The 3rd Hamamatsu
Intercultural City Vision（Commentary）

February 2023

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Formulating the 3rd Vision
1. The Purpose of Formulating the 3rd Vision ··········································· · 1
2. The Role of the 3rd Vision and Timeline ·············································· · 1

Chapter 2 Environmental Analysis
1. Evaluation of the 2nd Vision’s Initiatives and Results ······························· · 2
2. An Environment which Includes Foreign Residents; Current Issues(1) Changes to the Socio-Economic Environment ·································· · 4(2) National Trends ······································································ · 5(3) Hamamatsu’s Current Status ······················································ · 7(4) Domestic Municipal Trends ······················································· · 11(5) International Trends ································································· · 11
3. Future Direction··········································································· · 12

Chapter 3 Contents of the 3rd Vision
1. Aim for the Future Image of the City ·················································· · 13
2. Promotion Policies and Systems ······················································· · 14
3. Policy Structure ··········································································· · 15
4. Key Initiatives ············································································· · 16
5. Promotion Policies(1) A City Built Together, Hand in Hand, with Mutual Respect (Collaboration) 18(2) A City that Brings Forth New Value through Diversity (Creation) ·········· · 21
(3) A City Easy for Anyone to Live in (Peace of Mind) ··························· · 24
6. List of Initiatives ·········································································· · 28

＜Glossary & Index＞ ·········································································· · 31

Chapter 1 Formulating the 3rd Vision
1.

The Purpose of Formulating the 3rd Vision

In 2012, the Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision, (herein; 1st Vision) was formulated as a
guide for the creation of intercultural policies in pursuit of an intercultural society. Following
that, the 2nd Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision (herein; 2nd Vision) was announced in 2018,with its ideals being a continuation of the 1st Vision - promoting the creation of a region thatanyone can thrive in and painting local foreign residents as key players in community building.
A lot has changed in regards to foreign resident trends in both Hamamatsu and Japan sincethe 2nd Vision was formulated. The Immigration Bureau of Japan has since been newly
established and a new visa category was created, leading to an increased intake of foreign
people into Japan. However, at the end of 2019, border restrictions were strengthened due tothe COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an overall instability in foreign residents’ quality of life
(QOL). Whilst foreign residents who settle in Hamamatsu generally tend to have long-term
residency, we have seen a diversification in both their nationalities and residence statuses. Forintercultural policy, we can see the national effort made to create and promote a welcoming
environment for foreign residents via initiatives such as the implementation of the “Basic
Policy Measures to Promote Japanese Language Education” in 2019 and the announcement of
the “Roadmap for the Realization of an Intercultural Society with Foreign Residents” in 2022.
Hamamatsu aims to support its foreign residents whilst also promoting their initiatives to create
an intercultural and diverse society. The concept of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) ※continues to permeate society on an international level, so these goals are not a direction inwhich solely Japan is headed, but are instead consistent with aspirations for the actualization of
a diverse and inclusive global society.
On this basis, Hamamatsu has created the 3rd Hamamatsu City Intercultural Vision (herein;
the 3rd Vision) to not only continue but also further develop its current initiatives and tosystematically promote new intercultural policies going forward.
2.

The Role of the 3rd Vision and Timeline(1) The Role of the 3rd Vision
The 3rd Vision is just one facet of the overarching Hamamatsu Comprehensive Plan(created in March 2015), and is also one of seven major strategies used to promote “Urban
Management for Future Development”. This iteration of the Vision aims to be consistent withthe various sector-specific plans related to interculturalism that Hamamatsu undertakes.
(2) Timeline
The term for the 3rd Vision is the five year period from 2023 to 2027. If there are any
drastic changes to socio-economic or national trends regarding interculturalism, annotations
will be added to reflect any changes.
Definitions for terms marked with ※ can be found in the glossary at the end of the document.

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Environmental Analysis

The 3rd Vision was designed based on results of the 2nd Vision’s initiatives, as well as
trends, current issues related to interculturalism, and a consideration for the direction for the
future.
1.

Evaluation of the 2nd Vision s Initiatives and Results

Firstly, let us take a look back on the 3 areas which were covered in the 2nd Vision –“Collaboration”, “Creation”, and “Peace of Mind”.
CollaborationA City Built Together, Hand in Hand, with Mutual Respect

In its efforts to actualize an intercultural society, the city encouraged the participationof foreign residents in community activities, such as using the community exchange model topromote participation in Residents' Associations, holding intercultural unity understandingclasses, employing universal design, and furthering the development of human rights. Thanks
to the creation of these exchange opportunities by the city’s two centers for the promotion ofintercultural exchange; the Hamamatsu Intercultural Center and the Hamamatsu Foreign
Resident Study Support Center (U-ToC), over 7,500 citizens have attended events on
interculturalism and exchange activities via the intercultural exchange program. Next, we cometo the effects of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic on Collaboration. As part of thethen-upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, Hamamatsu had organized manyexchange events and initiatives with our Brazilian host-town. However, many of these events
had to be curtailed or preparations changed entirely in order to abide by the enforced
restrictions for in-person events.
Finally, we come to the connection of groups undertaking key initiatives forinterculturalism. We periodically hold both the “Hamamatsu City Intercultural Unity Promotion
Council”, which is made up of local related organizations, and the “Hamamatsu City Foreign
Residents’ Unity Deliberative Council”, made up of foreign residents who review anddeliberate policies affecting foreign residents. Both groups facilitate the sharing of informationand opinions, leading to an all-encompassing review system.

Creation

A City that Brings Forth New Value through Diversity

To focus on the education of the next generation with foreign roots, the city is
continuing its “Non-Enrollment Zero Strategic Project”, which was established in 2011. The
city is also employing various aides for education and learning support in elementary andjunior-high schools. As part of their career guidance project, the city is linking high-schools
with universities and companies. In addition, many seminars are being held to promote local
social activities to young foreign residents, and to introduce them to young foreign role-models
who actively participate in the community.
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In order to create a new culture through diversity, the city is holding various events, all ofwhich have so far achieved a high level of participant satisfaction (over 95%). The city has
aimed to broaden the scope of creative activities and cultivate civil awareness by using
enhanced information sharing practices regarding cultural events and using support grants forintercultural- and international-understanding educational activities run by civic groups.
To create dynamism using local diversity, the Foreign Resident Employment Support desk was
set up in 2020. Through this system, both foreign residents who wish to work in the city andcompanies in the city looking to employ foreign staff can apply for consultations, and both arematched to one another. Finally, in 2021FY the Hamamatsu City Certification for Businesses
with an Active Global Workforce was established, with their goal being to employ, retain, andenhance the working environment and activities of foreign workers. Companies involved are
helping to cultivate an environment which facilitates the employment of foreign residents.

Peace ofMind

A City Easy for Anyone to Live in

To ensure citizens can live comfortably with peace of mind, the “Intercultural General
Consultation One-Stop Center” was set up in 2019 and the city aimed to enhance its
consultation systems by cooperating with various multilingual organizations. Canal Hamamatsu,
a website produced by the city which provides information on daily and administrative
procedures, was updated in an additional language: Plain Japanese※. This comes as an addition
to the existing six languages: Chinese, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
The city undertook the following initiatives to support communication. The Local Japanese
Language Education Promotion Policy was established in 2019FY, leading to the foundation of
the Local Japanese Language Education General Management Committee, from which systems
for the general promotion of Japanese Language Education were created. The Japanese classes
provided as part of these systems achieved a high level of participant satisfaction (90%).
Similarly in 2018FY, city employees took Plain Japanese classes to further increase the usageof Plain Japanese and make efforts to communicate more clearly and share information moreeasilywith foreign residents. Additionally, the Multilingual Information Sharing Policy wasestablished in 2021FY, allowing the city to further maintain their multilingual information
sharing initiatives. Finally, tablet devices for multilingual translation were installed at
consultation desks across Hamamatsu City Hall in order to aid seamless communication.
The city undertook disaster preparedness measures, including training a Multilingual Crisis
Support Center and preparing support systems for foreign residents to use during a crisis.

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2.

