January　① We are all residents of Naka Ward, Yokohama’s multicultural community!　➁ Naka International Lounge change of opening hours

Special permanent resident　 6％
Permanent resident　35％
Spouse of Japanese national, etc.　4％
Spouse of permanent resident, etc.　2％
Long-term resident　6％
Family stays　17％
Student　9％
Training　6％
Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services　8％
Other　8％

We create fliers in foreign languages to encourage non-Japanese residents to participate. This year, non-Japanese residents took charge in running the day’s event, thus increasing the opportunities for interaction.

We invite local residents to participate in community cleanup activities. Interpreters are available on the day courtesy of Naka International Lounge, allowing non-Japanese residents to get involved with peace of mind.

We hold events that everyone can enjoy regardless of where they come from, such as chances to experience games and art from other countries. We promote the creation of opportunities for interaction in the community.

(member of Naka International Lounge’s Nijiiro Tankentai*)
How I got involved in the community
I first became involved in community activities during my second year of high school, when I participated in a rice cake pounding event in the Umechi area as a member of Nijiiro Tankentai. It was very exciting to watch the rice cake pounding for the first time.
*Nijiiro Tankentai is a volunteer group formed by graduates of a study support class for junior high school students with overseas roots held at Naka International Lounge.
Changes brought about through participation in community activities
At first, I participated in activities as an interpreter, but as I gained more experience, my understanding of Japanese culture and my ties with the community deepened. When I was working at local events, I was able to feel part of the community without being pigeonholed as a non-Japanese resident. I would like to continue to create opportunities for many non-Japanese residents to participate in events by acting as a bridge to the community.

(President, Umechi Area Neighborhood Association)
First step in community interaction
Around 2017, the number of non-Japanese residents in my apartment building was increasing, so I started a greeting campaign as part of my efforts to create a community association aiming to achieve a pleasant living environment for all. I also asked Naka International Lounge to create posters in foreign languages so that people would be aware of our greeting campaign efforts. About three years after the start of the campaign, almost everyone in the building was now greeting each other as a matter of course.
Things that are important to encourage people to create ties with the community
It is important to be close to each other, acknowledging differences in culture and customs. I believe that Japanese people also need to actively change their awareness. I am also conscious of the need to make sure that everyone, regardless of nationality, can live comfortably, pleasantly, and happily in the community. However, the reality is that it is difficult to find opportunities to get involved with non-Japanese residents. If you are unable to create such opportunities on your own, you can try relying on the multicultural volunteers in the lounge.