[Report] September 16, 2026 (Wed): Held the First "Living and Work Information Exchange Meeting"!

The "Living and Working Information Exchange Meeting" has kicked off!
This is a project where Otonari-san (Japanese volunteers) talk based on their experiences about the questions and anxieties foreigners feel in daily life and workplaces in Japan.
We plan to hold several sessions focusing on the speakers' areas of expertise.
In the latter half of the meeting, time will also be set aside for foreign participants to ask Otonari-san about questions and concerns they feel in daily life and the workplace.
While addressing the questions and concerns of foreigners, we aim to create a gathering where OFP* members can connect beyond their pairs and have open, candid conversations.
* OFP is the abbreviation for Otonari-san Family Friend Program.

The theme of the first session held on Wednesday, September 16 was"Let's Learn About Japanese Workplace Culture and Insurance".
A total of 13 people, including Otonari-sans and foreign participants, joined us, and we were able to successfully hold the first session 🙌

In the first half, two Otonari-sans who have worked at companies for many years spoke on the following topics based on their extensive experience and knowledge.

◆ "Japanese Corporate Culture and Mindset"
Based on the culture and employee training of the Japanese company they work for, they talked about concepts such as "kamiza and shimoza"*.
They spoke about the values and culture toward work based on the deeply rooted Japanese spirit of hospitality.

* What are "Kamiza and Shimoza"? : It is a Japanese culture that shows hospitality to others based on where you sit. The seat farthest from the entrance is the Kamiza, and the seat closest to the entrance is the Shimoza. At drinking parties or meetings, the Kamiza is occupied by senior people or guests, while the Shimoza is taken by the youngest person or the host providing hospitality.

◆ Money Matters in Emergencies: Japanese Insurance (Public and Private), Preparing for Illness, Injury, and Car Accidents ～
They clearly explained, including in a table, the purposes of National Health Insurance and automobile insurance, and what aspects of oneself they cover.
What is important for foreign residents is, "to recognize what kind of insurance they have. If unsure, check with your company or local government. Consider what might be lacking in relation to the risks you may face, and if necessary, confirm with the insurance company or local government." was the message.

In the second half, we divided into groups of 3 to 4 people for a Q&A and casual chat time with Otonari-san.
Otonari-sans supported the foreign participants with the questions about job hunting and career change situations in Japan, as well as uniquely Japanese workplace customs that can be challenging foreign workers to navigate.

Thanks to Otonari-sans, who spoke as a speaker, and to all the participants,
We were able to successfully kick off the exchange meeting✨
We sincerely thank you.

The second event is also in planning! Please look forward to the next one 🍀