Reports on Information Sessions conducted by MIEF's
Foreign Resident Advisors
February 26th - "Problems with Your Mortgage? Let's Think Them Over!" Seminar
MIEF's Foreign Resident Advisors held an information session on Sunday, February 26th in Matsusaka City regarding common issues surrounding mortgage. While the number of long term foreign residents buying or constructing homes in Japan is on the rise, there have been many cases of foreign residents becoming unable to pay their mortgages due to financial or other troubles. The recent increase in the number of foreign residents seeking consultation with MIEF regarding mortgage-related issues demonstrates a need for accurate mortgage-related information within the foreign resident community, and was the motivation behind holding this information session.43 Filipino residents, 3 Japanese citizens and 2 Brazilian residents attended the information session.
During the first portion of the information session, a lawyer explained the different options available to individuals no longer able to pay their mortgates, such as debt rehabilitation and declaring bankruptcy, and the differences between the options.
During the second portion, a International Counselor from Kani City presented case studies of consultations received from foreign residents. The counselor also explained court summons and the progression of events once a house has been moved to auction, while warning attendees to beware of fraud.
During the Question and Answer session, lecturers took a large number of questions, which underscored the importance of holding such an information session. Concerns of participants included bankruptcy filing procedures, and the threat of eviction upon becoming insolvent.
After the information, there was an informal gathering of lecturers, organizers and participants featuring pizza and muffins made by breadmaking workshop students. The gathering served as an opportunity for attendees to have their questions answered one-on-one by lecturers, as well as a chance to meet others dealing with similar issues.
February 19th - "Are you as healthy as you think you are? Let's check and see!" Seminar
MIEF held a health information session on Sunday, February 19th in the town of Komono. As the numbers of permanent foreign residents in Japan increases, so does the likelihood of members of the community contracting a disease or illness as the population ages. With just a few changes to your daily routine you may be able to prevent contracting a lifestyle-related illness. This seminar was designed for those who don't have the opportunity to talk to health professionals in Japan due to a language barrier and to help everyone get a little healthier.We had 14 participants on the day, including Brazillian, Vietnamese and Chinese residents. The session was lead by a professor of the Mie Prefectural Nursing University who explained by using checklists and other means how to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as high blood pressure and obesity. Participants checked themselves off on the list according to their current lifestyles. Even small things done on a regular basis can be linked to illness and the leader of the seminar gave advice on how to keep your health in check and that important ways to prevent illness included cutting back on salty foods, moving your body, keeping to a regular routine and eating balanced meals.
Following this section of the seminar, we introduced a worker from the Komono Town Welfare Division which conducts health checks. Many participants seemed to have been unaware that Komono offered this service.
After the seminar, with the help of students from Mie Prefectural Nursing University, the participants were able to check their measurements and vitals in order to learn a bit more about their own health. There were several people who had no previously had their blood pressure or weight measured before. After being measured, they were able to recieve advice from a medical professional. After speaking to the expert about any worries they had regarding their health, participants were able to go home feeling reassured.
December 12-"Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Protect Yourself and your Children" Disaster Preparedness Information Session
MIEF held an information session entitled “Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Protect Yourself and your Children” at Chisatogaoka Elementary School on December 16, 2011.After the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, there has been concern among the foreign resident community about natural disasters. In order to increase awareness about disaster preparedness among foreign residents, the information session presented fundamental information on how to prepare for earthquakes and tsunamis in multiple languages.
A total of 35 members of the community attended the information session, including 19 Brazilian residents, 7 Japanese citizens, 5 Chinese residents, 1 Peruvian resident and 1 Bolivian resident.
MIEF’s Foreign Resident Advisors began by using a powerpoint presentation to explain how earthquakes work, show actual earthquake footage, and explain the meaning of announcements that are often broadcast during typhoons and other disasters. The information was first presented in Japanese, and was then presented, through interpreters, in multiple languages. Presenters used quiz games to test participants’ knowledge of the information being presented, and even children in the audience actively participated. Participants were also encouraged to secure their furniture and prepare emergency supplies upon returning home based on a list provided during the session.
