KUALA LUMPUR - Around 75 per cent of Japan’s prefectures have allocated funding to promote coexistence with foreign residents in their latest budget plans.

The findings were based on a Kyodo News survey covering all 47 prefectures.

The measures include launching new initiatives and expanding existing programmes.

They are aimed at encouraging interaction with local communities and raising awareness of daily rules and social norms.

The push comes as Japan experiences a growing influx of foreign workers amid labour shortages and an ageing population.

According to the survey, eight prefectures, including Fukui and Okayama, have both introduced new programmes and expanded existing ones.

16 prefectures reported launching new initiatives.

A further 11 said they were expanding current programmes.

Observers say a lack of understanding of local customs and rules has contributed to friction between foreign and Japanese residents.

Ibaraki Prefecture is taking steps to address these challenges.

The region ranks 10th in Japan for the number of foreign workers.

Authorities are deploying outreach staff to areas frequented by foreign residents.

These include mosques and grocery stores that sell imported ingredients.

The initiative aims to promote awareness of issues such as waste separation and noise management.

Kochi and Kagoshima prefectures are developing multilingual guides on local living rules.

Other regions are supporting cultural exchange programmes to improve community relations.

Policies concerning foreign residents have gained political attention in recent elections.

The issue featured prominently in last year’s House of Councillors election and the House of Representatives election in February.

Observers also noted an increase in derogatory comments targeting foreign residents online.

Masami Wakayama, a professor at Hokuriku Gakuin University, stressed the importance of fostering interaction.

He said limited engagement between communities can reinforce exclusionary attitudes.

He also cautioned against demanding excessive assimilation from foreign residents.

“The principle of multicultural coexistence is about recognizing and respecting each other's cultures and differences,” he said.

Government data showed that Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record 4.13 million in 2025.

The figure surpassed 4 million for the first time.

The increase was driven by a rise in permanent residents and foreign workers.