An Environment which Includes Foreign Residents; Current Issues

As the 2nd Vision covered projects for the inclusion of foreign residents from April 2018
onwards, we have adjusted its contents to encompass our current state of affairs and issues.
(1) Changes to the Socio-Economic Environment
Reduction in population: reduced birth rate due to an ageing population
As of 2022, the working population of Japan is 74,380,000 people1, but due to the lowbirth rate and ageing population, this number is expected to drop to 52,750,0002 by 2050. To
combat this, one solution would be to accept more foreign people into Japan. However, by
2040 the demand for foreign workers is expected to be about four times that of 2020 (approx.
6,740,000 people), with expected shortages of 420,000 workers3. The beginning of competition
for the acquisition of foreign staff with other Asian countries and further afield can already beseen, as the wage gap continues to narrow due to economic growth abroad.
Movements Towards Achieving a Diverse and Inclusive Society
In the roundup of the 2015 UN Summit regarding SDGs (2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development) they announced the central promise of their agenda – “Leave No One Behind”(LNOB). Their agenda for SDGs covers 17 goals and encompasses 169 targets; spanning topics
such as inequality, healthcare, education, employment, and urban growth, all while focusing on
interculturalism. In recent years, the concept of well-being※ has similarly picked up traction
and society as a whole is beginning to better conceptualize diversity, the inclusion of foreign
residents as a means to enrichen society, and ideas of quality and life satisfaction.
In economic trends, companies are starting to utilize diversity as a business strategy. By
employing a diverse range of personnel, they create opportunities to fully utilize their staff’s
abilities and use this to further the innovation of new ideas (technical innovation). By
connecting the creation of value to business administration, a company can use the unique
skills of its diverse personnel to increase productivity and the company’s competitive edge.
Both social organizations and business strategies are expected to encourage further employmentof foreign personnel and to push for the establishment of a system for their acceptance.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
Due to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial difficulty became awidespread societal issue due to many (including foreign workers) being laid off or having theirwages cut as a result of businesses temporarily closing or experiencing a drop in sales.
To prevent further infections, restrictions were placed on international travel resulting in adecrease in the number of foreign residents living in Japan (2,933,000 in 2019, 2,761,000 in2021). There are signs that international travelers will return in 2022 as restrictions are being
lifted in stages, and that the number of foreign residents will once again trend upward.
1

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications (MIC) “Population Statistics” (As of Jan.2022)
Source: National Institute of Population & Social Security Research “Future Projected Population of Japan” (As of Apr.2017)3
Source: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) “Review and Research Report on Initiatives for Multicultural
Coexistence with foreign people by 2030/2040) (March 2022)
2-4-

Worsening Severity and Frequency of Climate Crises
In the last couple of years, heavy rains have brought about weather crises such as floods
and landslides. These rains are characterized by the intensity and frequency of theirprecipitation over long periods. According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA), thenumber of days with heavy rain (over 200ml of precipitation) has statistically increased since
1901 (a ×1.7 increase, comparing the precipitation in the 30 year periods between 1901-1931
and 1992-2022). The frequency of short-term intense rainfall (50ml of precipitation or more perhour) has also increased since 1976 (a ×1.4 increase, comparing the precipitation in the 10 year
periods between 1976-1986 and 2012-2022)4. Given this increase in both heavy rain andshort-term intense rainfall, it has become increasingly necessary to introduce rapid crisis
information sharing services and disaster preparedness measures for foreign residents who
cannot speak Japanese.
Promotion of Digitalization and DX (Digital Transformation)※
Given the ever-upgrading nature of ICT※ systems and the diversification of services
available, ICT has fully integrated itself into our everyday lives. It assists us with everything,from solving issues such as shortages of workers (i.e. replacing jobs with ICT), to aiding theshrinking regional economy. On a personal level, in 2021 74.3% of people were reported tohave a smartphone. 82.9% of people were reported to use the internet, 68.5% using
smartphones, and 48.1% using laptops, which showed an increase of 20.4%5. Due to theoutbreak and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many issues with holding eventsand business meetings in person, so online events and meetings became the norm.

(2) National Trends
Centralization of the Immigration System & More Residency Statuses
The Japanese Immigration Bureau was established in 2019, in response to the growing
need to officially manage and control immigration and residency. Other than dealing with thereview of immigration issues and carrying out the appropriate management of foreign residents’
status of residence, it also established a new system that would lead to a unified society wheremore foreign people were accepted into Japan.
As a result of a shortage in production workers, the new “Specified Skilled Worker”
residency status was established - being aimed at foreign workers with specific expertise or
skills. This has led to further acceptance of foreign residents into the country.
 July, 2018:
Acceptance of 4th Generation People with Japanese heritage
 April, 2019:
New establishment of Japanese Immigration Bureau;
Basic Plan for Immigration and Residence Management Policy April, 2019:
Establishment of “Specified Skilled Worker” Status of Residence

4
5

Source：Ministry for Land, Infrastructure and Transport -“2022 White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism”
Source：Ministry of Internal affairs and Communications - 2021 Report on Communications User Trends-5-Policies for Intercultural Unity & Improving Environment for Foreign Residents
Given the constant increase of foreign residents, the “Foreign Worker Acceptance andBasic General Policy for Intercultural Unity” was compiled in 2018. Since its compilation, thepolicies have been renewed and adjusted annually. Each fiscal year, the upcoming policies areannounced.
In 2022, Japan announced its “Roadmap for the Realization of an Intercultural Society”- afive year vision for interculturalism, the issues the nation currently faces, and the initiatives itwill put in place to solve them.
 December, 2018: Collation of “Foreign Worker Acceptance and Basic General Policy
for Intercultural Unity”
Creation of support systems for “Exchange Center General One-Stop
Consultation Centers”
 September, 2020: The ”Policies and Plans for Promoting Interculturalism”
for local community organizations, contributing to the reformation of
the “Local Intercultural Exchange Promotion Plan”
 June, 2022:
Announcing “Roadmap for the Realization of an Intercultural
Society with Foreign Residents”
Organization and Promotion of Japanese Language Education System
As there are foreign people hailing from many nations residing in Hamamatsu, it isessential that everyone learns the common language – Japanese. Therefore, we are widely
promoting the propagation of the Japanese language. In order to promote an effective andcohesive system for Japanese language instruction, the “Policy for the Implementation of
Promoting Japanese Language Education” was established in 2019 and a framework for an
inclusive Japanese language education, teaching, and ranking system was created.
 June, 2019:
Announced and published the “Basic Policy Implementation of
Measures to Promote Japanese Language Education”
 August, 2020: Creation of “Guidelines for Plain Japanese to Support Residency”
 October, 2021: Collation of “Japanese Language Education Reference Framework-6-(3) Hamamatsu s Current Status
Movement of Foreign Residents and Expected Increase in Elderly Population
Overall, the foreign resident population has increased since the initial decrease caused by
the global recession in 2008. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a slightdecrease in the number of foreign residents. Overall, foreign residents make up 3.15% of thetotal population (Fig.1) at present, but we are currently seeing signs indicating an upward trend.
If we look at countries of origin, we can see there are people from 87 nationalities residing
in Hamamatsu 6 , of which over 40% are of Latin-American descent. This is due to theamendment of the 1990 Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which enabled anincrease in Latin-American immigrants, of which Brazilians are the most numerous foreign
population in the municipality. However, due to the creation of the Technical Intern Training
status, we have seen an increase in immigrants from Asia, leading to a deeper sense ofmultinationalism (Fig.2).
Looking at Status of Residences, we can see that there is a tendency for residents to remain
settled here for long-term (Fig. 3), with 73.1% of residents possessing long-term status(permanent or long-term residency). Taking a look at the shift in the population age groups in
the four years between 2018 & 2022, there is a steep rise in numbers of elderly people (Table 1).
In the next 10 years we expect the numbers in the over-65 age group to double (2,517 people).