Next, a representative from the Tsu Fire and Disaster Prevention Center provided information on evacuation areas located in the town of Kawage and on where to take shelter during a disaster.
Presenters fielded a variety of questions from participants, including ones concerning the different types of tsunamis and best location for storing emergency kits.
Responses to the post-session questionnaire revealed that participants now understood the proper steps to take after an earthquake and planned to pass the information on to those they know.
Finally, presenters provided participants with whistles, flashlights and other items that would be useful during an emergency.
November 27- Feeling stressed? Say good-bye to stress seminar session
We held a seminar on the 27th of November on stress in Kuwana City; many foreign residents living in Japan often come under stress or are anxious due to differences in culture and the language barrier. We invited a psychologist to take part in this session.The seminar included an explanation of what stress is and what effects stress can have on the body, as well as how to combat stress so as not to become ill. The lecturer explained that, "Not all stress is bad. Stress is unavoidable while we're alive...it is a life event" and emphasised that "what is important is not to lose stress completely but to learn techniques to manage it effectively."
After learning about stress, self-relaxation tips were introduced and practiced by the participants. Participants practiced deep breathing while listening to music (healing CD) to calm themselves down. When they concentrated on breathing as the teacher instructed their bodies relaxed and felt warm. Finally they were instructed to ball their fists as tightly as possible, when some complained that they couldn't put power into their fists, the teacher revealed that this was actually a sign that the relaxation technique was effective and reccomended lifting their arms up and down to return feeling. As they did this the participants' energy returned and couldn't hide their surprise.
On the day, there were twenty two participants including Vietnamese, Indonesians, Chinese, Brazillians and Sri Lankans. Through the relaxation practice, participants commented that, "It was so good that I accidently fell asleep" and "We only practiced a little so I didn't expect to relax so much."
November 21- Learn about Japanese culture and find out the rules for living in Japan Seminar
On Monday, 21st of September at the Toba Citizens Culture Centre MIEF held a seminar on Japanese culture and the rules for daily life in Japan. Held in collaboration with the Toba Exchange International Cooperative, the seminar was held during one of their Japanese classes. The participants were mainly students of Japanese or research students. There were many research students who had come to Japan in the middle of October in attendance who had decided to attend the seminar to learn the rules they deemed essential to living in Japan.On the day, there were 27 participants including people from China, the Philippines and Thailand.
The seminar began with learning about the rules for daily life in Japan and included an explanation from an official of the Toba Municipal Environment Department on throwing away and sorting garbage, as well as recycling and its importance.
The latter half of the seminar was moved to the kitchen where, after recieving a detailed explanation from the teacher, everyone learned how to make sushi. The ingredients of sushi have been used for centuries and the ingredients commonly used have a long storage life (gobo, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, takano tofu etc.) First, everyone tried to make rolled sushi and were worried about whether they could roll it properly. However, once they tried it, everyone was able to do it very well. They were all very excited, "I did it!", when they successfully finished rolling the sushi. After making rolled sushi, the students tried making inari-zushi. It was quite a challenge to be able to fill the fried tofu pockets without breaking them.
After finishing cooking, the students and Japanese language classroom volunteers all returned to the Japanese classroom to have an exchange party with the MIEF staff. We heard their thoughts about the seminar and their different cultures while eating the sushi they had made earliar. Many of the students thanked us for the session, saying that they had fun learning about the rules in Japan and making sushi.
October 28- "Stretch the limits of possibility and look to the future" Seminar Session
On Friday 28th of October there was a seminar held at Inabe Municipal Hokusei Middle School on continuing in education and careers. In Inabe City there are many foreign residents registered who are originally from Brazil and Peru. Members of that community have sought advice from MIEF or the Inabe City Board of Education regarding the future of their children in the past, and so in response to those requests we organised this seminar in cooperation with Hokusei Middle School.Elementary school students and middle school students living in Inabe City attended the session with their guardians on the day. Out of the 32 people in attendance, the largest proportion were of Peruvian nationality, followed by Brazillian and Japanese, respectively.
The seminar was split into three. The first section was an outline of the Japanese education system and important points for continuing on to higher education. MIEF and the Mie Prefecture Board of Education Cooperative provided materials used for the explanation in this section.
