[Presentation Report] 2024/7/24 Akai Hane Central Community Chest of Japan (CCCJ) "Support Activities for People with Foreign Roots" Research Report Meeting and Symposium

2024/7/24 Akai Hane Central Community Chest of Japan (CCCJ) "Support Activities for People with Foreign Roots" Research Report Meeting and Symposium

OFP has been selected for the "Support Activity Grant Program for People with Foreign Roots," implemented in collaboration with the Central Community Chest of Japan (CCCJ) and the Mitsubishi Foundation, and has been receiving grants since 2020.

On July 24, 2024, I had the opportunity to introduce the OFP as an advanced initiative at the research report meeting and symposium held to reflect on the grant project. During the meeting, our director and secretary-general, Yang, presented on the efforts of community support known as Otonari-san.

We explained the challenges that OFP aims to address, its mechanisms, the significance and benefits of OFP for both foreign residents and Japanese citizens, and shared participants' real experiences. Additionally, we briefly touched on the background and framework of the new initiative we are currently developing, "Spot Otonari-san."

Finally, the challenges that have emerged from our efforts so far are:
・Diverse channels to deepen mutual understanding between foreign residents and Japanese citizens
・Flexibility of the Support Site
・The need for legal frameworks regarding the stay and settlement of foreigners
We concluded by suggesting options such as these.

After the presentation, there was a group discussion time with the participants.
Many people gathered in the OFP group, allowing us to discuss aspects of OFP's management and its establishment that couldn't be fully covered in the presentation, and we had a lively exchange of ideas.

Since many people who participate in OFP's various activities as Otonari-san came to the venue, it was a great opportunity to share the realities of the activities and the thoughts of Otonari-san with the participants.

On the day of the event, the venue had a capacity of 50 in-person attendees and 100 online participants, providing a great opportunity for many to learn about JII's activities.

Thank you to the Akai Hane Central Community Chest of Japan, the Mitsubishi Foundation, and everyone who made donations for providing this valuable opportunity.
We will continue to strive to make life easier for people of foreign descent living in Japan.