Speakers
Description
In May 2022, a small group of friends held a roundtable discussion at the online LOTE conference in which we invited people interested in forming a support network for long-term non-Japanese residents of any nationality to share with us their needs and concerns, especially those related to growing old in Japan. We were overwhelmed with the level of eagerness to create such a network and got to work to create a name, an email list, a website, and monthly online and in-person activities for this group. We chose the name Counterpoint because it reflects how we are from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, speak different languages, represent various stages of life, but all consider Japan as home. Like a work of music or art, the combination of these different themes creates a strong and expressive ensemble.
In this presentation, we will explain our activities, what we have learned, contacts we have made, collaborations with other organizations working with international communities in Japan, and our immediate and long-term goals. We will also ask participants for suggestions on how else we can serve this growing multinational community. The session will be held in English, Japanese, and French.
