earthquake etc.
3. Making the most of diversity in city development
With the progression of globalization, cultural diversity and networks
of foreign residents can be important regional resources. We will proactively
make the most of diversity and implement activities so that Japanese
residents and foreign residents will be able to create a new culture andtransmit information, aimed at community activation.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 22 -

(Policy Chart Map)

※ Each activity is described in Chapter Four.
(Initiatives)(Direction of Policies)
1. A City built jointly by
everyone, hand in hand(collaboration)(1) Promotion of Initiatives by Various Stakeholders in theCity○Promotion of initiatives by various stakeholders on the intercultural
integration promotion council○Promotion of cooperation with citizen groups and volunteers who are
engaged in intercultural initiatives, etc.
○Implementation of international understanding education(2) Education for Mutual Understanding○Education with a focus on universal design and human rights○Holding of various exchange events(3) Creation of Exchange Opportunities○Creation of mechanisms to promote exchange in community(4) Promotion of Foreign Residents' Participation in
Community Building○Promotion of participation in local communities such as neighborhood
associations○Strengthening of partnership with foreign resident communities

2. A City developed bymaking the most of its
diversity (Creation)○Cultivation of internationally minded children(1) Cultivation of Future Generations○Education support for children with international roots○Empowerment of youths who have passed school age (ability
development, self-fulfillment support)(2) Creation of Culture by Making the Most of Diversity○Expansion of opportunities for foreign residents' cultural and artistic
activities○Utilization of diversity to promote exchange and transmit culture(3) Making the Most of Diversity in City Activation○Creation of an environment in which everyone can exhibit theirabilities○Utilization of diversity to transmit information○Utilization of global talent to promote industry○Resolving issues through Council of Municipalities with a Large
Migrant Population(4) Promotion of Intercity Cooperation○Sharing of understanding and knowhow through partnership withcities both home and abroad

3. A City where everyone
can live comfortably(Comfort)○Creation of systems for disaster prevention(1) Disaster Prevention Measures○Improvement of disaster prevention capabilities of communities○Maintenance of various information providing systems○Japanese language study support for living in the community(2) Communication Support○Information in multiple languages and usage of “Simple Japanese”○Training and placement of interpreters and consultants○Information sharing and support aimed at resolving issues incommunities(3) Community Support〇Promotion of understanding of local rules○Health services, welfare(4) Social Security for Comfortable Living○Employment, residence, etc.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 23 -

Chapter Four: Implementation Plan
1. City built jointly by everyone, hand in hand (Collaboration)
No multicultural city planning will proceed without discussion andexchanges between the people of the city who come from different cultures. For thispurpose, as a first step, it is important to promote initiatives close to home, such as
involving all stakeholders from within Hamamatsu to organize an intercultural
promotion system, to deepen understanding towards each others’ cultures and toincrease opportunities for exchange, and so on. Within the community also, it isimportant to develop face-to-face relationships between Japanese and foreign
residents.
In this field, through cooperation, we aim to create a community where
exchange and dialogue take place between citizens of diverse cultural
backgrounds.
As the “promotion of initiatives by various stakeholders in the city” we will
promote activities by various organizations via the Hamamatsu City Intercultural
Integration Promotion Council and collaboration with citizens’ organizations andvolunteers involved in intercultural integration. Also, as “education for mutual
understanding”, we will implement international understanding education andenlightenment activities from the perspective ofuniversal design and human rights. Also, as “thecreation of exchange opportunities,” we will holdvarious exchange events and create a mechanism forpromoting regional exchanges. Further, as “thepromotion of foreign residents’ participation incity-planning”, we will promote participation in local
communities such as neighbors’ associations andstrengthen
cooperation
withforeignresident
communities.
Related Plans: UU Plan II (The Second Hamamatsu City Universal Design Plan)
Hamamatsu City Human Rights Policy Promotion Action Plan

(1) Promotion of initiatives by various stakeholders in the city
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 24 -

In order for the realization of an intercultural society, the city cannot act
alone, it is necessary for the promotion of initiatives which receive support fromvarious stakeholders in the city, including concerned institutions, various groups andcitizens. We will promote activities by various organizations via the Hamamatsu
City Intercultural Integration Promotion Council and collaboration with related
citizens’ organization and volunteers.
○ Promotion of initiatives by various stakeholders on the intercultural integration
promotion council
The Hamamatsu City Intercultural Integration Promotion Council isheld to promote intercultural integration in cooperation with national andprefectural organizations and various organizations in the city. This council also
manages the progress of this vision.
○ Promotion of cooperation with citizen groups and volunteers who are engaged
in intercultural initiatives
To promote cooperation with citizen groups and volunteers who are engaged
in intercultural initiatives, a network with a core of Hamamatsu Intercultural
Center (Formerly Multicultural Center, hereinafter Intercultural Center)/Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center will be strengthened.
Collaboration with universities and companies in the city will be also
strengthened.

