Toward an Inclusive Society: Lessons Learned from the Challenges Faced by Foreign Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Webinar Report)

Abstract

We held a webinar in November 2020, to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign residents living in Gunma prefecture, assess what could and could not be done to reduce the impact on them, and identify issues to be addressed in the future. The difficulties faced by foreign residents during the first 6 months of the pandemic, as well as how they responded to these, were presented by the speakers from the standpoints of the prefectural government, ethnic community, international association, and educational institutions (Japanese language schools and public elemen-tary schools). There were approximately 40 participants. The webinar clarified that foreign residents were facing a wide range of difficulties, including financial distress due to dismissal or reduction in working hours, restrictions related to residency status, limited access to various information, issues relating to children ’ s education, and discrimination. Additionally, it was clarified that diverse forms of support were provided by the local government and various organiza tions and parties. It was suggested that providing accessible information to foreign residents, creating a consultation place where foreign residents can feel free to use, and the realization of a mutual assistance community were the challenges to be addressed for the future.