Helping out is as easy as sending a message. We’ve provided a set of templates you can use to contact government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by Japan. While the templates are a great starting point, we encourage you to personalize your message for the greatest impact. Sharing your own thoughts or experiences can make your message more powerful and compelling. Every voice counts, and together, we can push for meaningful change!
| Name | Description | Contact Information | Mailing Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Ministry of Justice – Human Rights Bureau | Government office responsible for ensuring human rights in Japan. | Contact page | 1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8977, Japan |
| Japan Federation of Bar Associations | Independent legal body advocating for human rights and equality, including issues related to foreign residents. | Contact page | 1-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013, Japan |
| Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Government agency handling immigration and foreigner-related issues, including rights and complaints. | Contact page | 1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013, Japan |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Human Rights Promotion Center | Focuses on preventing human rights violations and raising awareness in Tokyo, including rights for foreign nationals. | Contact page | 2-10-1 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021, Japan |
| Japan Civil Liberties Union (JCLU) | Non-governmental organization working to protect civil liberties and human rights in Japan. | Email: jclu@jclu.org | 2-5-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan |
| Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan | NGO dedicated to protecting the rights of migrant workers and foreigners in Japan. | Email: office@smj.or.jp | 2-3-4 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0032, Japan |
| Human Rights Now | International NGO headquartered in Japan that advocates for human rights protection globally and within Japan. | Email: info@hrn.or.jp | 7F Creative One Akihabara Building, 5-3-4 Ueno Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan |
| United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) | The UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. | Contact page | Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland |
| Amnesty International Japan | Global NGO advocating for the protection of human rights, including those of foreign nationals in Japan. | Email: info@amnesty.or.jp | 3-19-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) Tokyo | The ILO works to promote decent working conditions globally, including advocating for foreign workers’ rights in Japan. | Contact page | 7th Floor, United Nations University Building, 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) | NGO working to eliminate racism and discrimination globally, with a focus on Japan. | Email: imadr@imadr.org | 3-5-11 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan |
| Embassies of Foreign Nations | Embassies can offer support to foreign nationals experiencing discrimination in Japan. Contact your local embassy. | Check the embassy contact information for your respective country. | Based on respective embassy locations across Japan. |
Template 1: Letter to Japan's Ministry of Justice – Human Rights Bureau
Subject: Addressing Systemic Discrimination Against Foreigners in Japan
Dear [Recipient Name or Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Bureau],
I am writing to express my deep concern about the ongoing systemic discrimination faced by foreign residents in Japan, particularly in housing, employment, and access to public services. These discriminatory practices violate Japan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), specifically Article 26, which guarantees equality before the law, and Article 2, which ensures that these rights apply without discrimination.
Despite existing laws, foreigners are frequently denied rental housing, as many landlords explicitly refuse to rent to non-Japanese tenants. Furthermore, foreign workers, particularly those in temporary or low-wage positions, often face exploitative working conditions and lower wages than their Japanese counterparts. Public services, including healthcare, are frequently denied based solely on nationality, even when individuals are legally residing in Japan.
I urge the Ministry of Justice to enforce existing anti-discrimination laws more rigorously and implement additional measures to protect the rights of foreign residents. Japan's commitment to international treaties must be reflected in its domestic policies to ensure equal treatment for all individuals.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
Template 2: Letter to Japan Federation of Bar Associations
Subject: Legal Action Against Discrimination Faced by Foreigners in Japan
Dear [Recipient Name or Japan Federation of Bar Associations],
I am reaching out to your organization regarding the ongoing issue of discrimination against foreigners in Japan, particularly in accessing housing, public services, and fair employment. These practices are in direct violation of international human rights treaties, including the ICCPR and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
I urge the Japan Federation of Bar Associations to take more proactive legal steps to address these violations. Foreign residents continue to face exclusionary policies from landlords and employers, despite Japan's legal obligations to ensure equality under the law. As an organization dedicated to upholding human rights, I hope the Japan Federation of Bar Associations can help raise awareness and push for stronger legal protections and enforcement.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
Template 3: Letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Subject: Urgent Appeal Regarding Discrimination Against Foreigners in Japan
Dear High Commissioner for Human Rights,
I am writing to bring your attention to the systemic discrimination faced by foreign residents in Japan. Despite being a signatory to the ICCPR and ICERD, Japan continues to allow discriminatory practices in key areas such as housing, employment, and access to public services.
Foreigners are frequently denied housing, and landlords often publicly state that they do not rent to non-Japanese individuals. Moreover, foreign workers experience exploitation in unsafe working conditions, particularly in low-wage industries. These practices violate international treaties to which Japan is a party, including ICCPR Articles 2 and 26, and ICERD Article 5.
I urge the OHCHR to investigate this situation and press the Japanese government to strengthen the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights of foreign residents.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
Template 4: Letter to Amnesty International Japan
Subject: Advocacy for Foreign Residents Facing Discrimination in Japan
Dear [Recipient Name or Amnesty International Japan],
I am writing to request Amnesty International Japan’s support in addressing the widespread discrimination faced by foreign residents in Japan. Many landlords refuse to rent to foreigners, and there are widespread reports of discrimination in public services and employment. These practices directly contradict Japan’s obligations under international human rights laws, including the ICCPR and ICERD.
I believe Amnesty International can play a critical role in raising awareness and advocating for policy reforms that protect the rights of foreign residents. I hope that your organization can help bring greater attention to this issue and encourage the Japanese government to take meaningful action.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to human rights.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
Template 5: Letter to International Labour Organization (ILO) Tokyo
Subject: Violations of Labor Rights for Foreign Workers in Japan
Dear [Recipient Name or ILO Tokyo],
I am writing to bring to your attention the severe labor rights violations faced by foreign workers in Japan. Many foreign workers, especially in low-wage sectors such as construction and agriculture, experience unsafe working conditions and exploitative treatment. Despite being covered by Japanese labor laws, the enforcement of these laws is inconsistent, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation. This is a direct violation of ICCPR Article 7 and ICERD Article 5.
I urge the ILO to engage with the Japanese government to ensure that foreign workers are afforded the same rights and protections as Japanese citizens, with a particular focus on improving labor standards and enforcement.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
Template 6: Letter to Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan
Subject: Support for Foreign Workers Facing Discrimination
Dear [Recipient Name or Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan],
I am writing to express my concern about the widespread discrimination faced by foreign residents and workers in Japan, particularly in housing and employment. Many foreign workers are subjected to unsafe conditions and discriminatory practices, while landlords often refuse to rent to foreign nationals.
I believe your organization plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of foreign residents. I hope you will continue to raise awareness about these issues and support efforts to hold those responsible accountable for violating Japan’s human rights obligations under international treaties like the ICCPR and ICERD.
Thank you for your continued advocacy and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
Template 7: Letter to Tokyo Metropolitan Human Rights Promotion Center
Subject: Addressing Discrimination Against Foreigners in Tokyo
Dear [Recipient Name or Tokyo Metropolitan Human Rights Promotion Center],
I am writing to report ongoing discrimination faced by foreign residents in Tokyo, particularly in access to housing, public services, and employment. These practices are in violation of international human rights treaties such as the ICCPR and ICERD.
I urge your office to take immediate steps to address these issues and ensure that anti-discrimination laws are enforced throughout Tokyo. The explicit refusal by landlords to rent to foreigners and the denial of public services to non-Japanese residents must be addressed as part of Japan’s commitment to equality and human rights.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]