(2) Education for mutual understanding
Understanding each other is important to build an intercultural society.
Therefore, we will implement education for international understanding for the
purpose of increasing understanding of different cultures. Perspectives of universal
design and human rights are very important for understanding cultural diversity, andwe will implement related enlightenment activities.
○ Implementation of international understanding education
We will dispatch personnel who are either foreign residents living in thecommunity or Japanese citizens who have experience of living abroad, to lifelong
learning classes as an instructor of education for international understanding.
We will also promote registration of volunteers who introduce their own
cultures in cooperation with Hamamatsu Foundation for International
Communications and Exchanges in order to promote foreign residents’ activities forinternational understanding.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 25 -

○ Education with a focus on universal design and human rights
We will incorporate content related to the understanding of various cultures
through training/courses and creation of enlightenment materials/education
with relation to universal design. In addition, we intend to create a city that does
not tolerate discrimination arising from different nationalities or cultures, throughincorporating content related to the understanding of various cultures throughtraining/courses and creation of enlightenment materials/education withrelation to human rights,(3) Creation of exchange opportunities
We will implement various types of exchange events as opportunities forpromoting exchange between citizens with different cultural backgrounds. Also, wewill establish a mechanism for promoting regional exchanges close to home.
○ Holding of various exchange events
We will hold various types of exchange events based at the Hamamatsu
Intercultural Center and Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Centerin order to create opportunities for citizens to engage in exchange with one another.
We will also promote exchange events in cooperation with Hamamatsu
Foundation for International Communications and Exchanges and citizens’organizations.
○ Creation of mechanisms to promote exchange in the community
We will assist regional organizations including neighbors’ associationsin activating exchanges by dispatching a coordinator from the Hamamatsu
Intercultural Center. We will also provide support for implementing projects
related to intercultural integration at collaboration centers, etc. by dispatching
coordinators.

(4) Promotion of foreign resident participation in community building
It is expected that foreign residents, members of local communities, will be
responsible for community building. To deepen involvement between foreign
residents and the community, we will encourage foreign residents to participate in
the local community including neighbors’ associations. We will also strengthen
cooperation with foreign communities so as to promote voluntary activities byforeign residents.
○ Promotion of participation in local communities such as neighborhood
associations
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 26 -

We will provide assistance such as translation of rules and materials
related to neighbors’ associations so as to develop an environment for foreign
residents to participate in neighbors’ associations. Depending on regional needs, wewill dispatch coordinators from the Hamamatsu Intercultural Center and implementa Community Co-existence Model Project to solve issues.
○ Strengthening of partnership with foreign resident communities
We will provide assistance to voluntary group activities by foreign
residents from the Hamamatsu Intercultural Center as a base. While strengthening
the network with the Hamamatsu Intercultural Center and Hamamatsu Foreign
Resident Study Support Center as the core, we will promote cooperation between
the foreign community organizations and other citizens’ organizations.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 27 -

2. City developed by making the most of its diversity (Creation)
In order to prosper as an attractive city, it is extremely important to foster
the next generation to be responsible for Hamamatsu’s future. This includes children
with international roots. In addition, the diverse cultures that foreign residents haveare a potential source of city vitality. Based on this idea, we aim at creating new
cultures by making the most of the city’s diversity and revitalizing the community.
To engage and proceed in these initiatives, it is important to build relationships withintercultural integration cities in Japan and abroad, and learn from each other.
In this field, we will aim to make the city where any Japanese andforeign residents can demonstrate his/her ability and new value will be createdby incorporating various cultures.
As measures for “cultivation of future generation,” we will cultivateinternational sensibility in children, provide educational support to children withinternationalroots,
andimplement
empowerment(capability
development/assistance in self-realization) in the youth who are beyond school age.
As a policy for “creation of culture by making the most of diversity”, we will strive
for expanding opportunities of cultural and artistic activities by foreign residents,
promoting exchanges, and initiating transmission of culture. As policies for “making
the most of diversity in city activation” we will work on creating an environment sothat anyone can demonstrate his/her ability, transmitting information, and industrial
development making use of global humanresources.* As policies for “promotion ofintercity cooperation,” we will solve problems
through the Council of Municipalities with
Large Migrant Populations and shareknowledge and know-how for promoting“making the most of diversity in city
development” through cooperation with cities
inside and outside Japan.
Related Plans: Hamamatsu City Next Generation Cultivation Assistance (Later Stage) Action Plan
Hamamatsu City Education Master Plan
Basic Policy for Promoting “Creative City, Hamamatsu” (From April 2013)
Hamamatsu City Culture Promotion Vision
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 28 -

