Paper short abstract:

This presentation aims to shed light on the requirements for foreign resident support communication in times of risk. Analysis of semi-structured interviews with staff at foreign resident advisory services within Japan reveals the risk communication requirements for foreign resident support.

Paper long abstract:

A variety of calamities are occurring across the world today, including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and wars. In such times of risk, foreign residents tend to be information-poor and become isolated from wider society. Despite the potential to contribute to the realization of multicultural society, very little research has been undertaken thus far to clarify what is needed in risk communication for the support of foreign residents.

Drawing on interview data, this presentation aims to shed light on the requirements for foreign resident support communication in times of risk. Analysis of semi-structured interviews with staff at foreign resident advisory services and foreign resident support groups within Japan reveals the following risk communication requirements for foreign resident support. These encompass communication not only at the interpersonal level but also at the levels of organization and policy.

Firstly, the following findings were made with regard to communication of policy decisions prior to disasters:

1. At the stage of disaster-related policymaking, there is a need to produce policy recommendations that create a new category of “foreign resident support” in addition to the existing support designed for the general public.

2. Making new proposals in policymaking requires persuasive communication skills.

3. A capacity to communicate explanations in comprehensible terms is needed in order to implement the policies adopted.

A second group of findings relates to communication in the context of foreign resident support during disasters:

4. There is a need for collaboration across multiple organizations. Such collaboration enables the provision of support that would be impossible for any single organization to provide.

5. The presence of mediators is essential in order to accommodate and resolve gaps in collaboration resulting from knowledge and information deficits among the collaborators.

6. A flexible approach is needed to create new roles adapted to the circumstances (such as mediatory roles). There is also a need in times of disaster to adjust the roles themselves flexibly, rather than adhering to them rigidly.

7. There is a need for routine collaboration among multiple organizations, and continuity in their collaboration.

These requirements are thought to be applicable across all countries.