The purpose of this research is to examine the lives of foreign residents and to present models of action from case studies at ten public housing estates. The research results are summarized as follows:
1) The difference between Japanese and foreign residents in terms of language and everyday customs is a direct factor behind daily problems. Complex, indirect, and background factors are also important.
2) The activities of residents' associations at public housing estates are useful in creating a significant relationship between Japanese and foreign residents.
3) The lower the number of foreign residents (less than 10% of total residents) is, the more effective the problem-solving actions are.
4) The effectiveness of and difficulties faced by the actions are dependent on the size of public housing estates and the proportion of foreign residents.
5) Five models of action taken by residents' associations, local governments, and regional associations exist.