(1) Cultivation of future generations(priority)
With the progression of globalization, cultivating the next generation thatwill bear the future of Hamamatsu is very important. Therefore, we will cultivateinternational sensibility in children. We will also provide educational assistance tochildren with international roots. In addition, we will implement empowerment(capability development/assistance in self-realization) in the youths who havepassed school age.
○ Cultivating internationally minded children
We will reinforce education for international understanding that is tolearn and experience different cultures by dispatching foreign residents in thecommunity or Japanese citizens who have lived abroad to schools. We will also
implement a project to improve English-language ability so as to help children’s
understanding of different cultures and improve their communication abilities.
○ Education support for children with international roots
We will implement an education support promotion project for foreign
resident children who study at public elementary schools and junior high schools
by dispatching bilingual supporting staff* or Japanese-language study supporting
staff to schools. We will also implement support catered for diverse educational
environment for children with international roots by implementing the “ZeroSchool Refusal in Foreign Resident Children” Project.
○ Empowerment of youths who have passed school age (ability development,
self-fulfillment support)
20 years have passed since the revision of the Immigration Control Law, andthe number of foreign settlers has increased. Under these situations, the number ofyoung foreign residents who were born and raised in Hamamatsu or in Japan isincreasing. We will support such young foreign residents’ independent activities,
and implement relearning classes for young foreign residents who could not study
enough during their school years, or, who could not proceed to higher education, sothat they can study again.

(2) Creation of culture by making the most of diversity (priority)
A new culture is created when people with various cultural backgrounds
exchange. To do so, it is necessary to expand opportunities for cultural and artistic
activities by citizens with various cultural backgrounds. Then we will implement
promotion of exchange which makes the most of diversity and transmit culture.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 29 -

○ Expansion of opportunities for foreign residents’ cultural and artistic activities
We will reinforce information provision of cultural programs in the city
through the multilingual website for foreign residents, “CANAL HAMAMATSU” inorder to increase opportunities for cultural and artistic activities by foreign residents.
Also, we will strengthen cooperation with related departments and organizations topromote foreign resident participation in cultural and sports events etc.
○ Utilization of diversity to promote exchange and transmit culture
Aiming for deepening understanding of intercultural integration andproviding an opportunity for exchange, we will actively hold programs ofintercultural integration through implementing the Hamamatsu Intercultural
MONTH etc. (tentative name). Also, aiming for creating a new culture throughexchanges between different cultures, we will implement art projects to which
various cultures in Hamamatsu City are applied while deepening cooperation withspecialized agencies such as the Japan Foundation and NPOs in the city etc.

(3) Making the most of diversity in city activation (priority)
We will implement activities that will lead to community activation byregarding city diversity as a strong point. We will also create an environment inwhich everyone can exhibit their ability. We aim to transmit information that makes
the most of diversity and promote industry making use of global human resources.*○ Creation of an environment in which everyone can exhibit their abilities
Expanding foreign residents’ working range is necessary so that everyone
can exhibit their ability or individuality. Setting our sights on new fields such as
nursing care, agriculture, and fishery, we will assist in cultivating humanresources or employment matching etc in cooperation with the national andprefectural governments and citizen organizations.
○ Utilization of diversity to transmit information
As one appeal of Hamamatsu City, we will provide information on
ethnic businesses* such as restaurants and variety shops etc where people canexperience various cultures. Focusing on attracting tourists from overseas anddeveloping markets, we will also provide information on the attractions ofHamamatsu City, making use of networks with foreign residents’ homecountries.
○ Utilization of global talent* to promote industry
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 30 -

We will introduce examples of companies that hire foreign residents andintroduce foreign residents who take active roles in Japanese society as rolemodels. In order to develop business making use of cultural diversity, we will
release information on new business support in many languages. In addition, we
will create opportunities for exchanges with business persons and foreign businessowners in the city. Further, in the midst of deepening partnerships with universities
and other prefectures, we plan to make the most of international students as local
talents.

