The refugees in Japan consist of Indo-Chinese refugees (11,319 people as of the end of 2005) who fled from three Indochina countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos) after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, Convention Refugees (794 people as of the end of 2019) recognized by the Government of Japan under the Refugee Convention signed by Japan in 1981, and the third country resettled refugees (194 people as of the end of March 2020) who have been accepted by the Japanese government since 2010

'Tsudoi' Festival for Refugees in Japan

The Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People (FWEAP) has been holding the festival named ‘Tsudoi’ for refugees in Japan to encourage them as well as to facilitate the Japanese public to better understand the refugee community. This festival has been held annually since 1982 with the cooperation and support of the Japanese government, international organizations, local administrations, private companies and some NGOs. *It commemorated the 41st anniversary in 2020. Previously, the festival had been held in Himeji City, Yamato City, Shinagawa Ward, and other locations where there were facilities that accept Indo-Chinese refugees. However, since these facilities were closed one after another, the festival has been held annually in October or November at the Shinjuku Bunka Center since 2008, where it is co-hosted by Shinjuku Ward and the Shinjuku Foundation for Creation of Future.

*The organizations, groups, and private companies that provided support and cooperation for the 41st festival in November 2020 are as follows:

In the first part of the festival program, the FWEAP provided commendations to refugees who are distinguished in their communities, and it presented certificates of gratitude to companies that provide refugees with employment opportunities as well as to groups and individuals that support refugees. In the second part, each country's refugee community performed traditional folk dances and music, and a magic show and entertainment programs were also presented. The festival is one of the few opportunities for refugees who live in different regions of Japan to meet their compatriots in the same location, as well as a fun gathering where they can experience nostalgic songs and dances from their home countries.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 41st festival in November 2020 was held after taking preventive measures, such as reducing the number of participants from the usual 1,000 to 200, wearing masks, measuring body temperatures, and sanitizing hands with alcohol. Traditional folk dances and music were canceled; however, in response to request from refugees, a discussion meeting was held between the representatives of organizations from the Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Myanmar refugee communities as well as Japanese organizations and individuals concerned. An overview of the festival and the discussion meeting is contained in the public relations magazine "Ai" Vol. 44 and　YouTubevideos.

The FWEAP will continue to hold the ‘Tsudoi’ Festival while endeavoring to enrich its content and make it even more meaningful.