As Japan faces an inevitable decline in its working population, the employment of foreign workers is becoming increasingly critical. However, for them to feel secure working in Japan, access to comfortable living accommodations is essential. This article will explore practical ways and examples of how companies can offer housing support and improve living conditions to make life more comfortable for foreign workers in Japan. These initiatives aim to increase the retention rates of foreign workers and enhance the attractiveness of companies as desirable employers.

Key Housing Needs of Foreign Workers to Consider

Addressing the housing needs of foreign workers is crucial for ensuring they can smoothly transition into their new environment. Here, we discuss the specific housing needs of foreign workers and how to meet these requirements.

 

Cultural and Religious Needs

The housing preferences of foreign workers vary significantly based on their cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs. Special considerations related to diet and religion are essential when choosing housing. For example, vegetarians might seek residences near markets that offer vegetarian food options, while Muslims may prioritize proximity to mosques. Such factors require thoughtful consideration from employers to accommodate these diverse needs effectively.

 

Lifestyle Considerations

The choice of housing also depends on the lifestyles of foreign workers.

For instance, single individuals working abroad typically prefer locations convenient for commuting and daily travel, opting for compact apartments like 1K or 1DK. They often favor units that are furnished with necessary appliances and furniture to facilitate an immediate start to their life in Japan.

 

For those planning to live with their families, safety is a paramount concern. A spacious living area, proximity to schools, and childcare facilities are crucial factors in their housing decisions.

 

If the residence is intended for permanent settlement, durability and ease of maintenance become significant considerations. Foreign workers will look for stable lease terms and favorable renewal conditions to ensure the home can accommodate long-term living.

 

Reference: Asahi Shimbun Digital - "Why the Number of Japanese Muslims is Increasing, Mosques in Japan have Increased Sevenfold in 20 Years" The Asahi Shimbun Digital

Source: The Growing Number of Japanese Muslims: Mosques in Japan Increase Sevenfold in 20 Years | Asahi Shimbun Digital 

Concerns of Residence Conflicts Between Foreign Workers and Local Residents

As Japan sees an increase in the acceptance of foreign workers, frictions between these workers and local residents have become more frequent. Why do these conflicts occur? By referencing issues in Kawaguchi City, we will analyze problems arising from cultural differences and communication gaps, and explore potential solutions.

 

Current Issues Overview: The Kurdish Community in Kawaguchi City

Since around 1990, many Kurds have moved to Japan seeking refuge, leading to the expansion of a Kurdish community in Kawaguchi City. Over time, some members of this community have been involved in criminal activities, noise complaints, illegal parking, and littering. In 2023, a riot involving about 100 people occurred in front of a medical facility, highlighting the tensions between foreigners and local residents. Cultural differences and insufficient communication are often cited as reasons for these incidents.

 

Frictions Due to Cultural Differences

Differences in lifestyle and culture can lead to friction. For instance, it is common in many cultures to host friends and acquaintances at home and use it as a social gathering place, which can lead to noise disturbances at night. This issue is often exacerbated by a lack of understanding of Japanese lifestyle norms and rules.

 

Lack of Communication

When foreign workers do not sufficiently understand Japanese, it becomes challenging for them to grasp local rules and customs accurately. For example, Japan has stringent waste separation rules, which might not be familiar to those from countries with different practices. Misunderstandings and conflicts over waste disposal are common results of this communication gap.

 

Solutions

The resolution of conflicts between foreign workers and local residents requires understanding and cooperation from both parties.

 

When such issues arise, it's essential to establish a calm discussion environment where both sides can communicate effectively and understand each other's perspectives and situations.

 

Organizing cultural exchange events where local residents and foreign workers can learn about and respect each other's cultures is one approach. Companies and local governments can conduct awareness campaigns to promote multicultural coexistence. Some regions provide programs at local schools and community centers to foster multicultural understanding.

 

Providing explanations of housing rules and community guidelines in multiple languages can help bridge understanding gaps. Additionally, companies and local governments offering education about cultural differences and Japanese manners can help mitigate issues related to waste disposal and noise disturbances.

