Paper short abstract:

Based on in-depth interviews in three prefectures in different areas of Japan and a variety of other sources, this paper will examine the recent activities of local nongovernmental organizations in providing preschool and Saturday-school education to children of migrants.

Paper long abstract:

The recent growth and diversification of the foreign population in Japan has prompted discussion on ways for promoting migrants’ social integration and participation in various local community activities. While most of these debates are held at the regional level, the cooperation between nongovernmental organizations from different areas is still beginning. Local governments encourage, sponsor and support such activities, while their success often depends on the commitment of key-people who lead such organizations and coordinate various events. Based on in-depth interviews in three prefectures in different areas of Japan, materials of seminars and public discussions on NGO activities and a variety of other sources, this paper will show that support given to foreigners, their success in social integration and the broad range of problems they face in their everyday life vary depending on the region and these regional disparities still need to be overcome. The paper will examine the recent activities of local nongovernmental organizations in providing preschool and Saturday-school education to children of migrants, analyze the forms of cooperation taking place between local governments and NGOs, and identify possible causes of insufficient progress of these activities and potential solutions. While these activities and practices still seem to be disjointed and fragile, they pave the way for the stronger integration of foreigners and the creation of a more inclusive society.