The second portion of the seminar was an introduction to the Mie Prefecture Department of Social and Cultural Affairs' International Affairs Office produced Career Guide for the Children of Foreign Residents book and The Possibilities are Endless! DVD. Through the messages on the DVD from older students well as the images of a real high school in action, we were able to communicate the importance of studying and continuing on in education.
During the third part of the seminar three of MIEF's own foreign resident advisors told the audience about their experiences as foreign residents in Japan, including the value of having both their mother tongue and Japanese, being the best you can be and having dreams for the future.
Finally, after recieving the comment that: "In order for students and their guardians can think together about the future, studying Japanese without forgetting their mother tongue, is vital" it was felt that awareness of raising multicultural children had increased.
August 28- Japan's Social Security System: Peace of mind while Living in
Japan
Seminar and Individual Consultation Session
There have been a lot of cases where foreign residents have encountered
issues caused by a lack of understanding of their rights and what it means
when they pay for insurance, because of this there was a seminar organized
on the theme of the social insurance system in
A lot of the consultation calls that MIEF gets day to day are regarding
advice on health insurance and pensions. Due to the language barrier there
are many things that are difficult to understand and often these calls
are questions or worries about the system.
The lecturer for the seminar was a licensed social insurance worker who
kindly explained health insurance, pensions, worker’s accident insurance
and unemployment insurance. On the day there were 24 participants: 11 Brazillians,
8 Japanese, 3 Peruvians and 2 Argentineans. The seminar was held in Japanese
with Portuguese and Spanish interpretation.
During the question and answer session there were a lot of questions, including
“If I am injured at work who pays for the hospital fees?” and “I didn’t
pay into a pension in Brazil, and after coming to Japan I worked for the
same company for ten years but didn’t pay into a pension. Is it possible
to go back and pay into those pensions?”
After the seminar there were individual consultations for participants.
Including accompanying friends and family, 5 Brazillians took park in the
consultation sessions. The two social insurance workers spoke to two different
groups. The topics discussed during the session included withdrawing money
in one go upon one’s return to one’s own country, how to receive a pension
in Japan, unemployment insurance, unemployment benefits etc. There was
a general feeling that as the chance for an interpreter to accompany someone
to individual consultations was small, more sessions like this would be
helpful.
Participants who weren’t able to ask their question in the question and
answer session or reserve an individual appointment were asked to fill
in a card with their personal contact details and question so that advisors
from MIEF would be able to answer their questions at a later date. We received
a comment from one person who filled in a card saying: “I couldn’t ask
my question in front of everyone as it was embarrassing so I am glad I
could ask it using the card.”
July 24– “Traffic accident! What will you do?” Seminar in Kameyama City
On Sunday 24th of July, the sixth “Traffic Accident! What will you do?” seminar session
took place at the Kameyama Eco Town Shopping Centre in Kameyama City, Mie.
As last year saw a number of traffic accidents in which foreign residents
were injured, the session was organized to give out important information
in the participant’s mother tongue so that foreign residents can live safely
while they are living in Japan.
On the day, fifteen Filipino residents took part in the session. A foreign resident advisor explained the Mie Prefecture Police Force publication For the Victims of Traffic Accidents and their Families in Tagalog. A person who had been involved in an accident, apart from the financial burden, said they had received a strong shock from the accident and were still experiencing symptoms of being very anxious and unable to control their emotions. The police then introduced an advice service where experts support and receive enquiries from both victims of accidents. Florescent safety belts and reflective tape safety items received from the police force were also given out.
After the seminar individual consultations took place with a professional (six legal cases with two lawyers, and three psychological/well-being cases with a clinical psychologist. Including family and friends, there were 12 people who took park in total.)
During the consultations it came to light that victims of accidents were confused by the procedures for vehicle liability insurance. Thanks to the professionals and the interpreter taking the time to answer all of the victims’ questions and support them mentally, the seminar was rated as being very beneficial in a feedback survey.
There was also an announcement about MIEF’s collection of funds to help victims of the Great Tohoku Earthquake, which we have been collecting at MIEF since April.
