Introduction
The challenge of training foreign fire department members is significant in that foreigners themselves take the initiative for coexistence.
Japan has been facing a rapid increase in its foreign population due to labor shortages and globalization. As a result, fostering multicultural coexistence has become a critical issue for both national and local governments. One emerging approach is to encourage foreign residents to take leadership roles in initiatives that promote mutual understanding and cooperation. This article explores various examples of such initiatives, particularly focusing on foreign volunteer firefighters, disaster preparedness programs, and other community-driven efforts.
1. Foreign Volunteer Firefighters (消防団員としての外国人の活躍)
One notable example of foreign residents taking active leadership roles in their communities is their participation in volunteer firefighting teams, or shōbōdan (消防団). In many municipalities across Japan, foreign residents are recruited to join these teams, helping to strengthen local disaster response while fostering integration between Japanese and non-Japanese residents.
(1) The Case of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hamamatsu City, home to a large Brazilian and Filipino population due to its thriving manufacturing industry, has actively encouraged foreign residents to join local firefighting teams. Recognizing that many non-Japanese residents struggle with disaster preparedness due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with Japan’s emergency systems, the city launched a program that allows foreign residents to participate in fire drills and emergency response training.
Foreign firefighters in Hamamatsu receive the same training as their Japanese counterparts, learning how to operate fire extinguishers, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and provide first aid. In addition to their emergency response duties, these volunteers play a crucial role in disseminating disaster preparedness information in multiple languages to foreign communities.
(2) The Case of Oizumi Town, Gunma Prefecture
Oizumi Town, known for its high concentration of Brazilian residents, has also developed a program to integrate foreigners into its firefighting teams. Since many foreign workers live in densely populated areas, ensuring that they understand fire safety regulations is essential for the entire community. In collaboration with local employers, the town recruits bilingual Brazilian and Japanese residents to serve as bridges between the foreign community and local authorities.
These foreign volunteers not only assist in firefighting efforts but also lead educational workshops on fire prevention in Portuguese. This initiative has been instrumental in reducing fire-related incidents in foreign communities and has strengthened trust between local authorities and non-Japanese residents.
2. Foreign-Led Disaster Preparedness Programs (防災訓練における外国人の主導的役割)
Another area where foreign residents take leadership roles is disaster preparedness. Given Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, educating all residents—including foreigners—is essential. However, many non-Japanese residents lack sufficient knowledge about Japan’s disaster response systems, leading to increased risks during emergencies.
(1) Disaster Preparedness Training in Minato Ward, Tokyo
Minato Ward, home to a diverse international population, has implemented a foreign-led disaster preparedness training program. This initiative trains bilingual foreign residents as “disaster preparedness leaders” who then educate others in their communities. The program includes hands-on training in evacuation procedures, first aid, and emergency communication methods.
These leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that foreign residents understand where to go and what to do in the event of an earthquake or typhoon. They also provide valuable feedback to local governments on how to make emergency information more accessible to non-Japanese speakers.
(2) The Role of NGOs in Kobe
Following the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, many foreign residents in Kobe found themselves isolated due to language barriers and lack of access to emergency resources. In response, local NGOs, such as Multicultural Disaster Prevention Network Kobe (多文化防災ネットワーク神戸), have taken the lead in training foreign residents as community disaster prevention leaders.
These leaders conduct outreach programs in multiple languages, helping to ensure that foreign residents understand local disaster risks and preparedness strategies. They also work closely with Japanese disaster response teams, providing translation services and cultural insights during emergencies.
3. Foreign Residents as Cultural and Social Mediators (外国人が地域社会の架け橋に)
Beyond emergency response initiatives, foreign residents in Japan have also taken leadership roles in broader multicultural coexistence efforts.
(1) Multicultural Community Centers in Aichi Prefecture
In Aichi Prefecture, which has one of the highest foreign populations in Japan, local governments have established multicultural community centers where foreign residents take active roles in organizing events, language exchange programs, and cultural workshops. These centers, such as the Toyota International Association (豊田国際交流協会), empower foreign residents by giving them opportunities to lead programs that promote mutual understanding.
For example, Brazilian residents in Toyota City have organized Portuguese-language support groups for newly arrived workers, helping them navigate daily life in Japan. Meanwhile, Filipino and Vietnamese leaders have launched community-based mental health support initiatives to assist foreign residents facing challenges such as isolation and discrimination.
(2) Multicultural School Support Programs in Kanagawa Prefecture
In Kanagawa Prefecture, where many children of foreign backgrounds struggle with the Japanese education system, local initiatives have enlisted foreign residents as school support mentors. These mentors, often parents or former students who have successfully adapted to Japanese schools, guide newly arrived families through the education system, offering translation services and emotional support.
Such programs not only benefit foreign students but also promote a more inclusive educational environment where Japanese teachers and students gain a deeper understanding of different cultural backgrounds.
4. Challenges and Future Prospects (課題と今後の展望)
While these initiatives have had positive impacts, challenges remain. Some local governments still hesitate to fully integrate foreign residents into leadership roles due to language barriers, legal restrictions, and cultural differences. Additionally, funding and resources for multicultural initiatives are often limited, making it difficult to sustain long-term programs.
However, as Japan’s foreign population continues to grow, fostering foreign leadership in community-building efforts will become increasingly important. Expanding language support, offering leadership training for foreign residents, and strengthening collaboration between local governments, businesses, and NGOs will be crucial for the success of these programs.
5. Conclusion (まとめ)
Japan’s approach to multicultural coexistence is evolving, with increasing efforts to empower foreign residents as active participants in society. From volunteer firefighting and disaster preparedness programs to multicultural education and community-building efforts, foreign residents are playing a vital role in bridging cultural gaps and strengthening local communities. While challenges remain, these initiatives demonstrate the potential for foreign residents to not only integrate but also lead in fostering a more inclusive and resilient Japan.