(4) Promotion of intercity cooperation
In order to realize an intercultural society, the city cannot act alone, but must
implement activities in cooperation with both domestic and international cities.
Therefore, we will participate in the Council of Municipalities with Large Migrant
Populations established in fiscal year 2001 and cooperate with new interculturalcities inside and outside Japan.
○ Resolving issues through Council of Municipalities with a Large Migrant
Population etc.
We will continue to participate in the Council of Municipalities with aLarge Migrant Population to make suggestions to the national and prefectural
government and related agencies and implement activities in cooperation with suchorganizations. As one of the pioneering cities to have endeavored in intercultural
integration, we will deepen cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities forInternational Relations, etc. and promote cooperation between cities within
Japan.
○ Sharing of understanding and knowhow through partnership with cities both
home and abroad
Paying particular attention to new activities of the “Intercultural City
Program” in Europe, we will further cooperation with intercultural cities aroundthe world. We will transmit knowledge and results obtained through cooperation
with cities both inside and outside Japan.

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 31 -

3. City Where Everyone Can Live in Comfort (Comfort)
The livelihood of foreign residents is still not stable, there are stillchallenges remaining which should be resolved. Creating a community where one
can live in peace of mind is necessary. This must be done by steadily implementing
various support projects. Also, in order for intercultural integration, together withbecoming proficient in Japanese, as it is the language of everyday life, it isnecessary to abide by basic rules of the community. Based on respect for rights andfulfillment of obligation, it is necessary to proceed with more specific support inorder to promote coexistence in the region.
In this field, we aim to make our city a place where anyone can enjoy asafe, secure and comfortable life, regardless of nationality.
To do so, we will create disaster prevention measures, improve regional
disaster preventive ability, and develop various information provision systems as“disaster prevention measures.” Also, as a part of “communication support,” we will
support Japanese language study for community living, provide multilingual
information, and allocate and cultivate interpreters and consultants. Furthermore,
within “community support,” we will provide support for solving problems in thecommunity, sharing information, promote understanding of community rules andother obligations. As measures for “social security for comfortable living,” we will
provide necessary support in the fields of medical/health and welfare, employment
and housing.
As for these activities, which include disasterprevention, foreign residents themselves are also expected
to play an important role as a member of the community.
We will move forward with these initiatives while paying
attention to human resource cultivation and strengthening
cooperation.

Related Plans: Hamamatsu City Regional Disaster Prevention Plan
Hamamatsu City Basic Act for Housing
Hamamatsu City Next Generation Cultivation Assistance (Later Stage) Action Plan

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 32 -

(1) Disaster prevention measures (priority)
In response to the tremendous damage to life and property caused by theGreat East Japan Earthquake, disaster prevention has become one of the major
challenges in Hamamatsu City. Hamamatsu City continues to move forward with awide range of approaches designed to ensure the safety of all residents, regardless ofnationalities, by protecting them from disaster.
○ Creation of systems for disaster prevention
When disaster strikes, in order to implement care and information provision
for speakers of languages other than Japanese who are living in or visiting
Hamamatsu, a Disaster Multilingual Support Center is established based oncooperation between the Hamamatsu Foundation for International Communications
and Exchanges and other organizations. We will continue to identify and cultivate
human resources capable of providing support in time of disaster, utilizing thecity’s existing volunteer banks and other resources.
○ Improvement of disaster prevention capabilities of communities
As one of the projects undertaken by the Intercultural Center, the center
supports the holding of disaster prevention classes and training for foreign
residents. The center also strengthens cooperation with the foreign resident
community and promotes disaster awareness in the community.
○ Maintenance of various information providing systems
The Hamamatsu Disaster Prevention Email (Bousai Hotto Me-ru)
transmits information in multiple languages and provides information swiftly toforeign residents in times of disaster. Also, the city will establish a system of
information provision through the use of social networking services*. Furthermore,
the city works to strengthen cooperation with ethnic media* with a focus on
increasing the effectiveness of communication.