(Info. collected
December 31, annually)

Fig. 1: Hamamatsu’s foreign population in numbers, as a percentage of total population(Correct as of August 2022)

Fig. 2: Foreign population by nationality; Fig. 3: Foreign population by residence status
6

Including those that answered “no nationality” or “none”-7-Table 1: Hamamatsu’s Foreign Resident Population by Age

All Ages
0-4
5 - 1415 - 64
65 and over2018
23,161
1,083
2,336
18,810932

2022
24,897
1,091
2,378
20,223
1,205

Change+ 1,736 (+ 7.5%)+
8 (+ 0.7%)+
42 (+ 1.8%)+ 1,413 (+ 7.5%)+ 273 (+29.3%)(Info. collected in March, annually)

Inclusion of Foreign Residents in Society
The following data is categorized as follows, with circles denoting each theme:●:49th Citizens Questionnaire (2022FY)◎: Statistical data, etc.
〇: Japanese and Foreign Citizens Social Awareness Survey (2021FY)【Daily Life】○ 74.8% of foreign residents wish to stay in Japan long-term.
○ 2018: 29.8%  2022: 34.4% - increase in home-ownership.
○ 93.0% of foreign residents pay into health insurance (relative increase in Social
Insurance).
○ 74.6% of foreign residents into a pension (relative increase in Employee Pension).
○ 36.3% of foreign residents save money (51.8% of those have less than 1 million yen
saved).
○ 39.2% of foreign residents who have never used the Care & Nursing System do notunderstand it.
As many foreign residents are living in Japan long-term, an improvement
in social welfare, maternity, child-rearing and elderly care.
 As some foreign residents don’t save money, it’s easy for their QOL to
Problembe affected by socio-economic issues, rendering their future unstable.
Faced As the number of foreign families increases alongside the long-term
resident population, support for pregnancy & child rearing are necessary.
 We need to improve the care system for the ageing population.
【Local Exchange】● 13.2% of citizens are satisfied with creating a society that fosters mutual understanding& exchange with foreign residents.
○ 35.6% of foreign residents are enrolled in Residents’ Associations.
○ 2018: 54.7%  2022: 66.8% - increase in Japanese citizens’ knowledge andunderstanding of intercultural unity.
○ 27.9% of Japanese people say they have no opportunities to talk with any foreign
residents.
○ 68.1% of Japanese people say they have no opportunities to interact with foreign
residents other than their neighbors.
○ 63.8% of Japanese people expect foreign residents to follow social norms.
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21% of Japanese people think an increase in foreign residents leads to local revival.
Getting along with foreign citizens in local communities
Problem  Decreasing exchange opportunities between Japanese & foreign residents7.
Faced Foreign residents’ local support is not recognized.
○【Japanese Language Learning】○ Standard of Japanese speaking and listening is high overall○ Standard for Japanese writing and kanji reading is low overall (special long-term
residents and those with long-term visas tend to fall under this too).
○ Reasons for learning: 70.7% - to continue living here, 56.2% - to work.
○ 20.9% have no experience learning Japanese.
○ 73.0% wish to learn Japanese (Location: Naka-ku: 24.9%, Online: 16.1%).
Need for comprehensive Japanese language education for a broad variety
of situations.
Problem  It is hard to read and write Japanese, particularly kanji.
 The provision of classes which teach Japanese language that can be used inFacedmany situations is necessary for foreign residents.
 Many people have never studied Japanese before but want to.
【Children’s Education】◎ Increase in foreign children attending public elementary & middle schools (2022FY,
1846 children).
◎ 68.0% of foreign children in public schools were born & raised in Japan.
◎ Over 80% of middle school graduates attend high school (30% attend part-time).
◎ 8.1% of foreign residents children attend foreign school (2022FY).
○ 65.9% of foreign children’s guardians want their children to go to Japanese
high-school.
Support for children with foreign roots settled in Japan.
 As there are more and more students/children of other nationalities, more
specific learning support is also required.
 Future options and career guidance is required for children/students who
Problemhave foreign roots and will remain in Japan.
Faced One cause for students not continuing from middle school onto higher
education is a low level of Japanese language ability.
 Children from families with financial problems often face challenges with
non-enrolment in schools and in their future career paths.
【Employment】○ 61.2% of FR are employed in manufacturing industries.
○ 2018: 28.3%  2022: 39.2% - increase in indirect employment.
7

In the“2021FY Hamamatsu Japanese and Foreign Citizens Social Awareness Survey”, it was found that exchange
opportunities were hindered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a result that ought to be taken into consideration
for future events etc.

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○ Steady rate of unemployment and temporary redundancy due to COVID-19.
Long standing issue of high rates of indirect employment
 It is difficult to ascertain expected income, thus their standards of living
Problemand future outlook remain unsure.
Faced The employment of foreign workers is intrinsically linked to economic
conditions, and they are sadly often the first to face the risk of redundancy.
【Crisis Preparation and Management】○ 68.0% are aware of their evacuation sites.
○ Emergency Organization:… 62.2% have an evacuation center map, etc., 44.3%connected to rapid crisis info.
○ Sources of knowledge regarding emergencies and COVID-19… 74.1% internet, 57.9% television and radio
Preparations during peace & information sharing for a crisis.
Problem  Further efforts are required to increase knowledge surrounding crisis
Facedknowledge and evacuation shelters.
 Find an information sharing service which foreign residents can easily use.
Proposals made by the Hamamatsu City Foreign Resident’s Unity Deliberative Council
In Hamamatsu, we deliberate on policies for foreign residents and intercultural efforts
between Japanese citizens and foreign residents. In order to regulate this, we have an affiliatedorganization - the Hamamatsu City Foreign Residents’ Unity Deliberative Council, to help us
deliberate. The council submitted proposals twice (5th, 6th Council) during the 2nd Vision’splanning period. Below is an outline of their proposals.
【Proposal Outline : 5th Hamamatsu City Foreign Residents’ Unity Deliberative Council】
Topic 1: Promotion of exchange through sport Proposal 1: Create sporting events and occasions for local people to exchange and meet.
Topic 2: Strengthen support of communication for the comfort of residents living here

 Proposal 2: Promote the learning of Japanese common knowledge & essential information
for communication to foreign residents.
Topic 3: Support children’s futures

 Proposal 3: Create opportunities for children to think about the future.
【Proposal Outline : 6th Hamamatsu City Foreign Resident’s Unity Deliberative Council】
Topic 1: Care for elderly foreign residents

 Proposal 1: Create an environment in which foreign residents can grow older peacefully.
Topic 2: Support the careers of young foreign people Proposal 2: Create an environment where young foreign residents can choose their own
careers.

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(4) Domestic Municipal Trends
Given the increased acceptance of foreign people into Japan, the topic of interculturalism
has come to the forefront for all municipalities. The more diverse and inclusive view-point ofutilizing foreign personnel in spaces not limited to construction or manufacturing to enhance
the growth of the city has become widespread.
In terms of intercity relations, due to the high concentration of Latin American residents in
the region, Hamamatsu is one of 13 members and an advocate for the municipal organization,
The Council for Cities with Foreign Residents. Similarly, Hamamatsu has organized the“Intercultural Promotion Conference”, attended by seven prefectures (mainly the Tokai region,etc.) and one city (Nagoya), where they share knowledge and practices, and continue advocacy
work.

(5) International Trends
In more economically developed countries (MEDCs), the percentage of immigrants is on
the rise. Some countries make it a requirement for immigrants to learn the language of their
host country; so they put efforts into intercultural exchange while also trying to balance cultural
diversity and social inclusion.
Inclusive societal initiatives at local government level continue to be actively promoted.
Take Oslo, Norway for example: it has a population of 699,827 people (as of 2022), of which
33.8% are immigrants. Their public education system is based on national policies andimmigrants who plan to stay in the country for a period of over three months are obliged toattend both primary and secondary level education. The government is also endeavoring toteach the Norwegian language and understanding of Norwegian culture to immigrants, as wellas the immigrants’ mother tongues. Similarly, for those who have completed the compulsory
education, they must also attend an adult education center. This is a temporary class whichteaches Norwegian language and social skills. In terms of employment and start-ups, Norway
uses the “Foreign Person Work Service Center”. This provides various levels of support in
multiple languages and the city is run and managed on the premise of diversity.
Similarly, we can see the continued expansion of international networks which aim to
spread interculturalism. In Europe, the concept of interculturalism is being promoted as naturaland a good opportunity for cities, not something which must be forced. This is exemplified
through the Intercultural City※ Programme (ICC), which begun in 2008 under the guidance of
The Council of Europe (CoE) ※. Their aim is to promote intercultural policies for cities to use
to harness their diversity and thus unlock vitality, innovation, creativity, and growth. Currently
there are over 150 member cities8, and Hamamatsu City was the first Asian city to join the
program in 2017.