Source: NHK Metropolitan Area Navigation, "Saitama, Kawaguchi City Appeals Unusually to the Nation Over Kurdish Issues – Why? What's Happening on the Ground?"

Methods of Housing Support Companies Can Offer to Foreign Workers

This section explains the specific methods of housing support that companies can implement to assist foreign workers.

 

Housing Allowance

When foreign workers find new accommodation in Japan, the initial costs, such as security deposits, key money, and brokerage fees, can be substantial. Companies can alleviate this burden by covering part or all of these initial costs and providing interest-free or low-interest loans.

 

Arranging Accommodations

Furnishing a home can be a significant burden for foreign workers. Companies can help by providing properties that come with furniture and appliances or by offering short-term rental services for these items.

 

Real Estate Agency Intermediation

Partnering with bilingual real estate agents can facilitate the housing search by introducing suitable accommodations and providing contracts in English or other languages, thus supporting the lease agreement and move-in processes.

 

Additionally, the Japan Rental Housing Management Association offers valuable information in 14 languages about the procedures, contract flows, and real estate terminology needed when searching for housing in Japan. This resource can be very useful for foreign workers navigating the rental market.

Reference: Japan Rental Housing Management Association, "Guide for Smooth Tenancy of Foreigners": https://www.jpm.jp/foreign/

Directly Linked to Productivity! Enhancing the Living Environment and Support Systems

The support for foreign workers in Japan encompasses various aspects to facilitate their daily life seamlessly. Here, we detail specific support measures for daily living.

 

Transportation

Japan boasts a well-developed public transport network, with intricate train and bus routes. Providing multilingual assistance on how to use public transport, guidance on commuting routes, purchasing commuter passes, and suggesting optimal travel routes can greatly help. Introducing foreign workers to popular route-finding and map apps used in Japan can also be beneficial.

 

Shopping

Foreign nationals might find shopping in an unfamiliar setting challenging. Providing multilingual information about nearby supermarkets and drugstores, their operating hours, and how to purchase Japanese groceries and daily necessities can be helpful. Additionally, providing information on where to buy specific food items due to cultural or religious reasons can further support their shopping needs.

 

Healthcare

Explaining how to use medical facilities and manage health is crucial. Providing a list of hospitals and clinics that offer services in foreign languages, explaining how to use health insurance, and detailing procedures at medical facilities are important support measures. Additionally, offering information on health check-ups and vaccinations and assisting with appointments can enhance their healthcare experience.

 

For further assistance and to ensure a safe and secure life in Japan, the following resources are invaluable:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Foreign Resident Support Portal "Housing"
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/housing.html

Shaplaneer - Civic Collaboration for Overseas Support:
https://www.shaplaneer.org/english/
※This organization publishes multilingual life and work guidebooks and conducts food distribution and consultation sessions.

Learning from Successful Cases of Housing Support and Community Development

To ensure both foreign residents and local community members live comfortably, collaboration between companies and local governments is essential. This section showcases successful initiatives by corporations and municipalities that have effectively supported housing and community development, creating environments where foreign workers can comfortably live in Japan.

 

Tokyo

In Tokyo, a new grant program has been introduced in fiscal year Reiwa 6, aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the costs of Japanese language training for their foreign workers. The program targets foreign employees at SMEs located within the city who have Japanese language proficiency at or below the N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It covers expenses related to essential business Japanese language education, including Japanese language instruction by qualified teachers, creation of Japanese language teaching materials, business etiquette courses, and cross-cultural understanding seminars.

 

The grant covers up to 50% of the expenses incurred in carrying out the eligible activities, with a standard plan capping at 250,000 yen and a short-term plan capping at 150,000 yen. Additionally, there is a specific course for companies employing Ukrainian refugees who have the appropriate documentation and work-eligible residency status, ensuring continuous direct employment within the city's businesses.

 

Reference: Tokyo Metropolitan Government's TOKYO Hataraku Net
Support Grants for Training Foreign Employees at SMEs:
https://www.hataraku.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jinzai/kakuho/gaikokujinkenshu/

 

Fukui City

In Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, community centers are utilized to foster understanding of different cultures among local residents who are not familiar with foreign cultures. The aim is to enhance cultural understanding among local residents and to help foreign residents develop an attachment to their local area. Following the implementation of these initiatives, 87% of participating children expressed a desire for continued interaction, and 100% of their parents wished for ongoing exchanges and wanted their children to maintain an interest in international exchange and foreign cultures. This approach also increased communication opportunities between foreign residents and local community members, achieving significant results.