(2) Communication support
Being able to communicate with others is essential for residents fromdiverse cultural backgrounds living in the community. Hamamatsu City implements
Japanese language study support for foreign residents based on the understandingthat Japanese is required for their everyday life in the community. For foreign
residents who have newly arrived in Japan, the city dispatches consultants andinterpreters, as well we provides a wide range of necessary lifestyle information in
multiple languages.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 33 -

○ Japanese language study support for living in the community
The Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center supports
foreign residents wishing to learn Japanese by offering classes in Japanese
language and culture, and programs designed to cultivate volunteers forsupport activities. The city also promotes and strengthens networks connecting awide range of organizations in the city that provide support for foreign residents,
including NPOs, to further fulfill its commitment to supporting foreign
residents’ Japanese language studies.
○ Information in multiple languages and usage of “Simple Japanese”
Hamamatsu City makes information available in multiple languages throughthe distribution of the Information Bulletin Hamamatsu Newsletter andmanagement of “CANAL HAMAMATSU”, the official website for foreign
residents. Also, together with promoting the multilingualization of the various
pamphlets and documents that it distributes, the city promotes the usage of “simple
Japanese” which is easy to understand for all residents, including foreign residents.
○ Training and placement of interpreters and consultants
Hamamatsu City provides interpreters at city hall. The city also
dispatches consultants in multiple languages at the Intercultural Center, andholds social work training* for intercultural integration targeting interpretersand consultants etc. in the city.

(3) Community support
Integration challenges clearly exist in the local community. To solve such
issues in the community, it is necessary to share information and provide thoroughsupport. In order to create a safe and secure community, it is also essential for us tohave mutual understanding of local rules. Hamamatsu City provides the support
required to promote intercultural integration.
○ Information sharing and support aimed at resolving issues in communities
Hamamatsu City dispatches coordinators from the Intercultural Center toresolve issues in the community the Community Co-existence Model Project. The
City also holds neighborhood association co-existence meetings to provide
opportunities for individuals involved in neighborhood association activities toshare examples for intercultural integration and work toward the resolution ofissues.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 34 -

○ Promotion of understanding local rules and other obligations
The city also promotes distribution of various documents in multiple
languages explaining rules that are necessary for living in the community such as
garbage disposal rules etc. The city also provides information about rules at foreign
resident community meetings such as at foreign resident schools or foreign
resident gatherings etc. Furthermore, the city also provides information about andpromotes understanding of social security and tax obligations in cooperation withrelated organizations.

(4) Social security for comfortable living
A safe and secure living environment is a basic requirement for any
integrated society. In order to realize a regional society where everyone can live
comfortably, Hamamatsu City provides a wide range of necessary support in
healthcare, welfare, employment, and housing.
○ Health and welfare services
Hamamatsu City provides mental health consultations* for foreign
residents. The city also promotes the enrollment of foreign residents in social
insurance and healthcare insurance as well as providing subsidies to hold healthscreening events which target uninsured individuals. Furthermore, the city aims toprovide child rearing support for parents such as Japanese classes, which support
child rearing and lead to the creation of networks among foreign residents who areraising children. With the progression of foreign resident settlement, and as theforeign resident community ages, in order for these residents to live a comfortable
life in a familiar environment, Hamamatsu City plans to use simple Japanese andmultilingualization in the promotion of the usage of various health and welfare
services, including nursing care insurance systems.
○ Employment, residence, etc.
Hamamatsu City provides information on laws and regulations regarding
employment and labor conditions for companies hiring foreign residents incooperation with the Public Employment Security Office and Labor Standards
Inspection Office for the purpose of providing an environment that helps to ensurestable and fair employment for foreign residents. In addition, the city publicizes
information such as a wide range of support systems related to residence
designed to ensure the safety and comfort of foreign members of the community.
The city also provides information regarding crime prevention and traffic safety inthe region in cooperation with the police, neighborhood associations, and foreign
resident communities.
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 35 -

4.List of Initiatives and Performance Indicators
1. A City built jointly by everyone, hand in hand (collaboration)
Initiatives
No.

(Project name)(Division in charge)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Relatedindicator(s)(1) Promotion of Initiatives by Various Stakeholders in the City
1

Hold the Hamamatsu
Promotion Council.

City

Intercultural Integration

International Affairs
Division－

2

Strengthen networks centered around the M ulticultural
Center and Foreign Resident Study Support Center.