8

As of August 2022

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3. Future Direction
Given our analysis of the current situation and issues, we will focus on the following initiatives
and go in the following direction in the future.
The Implementation of Foreign Personnel
 Enhance exchange opportunities for foreign and Japanese residents, participate in local
societal planning for foreign residents, and support their development Support employment and start-ups
 Based on the ideals of ICC, to create new value and economically rejuvenate an area, youmust employ foreign personnel and promote civic collaboration.
 To stabilize QOL, enhance education, etc., you must first stabilize residents’ income.
Japanese Language Education
 Strengthen and enhance the Japanese language education system based on thecharacteristics of the foreign residents living in Hamamatsu
 To deal with the expected rise in the number of foreign residents and the language barriers
which occur as a result, we must promote the teaching of the Japanese language and makeJapanese more usable in their daily lives and interactions.
Everyday Life, Stages of Life
 Create an environment where it is easy to access information and systems which arelinked to local support and correspond to residents’ stages of life.
 Due to the number of long-term residents and expected number of elderly residents, wemust provide both specialized and general support for all, to seamlessly aid the various
stages of life (pregnancy, child-rearing, schooling, education, employment, old-age, etc.).
Crisis Preparation and Management
 Strengthening Crisis Preparation and Management Systems(Provide rapid information sharing tools for foreign residents during times of crisis）
 We require a rapid information sharing system that can be used in times of weather-related
disasters or earthquakes, or in times of infection (e.g. COVID-19).
 We must continue to develop existing crisis preparations systems in advance of disasters.
Digitalization・Promotion of DX (Digital Transformation)
 Promote interculturalism whilst fully utilizing digital tools We must enhance the environment of areas where services related to intercultural unity, etc.
are provided.

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Chapter 3
1.

Contents of the 3rd Vision

Aim for the Future Image of the City

An Intercultural City Built on Mutual Respect and Understanding
That Continues to Create and Grow

In the Hamamatsu Comprehensive Plan, it was stated that the aim for the future image ofthe city is “Shining through Civic Cooperation ‘Hamamatsu – A Creative City that Shines into
the Future”. Similarly, the Hamamatsu City SDGs Future City Plan was put in place in 2018
and one of the promoted concepts unique to the area was “a society that is overflowing withdiversity and mutual aid = diverse combinations and connections”.
In this edition of the Vision, we will work on sector-specific plans regarding civic
collaboration which were raised in the Hamamatsu Comprehensive Plan. In order to achieve
our SDGs, Hamamatsu will also put an ever more directed focus on diversity, and show how
foreign personnel working in the city are indispensable to the city’s growth.
In this 3rd Vision, we aim to continue our efforts in the areas of the 3 future city ideals
which were introduced in the 1st and 2nd Vision: “Collaboration”, “Creation”, and “Peace ofMind”. In order for our residents to live comfortably regardless of their stage of life, we will
also accurately respond to the socio-economic climate and further enhance and improve ourexisting daily-life support in the form of problem-solving intercultural initiatives. In addition,
Hamamatsu will further promote the activities of foreign personnel and aim to create anintercultural society where a diverse range of people can create value and grow alongside theircity.
- 13 -

2.

Promotion Policies and Systems(1) Promotion Policies
In order to utilize the success achieved thus far and to further develop initiatives, the city will
promote the 3rd Vision’s plans and base itself in cooperating and collaborating with a diverse
range of groups.
Hamamatsu City-Wide Promotion of Initiatives
The city’s collaboration does not just stop at government organizations. In order to promote
city-wide initiatives, we are working together with various organizations involved in the
promotion of interculturalism, such as civic groups and citizens engaged in community
development and interculturalism, companies employing foreign residents, and theConsulate-General of Brazil in Hamamatsu. Each diverse group works on fulfilling their own
role and we promote their initiatives in turn.
Civic Collaboration
Hamamatsu is home to many individuals and groups who are helping with theinterculturalization of the city. Everyone, from citizens and civic groups, to Residents'
Associations (RAs) and foreign resident communities are using their personnel and the various
perspectives and experiences they have accumulated to found initiatives to solve mutual issues
and to reach mutual goals.
Linking Intercultural Cities Nationally and Internationally
We are continuing to expand our links with other Intercultural Cities nationally and leading
studies and research into intercultural policies and issues. We are also linking with other
Intercultural Cities across the globe to develop policies with a more international scope.

(2) Promotion Systems and Progress Management
The progress of the Vision will be reported at the “Hamamatsu City Intercultural Unity
Promotion Council” meetings, and the “Hamamatsu City Foreign Residents’ Unity
Deliberative Council” meetings, and government division meetings as well as being
systematically evaluated by the Hamamatsu City Strategy Plan9 Policies and Projects’ Seat.

9This is based on the “Hamamatsu Comprehensive Plan” and formulated annually as animplementation plan for specific projects.
- 14 -

3.

Policy Structure

The policies are organized into three policy areas, aiming to create a vision for the city’s future.
Aim for the An Intercultural City Built on Mutual Respect and Understanding That
FutureContinues to Create and Grow

１．A City Built Together, Hand in Hand, with Mutual Respect (Collaboration)(1) Hamamatsu city-wide promotion of initiatives◆ Promoting relations with diverse intercultural unity groups◆ Strengthening networks centered on the Hamamatsu Foundation for Intercultural Communication and Exchange (HICE)◆ Sharing our best practices regarding interculturalism(2) Education & development for intercultural exchange◆ Promoting international understanding through education◆ Promotion international understanding(3) Promoting of mutual understanding by enhancing oportunities for exchange◆ Hosting mutual exchange events◆ Support for promotion of exchange in familiar locations(4) Promoting diverse local activities◆ Promotion of participation by local communities in Residents' Associations◆ Supporting and strengthening links between foreign resident communities

2．A City that Brings Forth New Value through Diversity (Creation)(1) Cultivation and support of future generations◆ Cultivating international awareness in children◆ Implementing educational support for children with foreign heritage◆ Running career development projects for young people with foreign heritage(2) Promoting new cultural and creative activities with diversity◆ Promoting participation in cultural and artistic events◆ Developing a new culture based on a deep understanding of & respect for diversity◆ Creating opportunities for foreign residents to promote their cultures(3) Invigorate the region by promoting diversity◆ Supporting foreign residents in ﬁnding employment◆ Promoting the employment of foreign residents in the workplace◆ Encouraging foreign residents to start up their own businesses in the region(4) Promotion of intercity and inter-organizational cooperation◆ Promoting links with other Intercultural Cities (ICC) in Japan and with intercultural organizations, etc◆ Promoting links with Intercultural Cities worldwide and sharing intercultural information and know-how

3．A City Easy for Anyone to Live in (Peace of Mind)(1) Disaster preparedness measures (crisis situations, disease outbreaks, etc.)※◆ Preparing for disasters by having a Foreign Resident Disaster Support Information Coordinators◆ Improving citizens' competencies in disaster preparedness in an intercultural society◆ Providing emergency information using multilingual informatics tools(2) Supporting communication◆ Strengthening and further improving Japanese language education◆ Optimizing utilization of interpreters and multilingual consultants◆ Providing information in multiple languages and using Plain Japanese ICT systems(3) Supporting inclusion in local communities◆ Helping local areas solve their issues by providing support and information◆ Developing the multilingualization of information, translation of local rules and citizens' rights◆ Training bridge-builders to promote mutual understanding between communities(4) Securing a safe living environment◆ Providing consultations and information sessions on various topics(stages of life, accommodations, healthcare, social welfare, insurance and health promotion, immigration status, etc.)◆ Linking social welfare facilities and local civil support organisations to improve quality of life
◆ Raising awareness and providing guidance for a peaceful life

- 15 -

4.

