Multilingual and Multicultural Activities Reflecting the Voices of Foreign Residents:

A Report on the Survey of Foreign Residents and Events

Abstract

This is a report on surveys of foreign residents and multilingual and multicultural events that were planned and implemented based on the surveys’ results. First, the authors conducted surveys to gather the voices of foreign residents that could not be seen in large-scale surveys. The respondents indicated that they want Japanese residents to understand their customs and to think from their perspectives, and they also want to participate in local events and volunteer activities. Based on the responses, cultural events were planned and implemented. The events deepened Japanese participants’ understanding of foreign residents and brought them closer to foreign residents. They also provided foreign residents with an opportunity to participate actively in the community.