Workshop Brings Together Foreign and Japanese Residents to Discuss Everyday Rules and Manners

 

　On Monday, October 12, 2026, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) held a workshop where foreign and Japanese residents came together to discuss everyday rules and manners.

　In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Tokyo has increased rapidly. As of January 2026, approximately 780,000 foreign nationals were living in the city, meaning that one in every twenty residents is now a foreign national. Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever for both Japanese and foreign residents to deepen their mutual understanding so that everyone can live safely as members of their local communities.

　This fiscal year, TMG is conducting research on the social media platforms and media outlets commonly used by foreign residents in Tokyo, establishing communication channels to ensure that information is delivered to foreign residents, and producing videos and posters that communicate the importance of following rules as members of society. Through these efforts, TMG is strengthening its communication with foreign residents.

　The workshop was held as part of these efforts to provide an opportunity for people living in Tokyo to discuss ways of communicating everyday rules and manners while deepening their understanding of one another’s cultures and customs.

　A total of 19 participants from 13 countries and regions, including Japan, took part in the workshop. Ms. Ulrika Yui, a member of TMG's Committee for the Promotion of Multicultural Coexistence, joined as a guest speaker. Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds shared their experiences and perspectives and exchanged views on everyday life in Tokyo.

　In the first session, participants discussed topics related to daily life, including waste separation, traffic rules, and various procedures.

　In the second session, TMG presented two concept proposals for public awareness materials currently being developed and invited participants to vote on their preferred option. Participants also shared a variety of opinions regarding the wording and presentation.

　TMG will make use of the opinions and feedback received through the workshop in its future initiatives and continue advancing efforts toward the realization of a society where both Japanese and foreign residents can live safely and thrive together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concept Proposal Selected Through Participant Voting

The illustrations and text will be revised by TMG as necessary based on the opinions received from participants,
and will be released at a later date.