Key Initiatives(1) Promoting the activities of foreign talent
In order to invigorate the region, stimulate its economy, and create new value, Hamamatsu
will make great use of its diverse local resources and create systems to accept, train, andconnect these foreign talents active in the local community.
[Main related initiatives] Policy focus 1: Collaboration (4) Promoting diverse local activities
 Policy focus 2: Creation (2) Promoting cultural & creative activities with diversity
 Policy focus 2: Creation (3) Revitalization of the region by promoting diversity(2) Promoting comprehensive & systematic Japanese language learning
Hamamatsu will establish a system to provide online and in-person Japanese language
instruction in various settings (in the community, at schools, and in businesses) and at a wide
range of learning levels. This will be in effort to make Japanese the common language forcitizens from diverse cultural backgrounds so they can all achieve the language proficiency ofan independent language user. In addition, we will increase the teaching opportunities forJapanese language instructors.
[Main related initiatives] Policy focus 3: Peace of Mind (2) Supporting communication(3) Establishing appropriate support systems for foreign citizens
at various stages of life
Along with the continuous enhancement of education and quality of life to date,
Hamamatsu will create an environment which enables foreign residents at the respective stagesof life to easily access necessary information and services regarding child-birth, child-rearing,schooling, employment, old-age, etc. through the joint utilization of digital tools andcooperation between regional support centers.
[Main related initiatives] Policy focus 1: Collaboration (4) Promoting diverse local activities
 Policy focus 2: Creation (1) Cultivation and support of future generations
 Policy focus 3: Peace of Mind (2) Supporting communication
 Policy focus 3: Peace of Mind (3) Supporting local exchange Policy focus 3: Peace of Mind (4) Securing a safe living environment- 16 -

(4) Strengthening crisis management systems
Hamamatsu will make use of digitalization to share information at lightning speeds in thecase of crisis situations (earthquakes and disease outbreak) and aim to raise foreign resident’s
disaster awareness and train support staff who will act at the time of disaster.
[Main related initiatives] Policy Focus 3: Peace of Mind (1) Disaster preparedness measures (crisis situations,
COVID infections, etc.)(5) Implementation and Promotion of Digital Tools・Promotion of DX
To effectively encourage the four above-mentioned key initiatives, Hamamatsu will
accelerate the usage of digital tools whilst promoting DX.

- 17 -

5.

Promotion Policies

CollaborationPolicy Focus 1：A City Built Together, Hand in Hand, with Mutual Respect(1) Hamamatsu city-wide promotion of initiatives(2) Education & development for intercultural exchange(3) Promotion of mutual understanding by enhancing opportunities for exchange(4) Promoting diverse local activities

In order to further intercultural city development, Hamamatsu will promote mutual
understanding through exchange between citizens of different cultural backgrounds, as well as
deepening our understanding of interculturalism. In addition, the city aims to build acommunity of residents who respect one another, by promoting intercultural initiatives via
collaboration with diverse entities that deal with a wide range of issues.
Related plans







Hamamatsu Lifetime Education Promotion Outline
Hamamatsu City Universal Design Plan (UU Plan III) (ver.3)
Hamamatsu City Human Rights Policy Promotion Plan (ver.2)
Hamamatsu City Library Vision
Hamamatsu City Child Reading Promotion Plan

(1) Hamamatsu city-wide promotion of initiatives
Hamamatsu is not working alone to actualize an intercultural society. It will undertake acity-wide promotion of initiatives in cooperation with related organizations, groups, andresidents.
Promoting relations with diverse intercultural unity groups
To facilitate the promotion of an intercultural society via collaboration and cooperation
between national- and prefectural-related organizations and groups inside the city, the city ishosting Hamamatsu City Intercultural Unity Promotion Council. In addition, they will also
host the Hamamatsu City Foreign Residents’ Unity Deliberative Council to study and discuss
unity and the various problems that foreign residents face day-to-day.
Strengthening networks centered on the Hamamatsu Foundation for International
Communication and Exchange (HICE)
In order to promote cooperation between support organizations engaged withinterculturalism (e.g. NPOs), citizens active as volunteers, industries, local government, andschools etc., Hamamatsu will strengthen the functions of HICE’s network - its coreintercultural organization.
- 18 -

Sharing our best practices regarding interculturalism
In order to contribute to the development of interculturalism and expand the range ofinitiatives it provides, Hamamatsu will begin sharing success stories of interculturalism aswell as commending individuals and groups who proactively engage with the creation of
an intercultural society. In addition, the city will also use various PR tools to introduce
foreign residents who are active in the Hamamatsu community.

(2) Education & development for intercultural exchange
The city will undertake the development of an education system that will deepen mutual
understanding, which Hamamatsu believes to be the foundation of an intercultural society.
Promoting international understanding through education
At local institutions like The Hamamatsu Intercultural Center and Community Collaboration
Centers, foreign residents and Japanese residents with extensive experience abroad will bedispatched to lead lectures on international understanding and language learning.
Promoting intercultural understanding
In pursuit of promoting intercultural understanding, the city will employ the use of events,
such as “Hamamatsu Interculturalism Month”, to raise awareness for topics related tointerculturalism. As a step towards understanding diverse cultures and preventing
discrimination stemming from differences in nationality or culture, the city will run training
and awareness-raising events and educate citizens in universal design and human rights.

(3) Promoting of mutual understanding by enhancing opportunities forexchange
The city will enhance opportunities for exchange in familiar locations through events which
promote mutual understanding between residents from different cultural backgrounds.
Hosting mutual exchange events
To create opportunities for exchange between foreign residents with different cultural
backgrounds, the city hosts exchange events related to interculturalism at the Hamamatsu
Intercultural Center and The Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center (U-ToC).
Hamamatsu is also striving to facilitate exchange by working together with HICE, the foreign
resident community, and civic groups.

- 19 -

Support for promotion of exchange in familiar locations
The city provides support for the promotion of exchange initiatives with local resident
participation, such as Residents’ Associations. Together with HICE, Hamamatsu also supports
the exchange between people of different cultural backgrounds. Additionally, in order tocontribute to local exchange, the city provides intercultural services that foreign residents caneasily use, like increasing the range of foreign language publications at libraries and the“Hamamatsu Digital Library” - where you can search for and view digitalized materials online.

(4) Promoting diverse local activities
The city will help foreign members of the local community get involved in city development
in various ways.
Promotion of participation by local communities in Residents’ Associations
The city is supporting the translation of documents for Residents’ Associations, such as
rulebooks, local flyers, etc., to make entry and participation in Residents’ Associations easierfor foreign residents. As part of the Community Inclusiveness Model Project, coordinatorsfrom The Hamamatsu Intercultural Center will be dispatched to provide individual support via
consultations and problem-solving in accordance to the needs of the area.
Supporting and strengthening links between foreign resident communities
Hamamatsu is aiming to strengthen cooperation between foreign communities andsupport groups such as NPOs, while also aiming to expand the network of relatedorganizations with The Hamamatsu Intercultural Center and Hamamatsu Foreign Resident
Study Support Center (U-ToC) occupying central positions. At both centers, you can also
receive support for independent activities and have consultations about establishing newgroups.

- 20 -

Creation

Policy Focus 2：A City that Brings Forth New Value Through Diversity(1) Cultivation and support of future generations(2) Promoting new cultural and creative activities with diversity(3) Invigorate the region by promoting diversity(4) Promotion of intercity and inter-organizational cooperation

In order to make the city more charming and revitalize the region, Hamamatsu will cultivateand support the next generation that bears the future of this city, by promoting the creative
activities born from Hamamatsu’s diverse cultures. By sharing expertise and know-how with
relevant organizations and other Intercultural Cities, and also further advancing its initiatives ofinterculturalism, Hamamatsu aims to make itself a city where everyone can show what they’remade of and bring forth new value and culture through diversity.
Related plans






Hamamatsu Education Master Plan (ver.3)
Hamamatsu City Children and Youth Support Plan
Hamamatsu City Culture Promotion Vision
Basic Policy and Action Plan for Promoting “Creative City, Hamamatsu”(1) Cultivation and support of future generations
As globalization gradually progresses, Hamamatsu will launch initiatives for the cultivationand support of the city’s next generation.
Cultivating international awareness in children
Foreign residents and Japanese residents with extensive experience abroad are and will bedispatched as lecturers to provide children with experiences to learn about different cultures,with the aim of cultivating their international awareness. The ALT Practical English
Instruction Project aims to increase communication skills whilst also promoting intercultural
understanding.
Implementing educational support for children with foreign heritage
Hamamatsu has multiple Foreign Resident Child Education Support Projects underway,
such as dispatching bilingual aides※ and Japanese language instruction aides for children withforeign roots studying at public elementary and middle schools. The city also provides
appropriate support, tailored to the learning environments of children with foreign heritage, via
the Non-Enrollment Zero Strategic Project and the Foreign Child School Support Project.

