Abstract
With the process of globalization, there are an increasing number of foreigners from diverse origins living in Japan. There are also numerous local initiatives to cater to this trend. This paper will focus on the organizations set up by the newcomers (newly arrived foreign nationals) that protect human rights regardless of nationality, and respects the traditions and cultures. Through it the organizations aim to invigorate a multi-cultural society. The term self-help organizations, used in this paper are defined as those groups that have a clear vision to work to help themselves as well as each other. Specifically, the paper will study the formation process of a particular self help organization for the newly arrived - "Brazilian Community of Kansai" - which I took part in its early stages. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the general policies and the necessity of the self-reliancy of these self-help organizations. Furthermore, the paper will analyze the awareness and the measures, and assess the necessary components of a system of the self-help organizations formed by the foreigners, civil societies, and the local governments. This paper is a baseline study specifically outlined to advocate public policy measures in the future. .
