We are working on resolving the issue of securing housing for foreign nationals, including refugees, in Japan
Challenges
A society where everyone can safely secure their housing
With the increase in the number of refugees coming into Japan, securing housing, which is the fundamental aspect of living, can get challenging sometimes. There are issues surrounding language barriers, unstable residency status, concerns around tenant screening, problems regarding guarantors, and many more problems deeply rooted around housing. We are considering an approach involving real estate agencies, owners, guarantee companies, and various stakeholders.
What we do
Working with various actors to solve issues around housing
We discover the current issue through research studies of the reality of refugees and evacuees who live in Japan through forced relocation, and we discuss with real estate agencies, owners, support organizations, guarantee companies, and various actors to find a solution to the matter.
Research study
In February 2024, LIFULL released the “Survey on the housing situation of refugees and evacuees” in Japan, where it identified the current housing issues.
Considering solutions
In November 2024, we organized a discussion forum with real estate agencies, owners, and housing support organizations, where we discussed issues surrounding housing for foreign nationals, including refugees. We plan to continue this annually.
Pledge
Survey on Housing Challenges for Displaced People in Japan by Welcome Japan and LIFULL
"Welcome Japan", in collaboration with LIFULL Co., Ltd., will conduct a survey to shed light on the housing challenges faced by people who experienced forced displacement and currently live in Japan. This survey aims to interview approximately 200 households and use the data collected to visualize the challenges to find housing in Japan. These results will be compiled into a report and made available to the public. By doing so, the survey seeks to raise awareness of housing-related issues among stakeholders (real estate agents, property owners, guarantor companies, local governments, etc.) and the general public, and to discuss what kind of initiatives are necessary to address and resolve these issues. Subsequently, we will explore potential approaches to address these housing challenges.
Members
- Yiqun Gong
Business Manager, FRIENDLY DOOR, LIFULL Co., Ltd.
