Disseminating the practice on “The suitable employability of foreign nationals workers and promote the integration in Japanese society” has been the seminar’s theme held in Kariya, promoted by Nagoya, Gifu, Aichi and Mie governments. The seminar focused on the employers and approached on subjects like the current situation of Japanese society, as well as turn foreign workers active in order to cooperate with the improvement of Japan’s socioeconomic situation.

In the first part of the seminar, Mr. Kawakita Hideo held apresentationwhere he gave very important information in order to the participants think about on future of Japan. Japan is facing a problem on the growing number of elderly.And the solution for that problem is a challenge for all the citizens.

Interview with IIHOE’s representative, Mr. Kawakita Hideto:

“If Japan keeps the same production and service in great scale, with the current number of Japanese citizens, I believe it is hard to keep this same economic situation. Therefore, the same way is being now until the next 70 years, it will be necessary to increase even more the exportationof products in order to offer support to Japanese economy. So far we were able to server foreign customers, but I find it will be increasingly necessary that foreigners perform along with us in product marketing and services”.

In the second part of the seminar, a discussion panel was held by 4 entrepreneurs and representatives from Aichi, Gifu, Mie and Shizuoka organizations, who have foreign employees. The participants of this panel spoke about the experience of working with foreign employees from several nationalities.

Interview with assistant manager of human resources from Hakuyukai group, Mr. Yuyama Hideki:

“Nowadays foreign employees are hugely necessary. They are joyful and have something that Japanese do not have. We have about 40 foreign employees working with us, and I find it was worthwhile to hire them”.

Interview with Avance Life Support’s director, Mr. Kawakita Daisuke:

“If compared to Japanese, they have a different way to work because their intention is to bring happiness to people. We work with elderly care and in this kind of work we need to offer good moments for elderly people, and we could learn a lot by working with foreigners. Think about a way to offer more happiness to people, it was a great learning. It’s fun!”

All the representatives from companies and organizations have great expectations regarding the future along with foreign workers.

Interview with assistant manager of human resources from Hakuyukai group, Mr. Yuyama Hideki:

“Our employees are South Americans and we have been working with foreigners for about 6 years, some of them have already become leaders in companies’ divisions. We wish more people reach a good position and receive a good salary. We aim to hire more foreign workers. I find it would be great if the number of foreigners who reach leader positions increases”.

Interview with Avance Life Support’s manager, Mr. Kawakita Daisuke:

“The workplace needs to be suitable for foreigners, I mean, we need to offer work options in this area of elderly care, so they can work in an active way. We employers need to give the first step to offer a workplace, make the environment more suitable to foreign employees”.

“Foreign residents in Japan can contribute in many ways to society. The companies who think about hiring these workers canget many benefits. The speaker let us a message regarding this subject.

Interview with IIHOE’s representative, Mr. KawakitaHideto:

“If in 2020 or 2030 companies’ representatives are all Japanese citizens, for example, if they perform in Mie Prefecture, I mean, only within Tsu or Ise cities,there will be no problems, but if several foreign tourists come or if they wish to commercialize a product to other countries, it will be necessary to promote this product in the market in a fast and accurate way, and it will not be possible if employees are only Japanese. When a product targets the female public, it is necessary the presence of a woman, if it is targeting the children public, it is recommended to collect the opinion from children, therefore, if the intention is to commercialize something  abroad in order to people from other cultures use your product, I find necessary the participation of employees from foreign nationality.

Interview with assistant manager of human resources from Hakuyukai group, Mr.Yuyama Hideki:

“There are many foreigners that are already integrated in the society, and Japan needs to ease immigration rules to allow more foreigners enter in Japan, thus easing up mutual integration. Let’s make our best, all together!”

Interview with Avance Life Support’s director, Mr. Kawakita Daisuke:

“I believe Japan is increasingly becoming propitious for integration and there is no longer that taboo of being a Japanese or a foreigner. I have many expectations for the future, since I think we have many things to learn from foreigners. I count on you all!”