International Affairs
Division－

3

Strengthen cooperation with universities and companies in
the city.

International Affairs
Division－International Affairs
Division

4International Affairs
Division－(2) Education for mutual understanding
4

Dispatch instructors
understanding.

of

educationforinternational

5

Promote the registration of volunteers to introduce cultures.

6

Create education and awareness materials, and hold lecturesand study sessions on universal design.

International Affairs Division,
Universal Design and Gender－

Equality Affairs DivisionInternational Affairs Division,

7

Create education and awareness materials, and hold lectures Welfare General Affairs Division(Human Rights Educationand study sessions on human rights.

－

Center)(3) Creation of exchange opportunities

8

Hold exchange events centered based at the M ulticultural International
Center and Foreign Resident Study Support Center.
Division

Affairs9

Promote exchange events in cooperation with Hamamatsu
International
Foundation for International Communications and Exchanges
Division(HICE) and other citizens' groups.

10

Support exchange promotions by groups in the community.

International
Division

Affairs11

Support intercultural projects at collaboration centers and International
other institutions.
Division

Affairs－

Affairs－－－(4) Promotion of Foreign Residents' Participation in Community Building

12

Provide assistance such as
association related material.

translating neighborhood

International Affairs Division－

Civic P artnership & Regional
P olicy DivisionInternational Affairs Division

13

Implement Community Co-existence M odel Projects.

5

Civic P artnership & Regional
P olicy Division

14

Support the activities of groups led by foreign residents.

International Affairs
Division－

15

Promote cooperation between foreignorganizations and other citizens' groups.

International Affairs
Division－community

review, prepare

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 36 -

Implement2. A City developed by making the most of its diversity (Creation)
Initiatives
No.

(Project name)(Division in charge)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Relatedindicator(s)(1) Cultivation of Future Generations
to

teach

international International Affairs Division

16

Dispatch
instructors
understanding.

17

Implement projects to empower the ability to use living
Educationn
English.
Development Division－

18

Implement education support projects for foreign
Educationn
resident children.
Development Division－

19

Implement the project "Zero School Refusal in Foreign International Affairs Division
Educationn Development
Resident Children"
Division－

20

Provide assistance to foreign schools.

International Affairs
Division－21

Support activities run by, and implement re-learningclasses for foreign resident youth.

International Affairs
Division－

22

Provide ample information about cultural events in the International Affairs Division
Culture Policy Division
city.

－

23

Promote foreign participation in cultural events.

International Affairs Division
Culture Policy Division－

24

Implement Hamamatsu Intercultural Month (tentative International Affairs Division
Culture Policy Division
title)－

25

Implement art projects making the most of diverse International Affairs Division
Culture Policy Division
cultures.

－4

Educationn Development
Division(2) Creation of Culture by Making the Most of Diversity(3) Making the Most of Diversity in City Activation
26

Support human resource development and employment International Affairs Division
Industrial General Affairs
matching.
Division－

27

Transmit information regarding ethnic businesses.

International Affairs Division
Tourism Promotion Division－28

Foreign residents transmit information overseas.

International Affairs Division
Tourism Promotion Division－

29

Introduce cases of companies hiring foreign
employment and foreigners working in Japan as rolemodels.

International Affairs
Division－

30

Promote awareness and exchange of entrepreneurial International Affairs Division
Industrial General Affairs
assistance in multiple languages.
Division－(4) Promotion of Intercity Cooperation
31

Participate in the Council of Municipalities with Large
Migrant Populations

International Affairs
Division－

32

Promote cooperation between Japanese cities withintercultural initiatives.

International Affairs
Division－

33

Promote cooperation and share knowledge withintercultural cities around the world.

International Affairs
Division－
review, prepare

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 37 -

implement3. A City where everyone can live comfortably (Comfort)
Initiatives
No.

(Project name)(Division in charge)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Relatedindicator(s)(1) Disaster Prevention M easures
International Affairs Division

34

M aintain a multilingual disaster support center

35

Scout and educate personnel to assist during disasters.

36

Assist in holding disaster prevention drills and lectures.

37

Strengthen cooperation with the foreign community.

38

Provide information through the Disaster Prevention Emailservice and social network services.