July 10-Tsu. "Education and Your Dreams": Information Session
on the Application Process for Schools and Career Development
On July 10th, MIEF's Foreign Resident Advisors held an information session
for foreign residents on high school application processes and career development.
The information session was held alongside the 2011 Multiculturalism Festa,
an event held by the Tsu Human Rights and Social Integration Council in
cooperation with the Apoyo Mie Brazilian School.
A total of 60 participants attended the information session. Participants
included Brazilian and Filipino residents, as well as Japanese nationals.
The information session included information for students and guardians
regarding secondary education, senior high school life, and entrance exams,
as well as a screening of "The Possibilities are Endless: A Guide
to Career Development," a DVD produced by the Mie Prefectural Government.
Advisors also set up a multi-language booth, which they used to provide
information to participants with a variety of language backgrounds.
According to comments collected via survey, foreign residents require information
on education, health and medical services, employment and disaster preparedness.
Survey results also demonstrated a desire among the foreign resident community
for information resources like websites and television channels in foreign
languages.
At the 2011 Multiculturalism Festa, there were performances from Festa
Caipira, a traditional Brazilian celebration, Quadrille, a traditional
dance performed by children, and more. Finally, the Festa was concluded
by a bingo tournament.
Information booth
Quadrille dance
June 28-Ise (Radiation Awareness & Disaster Preparedness)
MIEF's Foreign Resident Advisors held an information session for foreign
residents on radiation awaremess and disaster preparedness at the Ise cities
Tourisim and Culture Hall on Tuesday the 28th of June. The goal of this
information session was to alleviate anxiety about earthquakes and tsunamis
by providing correct and up-to-date information.
Tsunami warnings were made in Ise during the Great East Earthquake.In Ise
there are many that live beside the ocean, and they most likely have been
feeling anxious regarding Tsunami possibilities.
This information session was conducted to help foreign residents be prepared
for a disaster. This was the first time this year to conduct an information session on
a weekday, so there were concerns on getting participants to attend, however,
thanks to various assciations in Ise City a total of 44 participants, including
Chinese residents, Korean residents, Brazilian residents, Filipino residents
and Canadian residents attended this session.
During the first section, advisors explained how Earthquakes and Tsunamis
develop. Participants were shown images of actual Earthquakes while receiving
information on emergency bags and securing furnishings
In the second section, Ise Cities Crisis Management Section presented the
cities counter measures against these disasters, informed participants
of evacuation sites and introduced a range of services that can be used
for receiving information during a disaster. Many participants registered
to receive these services.
To end the session, the Mie Prefectural Health Centre in Ise clarified
the differences between Natural Radiation and Artificial Radiation. Participants
were surprised to learn that daily, everyone is exposed to various types
of radiation without knowing. Participants were also warned not to be misleaded
by false information on the Internet. Advisors informed participants, where
reliable information can be found, such as the Prefectural website and
the Work and Labour website.
Participant view and learn about Evacuation Sites Participants note taking
June 12-Matsusaka ( Disaster Preparedness)
MIEF's Foreign Resident Advisors held an Information Session based on protecting
yourself during a Tsunami or Earthquake in the Ippo Classroom at the Matsusaka
Cities Board of Education's Human Relations Section on Sunday the 12th
of June. In Mie Prefecture, there are many that fear that a large scale eartquake will strike this area. Information Sessions and General Information on Tsunamis and Earthquakes are made available in various languages, in order to be informative for foreign residents living within Mie,
A total of 12 individuals attended this information session, including 6 Filipino residents, 4 Japanese, 1 Peru resident, and 1 Vietnamese resident.
The advisors used powerpoint displays to explain in how Earthquakes and Tsunamis develop. Following this participants were shown images of actual Earthquake footage. All information was first presented in japanese and then translated into various languages. Participants were tested on their disaster knowledge through quizes based on the information presented.
A list was distribritued on preparing emergency supplies and securing furnishings within homes and following this, the Matsusaka regional Fire Department demonstrated how to use an AED life saving machine. Participants participated in learning about life saving and had many quetions answered.
To end the session, useful emergency goods, including torches and whistles, were passed out to participants.
