Tokyo
Foreigners
Tokyo
's
foreign population is increasing
steadily over the past 20 years.
As of January 1, 2007, the percentage
of foreigners in Tokyo was 2.93%
(registered foreigners only), which
was an increase of 1.8% over the
previous year. Registered foreigners
are those who are in the country
legally. If the illegal foreign
population is also to be taken into
account, then the percentage of
foreigners would be much higher.
This information comes from a survey
of the Tokyo population by the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government.
Foreigners
come to Tokyo for various reasons.
As Japan is the world's second largest
economy, Tokyo hosts several multi-national
companies. As a result many foreign
business-people make Tokyo their
home. Several foreign engineers
and technicians also come and live
here to work in the many Japanese
high-tech industries. A large number
of foreigners, mainly from Korea
, China and the Philippines, have
made Tokyo their home to work in
factories, as domestic help, or
as “entertainers”. Many young graduates
from the West come to Tokyo to work
as English teachers. Then there
are the tourists who come in large
numbers, with the number increasing
every year.
Generally,
foreigners are accepted well by
the local population of Tokyo .
Most Japanese speak at least a little
English so it's not very difficult
for a foreigner to get by. One of
the few places where foreigners
might face a little difficulty is
in looking for an accommodation.
In such cases it is best to have
a Japanese person accompany you,
which makes things easier.
The
Tokyo Metropolitan Government offers
consultation and counseling services
through their Foreign Residents'
Advisory Center to foreigners facing
any kind of problem. Consultation
is provided on issues related to
traffic accidents, insurance, discrimination,
or any other problem of daily life
in the city. Advice is also given
on matters related to Japanese customs,
traditions, and culture. The consultation
and counseling services of the Advisory
Center are offered completely free
of cost and in strict confidentiality.
Available languages are English,
Korean, and Chinese.
The
address of the Advisory Center is:
The
Foreign Residents' Advisory Center
Tokyo
Metropolitan Government Office Bldg.
No1,
3F
2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku
Tel:
03(5320)7744