- 21 -

Running career development projects for young people with foreign heritage
As an opportunity for young people in Japan with foreign heritage to think for themselves
about their future and career, Hamamatsu offers various means of career support in cooperation
with related organizations, e.g. cultivating work-ethic, providing information about
employment, and introducing role models with foreign heritage similar to themselves. The
city is also endeavoring to raise awareness amongst parents and guardians of their children’s
career paths and prospects.

(2) Promoting new cultural and creative activities with diversity
In order to deepen its understanding of and respect for diversity, Hamamatsu will increase
opportunities to engage with different cultures and arts, and will also promote new cultural andcreative activities.
Promoting participation in cultural and artistic events
To promote the proactive participation of foreign residents in cultural and artistic activities,
Hamamatsu will increase the multilingual provision of information regarding cultural andartistic projects by utilizing various information exchange tools, such as SNS (social
networking services)※. The city will also encourage the involvement of foreign residents incultural events through increased collaboration with relevant departments and organizations.
Developing a new culture based on a deep understanding of & respect for diversity
Hamamatsu will host events with diverse cultural elements as opportunities for residents
to deepen their intercultural understanding by interacting with different cultures. The city willfurther promote cultural diversity and exchange by displaying the synergy of its Creative
City Projects and Intercultural Projects which make use of Hamamatsu’s special status asa Creative City of Music10.
Creating opportunities for foreign residents to promote their cultures
Hamamatsu aims to create opportunities for foreign residents to share their own culture
by encouraging their participation in independent cultural events, whilst also providing
support to allow them to share their individuality through the planning and enacting ofcreative activities.

(3) Invigorate the region by promoting diversity
Hamamatsu will tackle local invigoration by viewing its cultural diversity as the city’s strength,
promoting the activities of foreign residents, and accepting its diverse foreign personnel.

10

In 2014, Hamamatsu joined the UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Creative
Cities’ Network in the field of music.

- 22 -

Supporting foreign residents in finding employment
In order to support the acceptance and employment of foreign talent, the city is running the“Foreign Resident Employment Support Desk” - a consultation counter for city enterprises
and foreign residents. Furthermore, Hamamatsu is aiming to increase the retention of foreign
talent in the area, promote their activities, and improve the working environment through its
Project for the Certification of Hamamatsu Businesses with an Active Global Workforce.
Promoting the employment of foreign residents in the workplace
As part of its endeavors to increase the retention of top-class skilled foreign personnel,
Hamamatsu is creating an environment which supports foreign exchange students infinding employment at local companies (through work-matching opportunities) or starting
their own businesses. The city is also supporting providers who bear the cost of Japanese
language instruction-related expenses for foreign workers in Hamamatsu.
Encouraging foreign residents to start up their own businesses in the region
Hamamatsu is utilizing the Foreign Resident Entrepreneurial Incentive Project(Start-Up Visa) with aims to cultivate foreign entrepreneurs and create centers of activity forthem. The city is establishing systems of support for foreign entrepreneurs wanting to foundstart-ups in the city and is also supporting their livelihoods and start-up ventures throughcooperation between the “Hamamatsu Start-Up Café” and the Hamamatsu Foundation forInternational Communication and Exchange (HICE). Additionally, the city also will provide
appropriate guidance to start-ups to assist them in observing all necessary laws and ordinances
when starting a project.

(4) Promotion of intercity and inter-organizational cooperation
In pursuit of creating an international society, Hamamatsu aims to promote cooperation andexpertise-sharing with relevant organizations and cities, both nationally and internationally.
Promoting links with other Intercultural Cities (ICC) in Japan and with interculturalorganisations, etc.
Hamamatsu will continue to participate in the Council for Cities with Foreign Residents
and promote initiatives in cooperation with other participating cities, including making
recommendations to relevant institutions and to both the national and prefectural governments.
The city also aims to promote intercity cooperation, whilst further strengthening ties between
related organizations, such as; The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations(CLAIR), The Japan Foundation (JF), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Promoting links with Intercultural Cities worldwide and sharing intercultural information andknow-how.
As one of many international members of the Eurocentric “Intercultural Cities Network”
organization, Hamamatsu continues to bolster its ties with Intercultural Cities around theworld, whilst simultaneously keeping an eye out for new intercultural developments. In
addition, the city will also share news both domestically and internationally of its
newly-gained expertise and the results of its collaborations.
- 23 -

Peaceof Mind

Policy Focus 3：A City Easy for Anyone to Live in(1) Disaster preparedness measures (crisis situations, disease outbreaks, etc.)(2) Supporting communication(3) Supporting inclusion in local communities(4) Securing a safe living environment

In order to consolidate livelihoods of foreign residents based on interculturalism and toencourage unity in the local community, Hamamatsu City will provide all necessary
administrative services and support foreign residents in carrying out their social obligations,assist them in abiding by basic social norms of the area, as well as aim to remove linguistic andsocial barriers.
Hamamatsu aims to create a city where anyone can live comfortably, safely, and securely
by supporting various initiatives. This includes ensuring that foreign residents are able to takeappropriate action during natural disasters or disease outbreaks without panicking, and further
improving the comprehensive support available not only for day-to-day issues and the various
stages of life, but also in emergency situations.
Related plans










Hamamatsu City Regional Disaster Prevention Plan
Hamamatsu City Influenza Strain Prevention Plan
Hamamatsu City “Basic Plan for Domestic Waste Management (revised edition)”
Hamamatsu City Basic Act for Housing
Hamamatsu City Children and Youth Support Plan (ver. 2)
Hamamatsu City Suicide Prevention Plan (ver. 3)
Hamamatsu City Regional Welfare Plan (ver. 4)
Hamamatsu City Consumer Education Promotion Plan (ver. 2)(1) Disaster preparedness measures (crisis situations, disease outbreaks, etc.)
Hamamatsu will establish information provision systems in preparation for crises, such as;
natural disasters, earthquakes, and viral infections (e.g. COVID-19), as well as aiming to raiseawareness in advance of such events.
Preparing for disasters by having a Foreign Resident Disaster Support Information
Coordinators※
Hamamatsu has established and operates the Multilingual Disaster Support Center intimes of large-scale disaster with cooperation from HICE and other groups and focuses mainlyon using its Foreign Resident Disaster Support Information Coordinators. In order to train
Multilingual Disaster Support Aides in advance, the city is working hard to discover new
personnel and run workshops about essential disaster expertise and know-how.

- 24 -

Improving citizens’ competencies in disaster preparedness in a intercultural society
Hamamatsu is undertaking initiatives to raise disaster prevention awareness by working
together with ethnic media※, as well as supporting the holding of intercultural disaster
drills and dispatch classes for foreign residents by setting up model cases in the region. The
city will also enhance its participation in local disaster prevention by working with the foreign
resident community to increase their vigilance by holding disaster prevention lectures.
Providing emergency information using multilingual informatics tools
In times of disaster etc., Hamamatsu currently provides multilingual information forforeign residents by using various information sharing tools, such as the HICE Facebook
page. In order to accurately provide emergency information at lighting speeds, the city will set
up systems for emergency multilingual information provision using digital sharing tools.