 

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Collection of Examples for Local Governments" 001079182.pdf (mhlw.go.jp)

 

SATAKE GROUP

SATAKE GROUP, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is a company that specializes in metal processing, including screws and nuts. Approximately 60 foreign workers with specific skills work at their Yamagata plant. In 2022, 27 foreign workers with specific skills joined the company, transitioning from technical intern trainees.

 

The company supports these foreign workers by providing fully furnished accommodations, covering internet fees, and paying for the initial costs of housing such as security deposits and key money.

 

As a result of these initiatives, SATAKE GROUP managed to attract 250 candidates for 20 job openings, received positive feedback from new hires, and achieved a retention rate of 98%.

Reference: "How We Do It: Housing Support for Specific Skills" - https://www.lab-one.jp/article/t02

 

Moreover, SATAKE GROUP established Factory Lab Co., Ltd. in Chiyoda, Tokyo, represented by Yohei Yamamoto. With the mission to "Empower the manufacturing industry with foreign talent," Factory Lab has launched a YouTube channel aimed at addressing the severe labor shortages faced by the manufacturing sector. This channel provides valuable information on recruiting and managing foreign talent, offering insights and know-how on hiring practices.

Reference: "SATAKE GROUP Establishes Factory Lab, a Recruitment Company for the Manufacturing Industry, Launches YouTube Channel to Offer Useful Information on Addressing Labor Shortages" https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000105048.html

 

【Bridge Life】

Throughout previous articles, we've explored various methods of support for foreign workers provided by companies, municipalities, and countries. As a comprehensive foreign resident support company, Bridge Life also offers a range of services, which we will introduce here.

 

Rental Housing Introduction

One of the first challenges faced when welcoming foreign nationals is finding suitable accommodation. Bridge Life leverages a network of 2,000 property management companies nationwide to quickly introduce properties that allow foreign nationals to move in. We match the perfect property to the tenant's needs, whether they require a condominium or a detached house, tailored to the number of residents, family composition, nationality, and commuting distance.

 

Move-in and Move-out Procedures, Residence Trouble Response

Handling utility setups, airport pick-up, and orientation can be cumbersome when moving in. Bridge Life provides comprehensive support from move-in to move-out. If any issues arise during the tenancy, our CRM system manages customer information centrally, enabling precise and timely responses.

 

Furniture and Appliance Provision, Internet Setup

Selecting furniture and appliances can vary significantly depending on the country of origin. Bridge Life prepares all necessary household items, from furniture and appliances to Wi-Fi and daily necessities, offering a one-stop solution that ensures a comfortable living environment from the first day.

 

Multilingual Direct Call Center

Our in-house call center, supporting eight languages, staffed by culturally knowledgeable personnel, tailors services to meet individual needs. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, we swiftly resolve any issues raised by foreign residents.

 

Tenant Management Reporting

With our CRM system, we keep a detailed record and report interactions between tenants and service providers during incidents, accumulating expertise in handling unique issues faced by foreign nationals and responding effectively.

From creating comfortable living environments to handling complaints, Bridge Life addresses all concerns related to housing foreign residents. We provide thorough support for companies preparing to welcome foreign workers, addressing both hardware and software aspects of tenant management.

For more details on how we can assist your company in setting up systems to support foreign residents, please visit our website: 

https://bridgelife-japan.com/lp/

Ensuring Mutually Beneficial Employment through Reliable Housing Support

In this article, we have introduced key points and specific methods for supporting the housing and living environment needs of foreign workers. It is crucial for companies to understand these needs and provide appropriate support, as this ensures a secure working environment for employees and is indispensable for enhancing corporate productivity. Additionally, measures to minimize friction with local residents and increase psychological safety are vital. Collaborating with local governments and effectively leveraging services from other companies are important strategies to create an environment that benefits both workers and employers alike.