日本語
English
नेपाली
Vision
Japan Intercultural Intelligence (JII) is an organization dedicated to realizing the ideal of cultural synergy by leveraging diversity.
Cultural synergy means──
People being able to enjoy the beauty of various cultures while preserving the strengths of their own.
Living together as good neighbors and making life easier for each other.
Creating new shared, public culture and values through the incredible meeting of different cultures.
Close But Invisible
The number of foreign residents living in Japan is increasing more and more every year.
However, facing the barriers of "lack of information" and "isolation" amidst differing languages, customs, social systems, laws, and cultural practices, many people experience challenges and anxieties throughout their daily lives in Japan.
On the other hand, for foreign residents, accessing administrative and social services, as well as information for everyday life, is not an easy task. Even when they have questions or concerns, they often struggle to find reliable sources for consultation, and the common case of interactions with Japanese residents remaining shallow still continues.
We provide various support activities to create opportunities for foreign residents to integrate smoothly into Japanese society and deepen mutual understanding with Japanese residents.
Something Important You May Have Not Noticed
Our daily lives are already filled with multiculturalism and intercultural experiences.
Japan has wonderful native culture, and there are many other amazing cultures around the world as well. The meeting and melding of these remarkable cultures holds the potential to create new values that cannot be achieved by a single culture alone.
It can be challenging to be aware of one's own culture, but encountering someone from a different cultural background allows us to recognize our own, as well as understand the importance of appreciating the other's cultural upbringing. The ability to sensitively perceive culture in this way is undoubtedly an essential skill for the future.
We aim to build new values rich in creativity through the fusion of the "wisdom" originating from the different abilities, sensibilities, and ideas of people from diverse cultures.
What We Want to Achieve
Foreign residents are new members of Japanese society.
We sincerely hope that foreign residents will not remain isolated within their communities, but will instead integrate broadly and smoothly into society, becoming contributors to its richness, vitality, and creativity. We are committed to making this a reality by diligently taking small actions, one step at a time.
Guiding Principles
We operate based on three guiding principles.
Bridging the Gap
We peacefully and gradually bridge the cultural, social, and educational gaps that arise from different backgrounds.
Fostering Mutual Understanding
By understanding each other as familiar beings, we reduce misunderstandings and prejudices, providing a space that nurtures diversity in individuals and society.
Co-creation
We engage various stakeholders to consolidate the wisdom of Cultural synergy and create new public, cultural, and economic values that leverage diversity.
Main Business
This is an exchange program between foreigners living in Japan and local volunteers. Through one-on-one interactions, it supports practicing Japanese, understanding Japanese life and culture, and connecting with local people.
This is a volunteer-based support activity that provides one-time assistance for essential aspects of life for foreigners living in Japan.
This is a consultation service for various life challenges faced by foreigners living in Japan. We have a network of various professionals including doctors, lawyers, administrative scriveners, teachers, and psychological counselors.
We hold programs such as the "Hanamaru Class," which supports Japanese language learning for children with foreign roots, and the "Childbirth and Postpartum Workshop" for foreign pregnant women expecting to give birth in Japan.
We support corporate growth through systems that connect foreign employees with the local community. Additionally, we conduct lectures and training aimed at fostering cultural synergy within companies.
Company Overview
Financial Report & Activity Report
A Message From the Representative
"Having lived in Japan" is the greatest qualification for volunteering, and the desire to "live alongside Japanese people" is the condition for becoming a member. We invite you to join us as a fellow member!
Founded with that call, the Otonari-san Family Friend Program has rapidly expanded over the past three years, attracting far more participants than initially expected. As new relationships among participants have developed, a variety of activities that were not originally anticipated have also begun to emerge.
At the same time, many new challenges have emerged. Over the past three years, issues created by humanity have come to the forefront, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, wars and conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine, the escalation of food and energy crises, and the progression of global warming. We have had little time to celebrate the smooth development and achievements of our activities as we have begun to grapple with new intercultural exchange challenges, including the refugee crisis.
By exchanging accurate information, we aim to foster enjoyable relationships that transcend national and cultural boundaries, whether in our neighborhoods or workplaces. This initial aspiration remains unchanged. However, to realize this goal, we need your cooperation and support more than ever, not only through direct participation in the programs we have called for in the past, but also by providing innovative and diverse approaches, talents, and ideas. In particular, financial support is an critical issue. We invite each of you to pursue the dream of "building a more tolerant world through small, joyful connections" in your own unique way!
Chairman Ishikawa Norihiko
May 2023
Board Member Introductions
Ishikawa Norihiko - Chairman
Child Psychiatrist
Most of my life has been spent engaged in the practice and research of medical and social clinical work for children and individuals with disabilities at universities in Tokyo, Malta, and Shizuoka.
After retiring, I opened the Hayashi Trial Forest Clinic and now work as a freelance psychiatrist, supporting children's and minorities' participation in society.
As individuals, "everyone is a minority without exception." Feeling that we can mutually respect each other is the most fulfilling experience.
Yasuhide Nakamura - Director
Chairperson of the Japan WHO Association, Public Interest Incorporated Association; Emeritus Professor at Osaka University
Active in the field of international health in countries like Indonesia and Pakistan, promoting maternal and child health records worldwide.
Domestically, we strive to improve the quality of healthcare for foreigners, including the promotion of medical interpreters.
I love children the most, no matter which country I go to.
Chisa Tabata – Director
Lawyer
Member of the Tokyo Bar Association. Representative of Mother Bird Law Office. After working at Partners Law Office (Tokyo) and Siam City Law Offices (Bangkok), established this firm.
Part-time lawyers at child consultation centers and child and family support centers in Tokyo.
Yang Miao - Director and Secretary General
Founder & Cultural Exchange Coordinator
Majoring in psychology. Serving as both secretary and interpreter at international conferences related to Japan-China politics, economics, and culture.
Established the NPO Asia Humanities and Cultural Exchange Promotion Association in 2010. After working in human resource development for major companies, a human resources and organizational consulting firm, and as a practical manager of overseas local subsidiaries, she has devoted herself to supporting foreign residents living in Japan. Mother of two children.
Interviews and Media Coverage
JII is an organization dedicated to realizing Cultural synergy that leverages diversity.
By supporting foreigners living in Japan from various perspectives, we aim not only to create a more livable society but also to foster the wisdom of living together and to create new values that could not be noticed within a single culture.
We strive to share our philosophy and activities with many people, encouraging participation not only within foreign communities but also among Japanese individuals who are highly interested in this issue, creating spaces that deepen intercultural mutual understanding.
We would like to cooperate as much as possible regarding interviews and media coverage; however, depending on the purpose and content of the publication, we may not be able to meet your expectations. Thank you for your understanding. ※Click here for our interview and media coverage record