Participants were also given the opportunity to donate money to assist victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.These donations will go towards the Japan Red Cross Association
Presentation on Tsunamis & Earthquakes Instructions on using an AED life support system
May 22- Tsu (Disaster Preparedness)
MIEF's Foreign Resident Advisors held an information session for foreign
residents on disaster preparedness at the Catholic church in the Tsu Nishimaru
no Uchi area on May 22nd, 2011. The goal of this information session was
to alleviate anxiety about earthquakes and tsunamis by providing correct
and up-to-date information.
19 foreign residents attended the session, including Bolivian, Filipino,
and Japanese residents, as well as individuals who had just attended a
Spanish mass at the church.
Advisors used quizzes, videos and other methods to teach participants about
earthquake and tsunami mechanics, securing furniture to earthquake proof
homes, preparing emergency kits, and the location of emergency evacuation
areas.
In addition, representatives from the Tsu Fire and Disaster Prevention
Center and the Tsu Public Health Institute spoke about disaster preparedness
measures being taken in Tsu, as well as the mechanics and effects of radiation.
The session lasted approximately 1 hour, and included a question and answer
session after all presentations were completed. In response to a question
about radiation exposure due to the situation at the Fukushima nuclear
power plant, a lecturer reassured the audience that exposure of 20 mSv
or lower had no adverse effects on the human body.
Surveys collected after the session indicated that participants were very
satisifed with the content presented at this session.
After the session was completed, participants were given the opportunity
to donate money to assist victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Explaining
the mechanics of earthquakes and tsunamis
April 24- Tsu (Disaster Preparedness)
MIEF's Foreign Resident Advisors held an information session on disaster
preparedness at the Apoyo Mie Brazilian School on April 24, 2011. Foreign
residents asked a variety of questions, the events surrounding the Great
Eastern Japan Earthquake that occured on March 11th still weighing heavily
on their minds. Among the most frequently asked questions were questions
such as "Will an earthquake occur in the Tokai area as a result of
the recent earthquake in Tohoku?" and "Is there a radiation risk
in Mie Prefecture?"
There are many foreign residents who struggle with language barriers on
a daily basis. As a result, many of them have difficulty understanding
Japanese news broadcasts, and rely on the internet, friends and family
to obtain information after a natural disaster. This causes inaccurate
information to circulate among foreign residents, which can lead to confusion
and panic. This is evident in the large number of foreign residents that
have returned to their home countries due to concerns over radiation and
pressure from friends and family back home. The goal of this information
session was to provide foreign residents with accurate information in their
mother language and help alleviate some of the anxiety caused by misunderstanding
and circulating rumors.
53 individuals attended this information session, including 45 Brazilian
residents, 2 Filipino residents and 6 Japanese citizens.
The session began with an explanation of the mechanics behind earthquakes
and tsunamis, as well as information on preparedness measures presented
through a series of informative quizzes. A representative from the Tsu
Firefighting and Disaster Preparedness Guidance Center then provided information
on how to prepare emergency kits and emergency supplies; the locations
of emergency evacuation areas; and expected height and time of landfall
of tsunamis after earthquakes. The representative also used a local area
map to provide relevant disaster preparedness information for the Tsu area.
This portion of the session seemed to leave an impression on participants,
who took the time to carefully memorize the location of the evacuation
areas closest to their homes and workplaces.
Finally, a representative from the Mie Prefectural Government's Tsu Public
Health Institute took questions regarding radiation levels in Mie Prefecture
and the current state of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. Questions covered
a wide array of topics, ranging from questions about the safety of foods
from Fukushima, to ones about whether Mie is home to any nuclear power
plants. The breadth and number of questions fielded by the Public Health
Institute representative demonstrated the importance of providing accurate
information to the foreign resident community.
Participant comments:
"Thank you very much for providing us with this opportunity and addressing
our concerns."
"I moved to Mie due to fears of earthquakes and radiation. I would
like to thank MIEF for providing me with this important opportunity. I
am extremely grateful that this kind of support for the foreign resident
community exists in Mie."
After the session, donations were collected to benefit those living in
areas affected by the 2011 Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. All proceeds
will be donated directly to the Japan Red Cross Society.
Example of an emergency kit
Explaining
the mechanics of earthquakes and tsunamis