(2) Supporting communication
Hamamatsu aims to enhance and strengthen its promotional systems for Japanese language
education as the common language for foreign residents from diverse cultural backgrounds; aswell as provide information in multiple languages and Plain Japanese.
Strengthening and further improving Japanese language education
Various classes are run at Hamamatsu Foreign Resident Study Support Center(U-ToC) for foreign residents, such as: volunteer training courses, classes for learning
Japanese culture, as well as Japanese language classes. Whilst working to bolster the
network of NPOs actively providing language classes in Hamamatsu and other Japanese
language instruction support groups, Hamamatsu will establish a system to provide online
and in-person language instruction in a multitude of settings (in the community, at schools,
and in businesses) offering a wide range of learning levels.
Optimizing utilization of interpreters and multilingual consultants
By appointing interpreters at city hall counters and multilingual consultants at theHamamatsu Intercultural Center, the city provides foreign residents with information,
assistance with government procedures, and consultations for day-to-day matters. Similarly,
Hamamatsu also aims to enhance the training and utilization of local personnel who use
social-work expertise to contribute to an intercultural society in the form of continuous
support, from consultations to solutions.
Providing information in multiple languages and Plain Japanese ICT systems
The city provides multilingual information on governmental and day-to-day affairs
by publishing foreign language editions of the Hamamatsu Information Bulletin, updating“Canal Hamamatsu” (website which is aimed at foreign residents) and via HAMAPO(website). The city provides support for communication which utilizes social networking
services (SNS) and tablet devices. Hamamatsu is also furthering its usage and proliferation of
Plain Japanese, which enables widely effective communication regardless of native language.
- 25 -

(3) Supporting inclusion in local communities
Hamamatsu will work diligently to solve local issues and promote further exchange in areas
where foreign residents live, as there are higher chances for interactions between foreign andJapanese residents.
Helping local areas solve their issues by providing support and information
Hamamatsu will enact the Community Inclusiveness Model Project, which will dispatch
coordinators from the Hamamatsu Intercultural Center in accordance with local needs, andprovide individual assistance in the forms of consultations and problem-solving. The city will
also hold the Residents’ Association Community Inclusiveness Conference as an opportunity toshare local and national examples and solve problems. The conference is aimed at individuals
who work in, or are related to work done with Residents’ Associations, and handle
exchange with local foreign residents.
Developing the multilingualization of information, translation of local rules and citizens rights
When foreign residents relocate to the city, Hamamatsu provides information in multiple
languages and Plain Japanese about various day-to-day affairs such as: tax, garbage
disposal, school enrollment, disaster prevention, and the activities of Residents’ Associations.
Hamamatsu is working with related organizations to raise awareness and aims to enhance themultilingualisation of information regarding obligations and rights such as tax payments
and social security, as well as essential local rules like how to dispose of garbage.
Training bridge-builders to promote mutual understanding between communities
Through its Social Work Training for Interculturalism※, Hamamatsu will train personnel
who will act as liaisons, bringing together local communities of different cultural
backgrounds (bridge-builders※), by aiming for the acquisition of expertise on a wide variety
of problems that foreign residents face and the increasing the widespread understanding ofJapanese systems.

(4) Securing a safe living environment
Hamamatsu is well underway with the creation of an environment which will enable foreign
residents to access essential information and systems for their day-to-day affairs covering thevarious stages of life, as well as raising awareness and educating the public on crime prevention,road safety, and employment.
Providing consultations and information sessions, etc. on various topics《stages of life, accommodations, healthcare, social welfare, insurance and health promotion,
immigration status, etc.》
Hamamatsu is promoting resident enrollment in social insurance, as more people receive
permanent residency and the resulting population ages. In order to promote the usage of all the- 26 -

various types of insurance and social welfare services available, such as use of the Long-TermCare Insurance (for the elderly), the city is enhancing the scope of its multilingual
information provision and its consultations regarding accommodation, healthcare, social
welfare, sanitary precautions, improving one’s health, immigration statuses, and navigating
through the various stages of life (childbirth, child-rearing, school enrollment, finding
employment, old-age, etc.).
For child-rearing, the city provides assistance through interpreters at child-rearing support
plazas, which are places where expecting mothers and those with infants and toddlers can meetand interact. As for accommodation, Hamamatsu is working with relevant organizations, suchas the prefectural government, to provide support for problem-solving efforts in the pursuit ofcreating meaningful exchange between Japanese and foreign tenants in public housing.
Furthermore, in terms of mental health welfare, the city is running mental healthconsultations※ for foreign residents and training mental health aides. The city is also
working with the Immigration Bureau of Japan to support foreign residents in having
consultations regarding their residency status.
Linking social welfare facilities and local civil support organisations to improve quality of life
In order to assist foreign residents with the various issues they face in their daily lives andwith social welfare, Hamamatsu is aiming to create a network which strengthens ties
between existing local support centers (such as livelihood support, elderly support centers),
like the Hamamatsu City Social Welfare Conference and other relevant entities which support
foreign residents, directing them towards appropriate support, and sharing expertise on
assisting foreign residents and on interculturalism.
Raising awareness and providing guidance for a peaceful life
In order for its foreign residents to be able to lead a safe and stable life, Hamamatsu iscurrently and will continue to work with the police, firefighters, Residents’ Associations, andforeign communities to run initiatives in local crime prevention, road safety, andemergency bulletins, and to raise public awareness of this in local areas. Finally, the city is
working together with Hello Work (Public Employment Security Office) and the Labor
Standards Inspection Office to increase public knowledge regarding the rules of employment
and improve the labor conditions of businesses which employ foreign people.

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6.

List of Initiatives※“Responsible Divisions” refers to the main division which organizes the initiatives

１．A City Built Together, Hand in Hand, with Mutual Respect (Collaboration)
No.

Intiatives

Responsible Division

Page No.

(1) Hamamatsu city-wide promotion of initiatives
1 Hosting Hamamatsu City Intercultural Unity Promotion Council

International Affairs Division

18

2

Strengthening networks centered on the Hamamatsu Foundation for International
Communication and Exchange (HICE)

International Affairs Division

18

3

Publically acknowledging groups who are actively working towards interculturalsociety

International Affairs Division

19

4 Sharing our best practices regarding intercultural exchange and inclusion

International Affairs Division

19

5 Introducing foreign residents working in the region via SNS and media

International Affairs Division

19(2) Education & development for intercultural exchange
6 Education on international understanding and language learning

7 Educating, promoting, and provising training on Universal Design (UD)

8 Educating, promoting, and provising training on human rights

International Affairs Division
Creative Cities & Cultural Promotion
DivisionInternational Affairs Division
Universal Design & Gender Equality
DivisionInternational Affairs Division
Welfare General Affairs Division (Human
Right Education Center)

19

19

19

(3) Promoting of mutual understanding by enhancing oportunities for exchange
9

Hosting exchange events at the Intercultural Center and Foreign Resident Study
Support Center

International Affairs Division

19

10 Supporting the promotion of exchanges at a local level, e.g. Residents' Associations

International Affairs Division
Civic Partnership & Regional Policy Division

20

11 Supporting exchange between people of different cultural backgrounds

International Affairs Division20

12 Promotion of multicultural services provided by the library (multilingual books, etc.)

Central Library20

13 Supporting Residents' Associations by translating materials for themInternational Affairs Division
Civic Partnership & Regional Policy Division

20

14 Implementing the Community Inclusiveness Model ProjectInternational Affairs Division
Civic Partnership & Regional Policy Division

20

International Affairs Division

20(4) Promoting diverse local activities

15

Supporting the work of and strengthening the links between foreign resident
communities and NPOs

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2．A City that Brings Forth New Value through Diversity (Creation)
No.

Intiatives

Responsible Division

Page No.