－

Crisis Management DivisionInternational Affairs Division－

Crisis Management DivisionInternational Affairs Division－

Crisis Management DivisionInternational Affairs Division－

Crisis Management DivisionInternational Affairs Division

8

Crisis Management Division(2) Communication Support

39

Hold Japanese language and volunteer training courses basedat the Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center

International Affairs
Division－

40

Promote support activities for Japanese language learning inall cities through a network of volunteers.

International Affairs
Division－

41

Issue M ultilingual version the City's newsletter and operate
Canal Hamamatsu, a website for foreign residents.

P ublic Opinion and Relations

42

Placement of staff interpreters. Placement of multiple
language consultants at Hamamatsu M ulticultural Center.

International Affairs Division

9

Division

P ersonnel Division－International Affairs Division(3) Community Support
43

Implement(repeat)Community

Co-existence M odel Projects.

International Affairs Division

5

Civic P artnership & Regional
P olicy DivisionInternational Affairs Division

44

Hold neighborhood association meetings.

－

Civic P artnership & Regional
P olicy DivisionInternational Affairs Division

45

Provide materials explaining local rules in multiple languages
Resource and Waste Management
and hold orientation sessions.
Division－(4) Social Security for Comfortable Living
46

M ental health consultations for foreigners.

M ental Health Welfare
Center－47

Provide subsidies for health screenings for foreigners.

Health and M edical
Affairs Division－

48

Empowerment of parenting support such as Japanese International Affairs DivisionChild Rearing Support Division
language classes to help child rearing.

49
50

Cooperation with the Public Employment Security Officeand Labor Standards Inspection Office
Provide awareness of programs related to housing.

－International Affairs Division－

Industrial General Affairs
DivisionInternational Affairs Division－

Housing Division

review, prepare

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 38 -

implementPerformance Indicators
performance indicators

current status

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

relatedinitiative(s)1Total who answered "satisfied" or "fairly satisfied" to a
citizen's survey question about building a society withforeign residents to deepen mutual understanding andexchanges

11.2%
FY 2012 survey

11.6%

12.0%

12.4%

12.8%

13.2%

－

2

Total who answered "close friendship" or "close enough to
say hello" when asked about their relationship withJapanese neighbors

88.1%
FY 2010 survey

－

90%

－

－

92%

－

3

Total who answered "close friendship" or "close enough to
say hello" when asked about their relationship with foreignneighbors

30%
FY 2010 survey

－

35

－

－

40

－

4

Attendees to events concerning education for international
understanding

2,007(Total number of people
in FY 2011)

2,200

2,400

2,600

2,800

3,000

4, 16

5

Number of implementations assisted in Community Coexistence M odel Projects.

13(FY 2011)

20

25

30

35

40

13, 43

6

Total who answered "fluent" or "fairly fluent" to a survey
question about fluency in conversational Japanese.

56.3%
FY 2010 survey

－

60.6

－

－

65.0

－

7

Total who answered "no measures taken" to a survey
question about disaster prevention

57.9%
FY 2010 survey

－

30.0

－

－

25.0

－

8

Registered Hamamatsu Disaster Prevention Email service
users in foreign languages

170(as of Sept. 2012)

240

310

380

450

520

38

9

Visits to Canal Hamamatsu , a website for foreign residents

29,973(FY 2011)

33,00036,00039,00042,00045,00041

Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 39 -

【GLOSSARY】*In order of appearance

SNS (Social networking service) (pp. 4, 33)
Social networking services are communication services available through theInternet that allow networking between people who share the same interests,
occupations, places of residence and so on.
Global human resources (pp. 5, 28, 30)
These are people who can work in a globalizing society. They are generally
expected to be able to communicate in a foreign language as well as tounderstand and make good use of other cultures.
Multicultural coordinator (p. 8)
A multicultural coordinator collaborates with neighborhood associations andnurtures human resources while enhancing networks of intercultural groups andindividuals.
Social work training for intercultural integration (pp. 8, 34)
Training for consultation and problem solving in a broad ranges of issues facedby foreign residents
Mental health consultation (pp. 8, 35)
Experts are available for personal mental (psychological) health consultations
and/or to accompany patients to medical institutions as necessary.
Bilingual supporting staff (p.29)
As part of its program to support foreign resident school children, Hamamatsu
City has bilingual supporting staff placed in or dispatched to schools whennecessary.
Ethnic business (p. 30)
Businesses run by foreign residents such as ethnic restaurants and retail stores
Ethnic media (p.33)
Media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, and the Internet directed atforeign residents living in Japan
Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision- 40 -