The 44th Festival for Settled Refugees in Japan

You can watch the video of this event on YouTube.　 https://youtu.be/iKQZK_5yccc

On November 26, 2023, “the 44th Festival for Settled Refugees in Japan” was held at the International Conference Hall of the Japan International Cooperation Agency's “Global Plaza” in Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. The event consisted of awarding ceremony in its first part, a presentation contest in its second part, and an exchange party in its third part.

<Commendation>

In the first part of the event, Mr. Yoshizumi, Mayor of Shinjuku City, the co-host of the event, Mr. Kobe, Deputy Minister of the Foreign Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kikuchi, Commissioner of Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and Mr. Ito, Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Japan, gave their words of encouragement to the refugees.

Next, the awarding ceremony in the categories of individual, refugees employer, and support group were presented with certificates and commemorative gifts.

＝Individual Category

Mr. MY KYAW OO

Originally from Myanmar, he has worked to build a community where Myanmar's ethnic minorities help each other and was actively involved in providing assistance to victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Currently, and now he is working on human resource development for the next generation of settlers, transcending ethnic differences, and continues to contribute to the development of the community and its integration into Japanese society.

*Speaks of joy

I am happy that my hard work has been recognized. I had no preparation when I first came to Japan, so I have had a hard time going to the government office to make administrative procedures or opening a bank account, so I have been building a community and providing support for my friends who will come to Japan in the future. I would like to thank my friends who have worked with me and also give thanks to my wife who has supported me up to now.

＝Refugees Employer Category

President Mr. Shoko Matsuo Toyo Electric Corporation

In line with my company’s management philosophy of  "help to create a more prosperous society through harmony and mutual benefit, respecting humanity and responding appropriately to change, based on strong corporate ethics" we have been a pioneer in the Tokai region in the acceptance of the third-country settled refugees’ employment. Outside of work, we also provide employees of refugee origin with opportunities for Japanese language education and support for qualification acquisition.

* Speaks of joy

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the certificate of appreciation. I am very happy that the efforts of the entire company, including the manufacturing and human resources departments, have been recognized. Although both those who teach and those who are taught have become accustomed to each other's work after three years have passed, we would like to continue to support and encourage their efforts so that they will not forget their attitude toward learning.

＝Support Group Category

NPO The Vietnamese Association in Japan　Representative Ms. Kaori Yamamoto

The organization started as a mutual aid organization for Vietnamese living in Japan and has continued to contribute to the maintenance and development of the culture, language, and traditions of its homeland, Vietnam, as well as to the peace and development of Japanese society. In recent years, the organization has been actively working to help newcomers, such as the increasing number of Vietnamese students and technical intern trainees, to adapt to Japanese society by holding various seminars and other activities.

*Speaks of joy

The Association was established 40 years ago and has been supporting Vietnamese who have settled in Japan. We also support newcomers such as foreign students and technical intern trainees from their home countries by strengthening their bonds with them and supporting their spirit. At the same time, we are committed to inheriting Vietnamese culture, which we have continued to do since our establishment.

I would like to express my gratitude for this prestigious award.