(1) Cultivation and support of future generations
International Affairs Division
Educational Development Division21

Educational Development Division

21

International Affairs Division
Education General Affairs Division,
Educational Development Division

21

19 Projects supporting foreign schools

International Affairs DivisionChild Educational Development Division

21

20 Running career development projects for young people with foreign roots

International Affairs Division
Industrial Promotion Division
Educational Development Division

22

International Affairs Division
Creative Cities & Cultural Promotion
Division

22International Affairs Division

22

16

Creation of lectures for the cultivation of an international thinking and projects toimprove practical English

17 Implementing educational supports for children with foreign roots

18

Implementing a "Non-Enrollment Zero Strategic Project" aimed at foreign resident
children(2) Promoting new cultural and creative activities with diversity
21

Promoting the participation of foreign residents in cultural and artistic events, byproviding information in multiple languages

22 Holding events with diverse cultural elements

23

Creating opportunities for musical and intercultural projects to collide and generate
new events

24 Creating opportunities for foreign residents to promote their own culture

25 Supporting creative activities planned for and implemented by foreign residents

International Affairs Division
Creative Cities & Cultural Promotion
DivisionInternational Affairs Division
Creative Cities & Cultural Promotion
DivisionInternational Affairs Division
Creative Cities & Cultural Promotion
Division

22

22

22

(3) Invigorate the region by promoting diversity
26

Running the "Foreign Resident Employment Support Desk", a consultation desk forforeign residents and companies in the city

International Affairs Division
Industrial Promotion Division

23

27

Implementing the Project for the Certification of Hamamatsu Businesses with an
Active Global Workforce

International Affairs Division

23

28

Cultivating an environment which supports foreign exchange students to search forjobs in companies in the city or start up their own businesses

Industrial Promotion Division

23

29

Creating opportunities for study abroad students to match up with companies in thecity

Industrial Promotion Division

23

30

Implementating a support fund for foreign resident workers learning the Japanese
language

International Affairs Division

23

31

Implementation of the Foreign Resident Start-up Promotion Project (Visas for StartStart-up Promotion Division
ups)

23

32 Providing multilingual support via Hamamatsu Start-up Café

Industrial Promotion Division

23(4) Promotion of intercity and inter-organizational cooperation
33

Facilitate cooperation with other Intercultural Cities nationwide through participationin the Council for Cities with Foreign Residents

International Affairs Division

23

34

Promoting links with Intercultural Cities worldwide and sharing information andknow-howInternational Affairs Division23- 29 -

3．A City Easy for Anyone to Live in (Peace of Mind)
No.

Intiatives

Responsible Division

Page No.

(1) Disaster preparedness measures (crisis situations, disease outbreaks, etc.)
35 Implementing and running of the Multilingual Disaster Support Center

International Affairs Division
Crisis Management Division

24

36 Training multilinugal disaster aides

International Affairs Division
Crisis Management Division

24

37

Supporting the holding of intercultural disaster drills and dispatch classes for foreign
residents

International Affairs Division
Crisis Management Division

25

38

Strengethening relations with the foreign resident community and promoting local
emergency plans

International Affairs Division
Crisis Management Division

25

39 Providing emergency information using multilingual informatics tools

International Affairs Division
Crisis Management Division

25

40 Maintaining a multilingual emergency information notification system

International Affairs Division
Crisis Management Division

25(2) Supporting communication
41

Running Japanese language classes and volunteer training sessions with the Foreign
Resident Support Center (U-ToC) at the heart

International Affairs Division

25

42

Enhancing Japanese language learning support systems via NPO's and other support
International Affairs Divisionorganisations

25

43

Assigning interpreters to work at city hall service counters and placing multilingual
consultants in the Intercultural Center

Human Resource DivisionInternational Affairs Division

25

44

Utilising social-work expertise to further develop and strengthen the skills of local
personnel who contribute to an intercultural societyInternational Affairs Division

25

International Affairs Division
Public Opinion and Relations Division
Universal Design & Gender Equality Division

25

46 Implementing Community Inclusiveness Model Project (as 14, above)

International Affairs Division
Civic Partnership & Regional Policy Division

26

47 Hosting community inclusive Residents' Association meetings

International Affairs Division
Civic Partnership & Regional Policy Division

26

Publishing multilingual editions of the Hamamatsu Informaton Bulletin; maintaining Canal

45 Hamamatsu (a website aimed at foreign residents), providing multilingual information via
tabelts and other ICT/SNS(3) Supporting inclusion in local communities

Providing guidance to foreign residents who move to the city by providing information
International Affairs Divisionin various languages and Plain JapaneseInternational Affairs Division
Implementing and developing the multilingualisation of information, translating rights
49
Waste Disposal Division, Municipal Tax
and local rules
Division, National Pension Division
Training bridge-builders who can promote mutual understanding between
International Affairs Division50
communities

48

26
26
26

(4) Securing a safe living environment
International Affairs Division, Welfare General Affairs
Division, Senior Citizens' Welfare Division, Long-term
Multilingual information sessions and consultations regarding: lifestages andCare Insurance Division, Public Health Promotion
51 accommodations, healthcare, social welfare, insurance, health promotion, immigration Division, Child Rearing Support Division, Preschool
status, etc.
Education and Childcare Division, Industrial Promotion

27

Division, Housing Division

52 Installation of interpreters at child rearing support centers
53

Implementation of mental health consultations (for foreign residents) and training of
mental health aides

54 Strengthening relationships at local support centers by supporting foreign residents

55

Raising awareness and providing guidance on various topics; i.e. crime prevention,
traffic safety, emergency notifications, and employment- 30 -

Child Rearing Support Division27

Mental Health Welfare Center

27

International Affairs Division, Citizen's CounselingCenter, Welfare General Affairs Division, Senior
Citizens' Welfare Division, M ental Health Welfare
Center, Child Rearing Support Division

27

International Affairs Division
Industrial Promotion Division, Road Planning
Division, Control Division

27

Glossary & Index[In order of appearance]

SDGs – pg. 1, 4, 13…Abbreviation for: Sustainable Development Goals. These are internationally-held goals, noted in
the UN Summit on the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (September 2015), to beachieved using best practices to make the world sustainable by 2030.



Plain Japanese – pg. 3, 6, 15, 26, 27…Easily-understandable Japanese ensuring that the intended message can be widely understoodquickly and accurately, regardless of the listener’s nationality. It is particularly effective as a meansof communication in times of disaster.



Well-being – pg. 4…A state in which your physical, mental, and social needs are met and you feel satisfied.

DX（Digital Transformation – pg. 5, 12, 17… Using digitalization and digital tools to drastically reform an organization’s structure.



ICT（Information and Communications Technology）– pg. 5, 15, 26… Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the general term for technologies,
industries, and services that relate primarily to information processing and communications.



Independent language user– pg. 16… Corresponds to level B (B1/B2) in the “Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education”(Agency for Cultural Affairs, October 2021), which contains six levels used as indicators for alearner’s Japanese language mastery level. B1, which is the level aimed for by local language
education, is defined by the ability for the learner to understand the main points of clear standard
input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.

Council of Europe – pg. 11…The Council of Europe is a pan-European international organization based in Strasbourg, France,
which leads the development of standards in the fields of human rights, democracy, and the law. In
1996, Japan joined the Council as an observer state.

Intercultural Cities（ICC）- pg. 11, 12, 15, 23… A policy ideal which regards cultural diversity as the source of a city’s vibrancy, innovation,
creativity, and growth.

Bilingual aides – pg. 21…In Hamamatsu, we appoint bilingual aides (those who speak two or more languages) forcomplete support of students (children) with foreign backgrounds. Bilingual aides work in schools
as aides for foreign students but they can also be dispatched as aides.
- 31 -



SNS – pg. 22, 27…Abbreviation for Social Networking Services. This term refers to online membership-based
services which allow registered users to interact. They enable private and close communication (tosome degree) between friends, those with similar hobbies, or those in neighboring areas.
Businesses and organizations often use them to help spread their message via advertising.

Foreign Resident Disaster Support Information Coordinator – pg. 15, 25…When there is a crisis situation, the coordinator relays information from the government(administration) about the crisis and daily life support to foreign residents, as well as matching theneeds of foreign evacuees to resources. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications statesthat this coordinator must complete training for this role.



Ethnic media – pg. 26…Refers to media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and websites that are aimed atforeign nationals residing in Japan.

Social work training for interculturalism – pg.27…Training for personnel who can support foreign residents through consultations and in
problem-solving, against the wide-range of challenges they face.

Bridge-builder – pg.27…An arbiter or mediator who works in the local community to bring groups with different cultural
backgrounds together, help them solve problems, and create connections between the groups.



Mental health consultation – pg.28…In order to handle mental health consultations, we deploy specialists and have them accompany
residents to private consultations or treatment facilities.

- 32 -

The 3rd Hamamatsu Intercultural City Vision
Edited and published by:Date of Publication:

Hamamatsu International Affairs Division
Motoshiro-cho 103-2, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu,
430-8652
TEL：053-457-2359 FAX：050-3730-1867
E-mail：kokusai@city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp
March 2023