January 8, 2026 (Reiwa 8) — "Updated"

Proponent / Author:
PUTZ Network Co., Ltd.
Kenji Kawanishi, CEO

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Introduction: Message from the Founder — Determination as an Agent of Change

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As a Japanese-Brazilian raised in Japan, I have spent over 20 years on the front lines of multicultural coexistence, primarily focused on the city of Suwa.

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In present-day Japan, multicultural coexistence relies heavily on "ideology" and "goodwill," while a truly effective "mechanism" is absent. As a result, the anxiety of Japanese residents and the isolation of foreign residents have deepened, creating a divide in society.

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"Complaining is easy, but I act to make a difference. Foreigners like me also exist in Japan, and we genuinely want to make this country better."

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This "Master Book" is the fruit of that determination. It is neither about exclusion nor unconditional acceptance; instead, I present here a "Third Way" that prioritizes the stability and sustainability of Japanese society.

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Chapter 1: Vision — The "Real Blueprint" to Ensure the Sustainability of Japanese Society

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1. Why is the correct answer for "Multicultural Coexistence" still not visible?

Currently, the term "multicultural coexistence" is used throughout Japan, yet its definition is surprisingly ambiguous. The concept presented by the government in 2006 is merely a "best-effort goal" and not a law. As a result, the following occurs in the field:

• Anxiety among the Japanese: Dissatisfaction stemming from the feeling that "their taxes are being used unilaterally" or concerns that "the number of people who do not follow the rules will increase."

• Isolation of foreign residents: Anxiety caused by "not knowing what to do to be recognized by society" or "having no opportunities or places to learn the Japanese language."

• Exhaustion on the front lines: Local governments and schools rely entirely on individual goodwill or a volunteer spirit.

We must "graduate" from this coexistence based on goodwill and transition to a clear "mechanism."

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2. Redefining "Multicultural Coexistence": From "Visitors" to "Members"

We must not view foreigners merely as a "labor force" or "visitors." They are "constituent members" who must bear responsibility for the maintenance of Japanese society.

• Japanese societal rules as the foundation: In this society where 98% of the population is Japanese, basing coexistence on the language, laws, and etiquette of Japan is not discrimination. It is the "minimum ticket" for living together.

• Respect for culture, sharing of rules: We value the roots of each individual, but everyone must equally bear the rules and responsibilities of society. This is our vision of "coexistence."

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3. The New Mechanism: A "Participatory Incentive System" where effort is rewarded

The most innovative proposal is the combination of the "Social Integration Fee (provisional name)" and "Gradual Exemptions."

【How the Mechanism Works】

• Contribution: A certain contribution is requested from foreign residents who are registered in the Basic Resident Register (Juminhyo) as a source of funding for coexistence measures (Japanese language education, information provision, etc.).

• Learning: The national or regional government uses these funds to provide high-quality Japanese language classes and social workshops.

• Exemption:

  • If an individual learns the Japanese language, the fee is reduced by half (up to 50% off).

  • If an individual completes courses on Japanese social rules or culture, the fee is reduced further (up to 50% off).

• Result: Those who achieve both goals will attain the same contribution status as a Japanese national (zero fee) and will be officially recognized by society as "trusted members."

【Benefits of this System】

• For the Japanese: It becomes visible through data that "foreigners are making an effort to adapt to society," eliminating the sense of unfairness among taxpayers.

• For foreign residents: It creates a clear merit and goal: "if I study Japanese, my costs decrease" and "I will be recognized by society."

• For society as a whole: Public safety stabilizes and a transparent local community is realized where everyone shares the same rules.

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4. Investment in the Next Generation: Protecting the Future of Children

While we create mechanisms for adults, "Educational Accessibility" is necessary for children. We will establish "preschools" for learning the Japanese language and school rules before they enter the regular education system. This will prevent confusion within the school environment and allow children to reach their full potential.

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5. Finally: This is a project to "Strengthen Japan"

Multicultural coexistence is not a form of social welfare for a minority. In a Japan with a declining population, the fact that people from diverse backgrounds "fulfill responsibilities under common rules and work together" is directly linked to the protection and strengthening of Japanese society itself.
We propose a "New Form of Japan Based on Effort and Results," which is neither exclusion nor irresponsible acceptance.

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Chapter 2: Policy Recommendation Summary — Transition to the Social Integration Model and Basic Principles

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1. Purpose of the Recommendation: Transition to the Social Integration Model

Currently, multicultural coexistence measures in Japan operate based on a "provisional definition" from the administration without legal force. This proposal aims to establish coexistence as a social system and realize a sustainable Social Integration model with a balance between rights and duties.

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2. Legal Definition of Multicultural Coexistence

We propose defining the concept of multicultural coexistence as follows:

【Definition】
"Multicultural coexistence refers to a state in which people of different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, or languages, while living together as members of Japanese society, respect each other's cultural backgrounds while basing themselves on the common language, legal order, and social norms of said society, sharing rights and duties, and assuming joint responsibility for the maintenance of the order and sustainability of society."

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3. Basic Principles

• Compliance with the Social Foundation: Positioning the common language (Japanese) and the legal order of Japanese society as the unavoidable foundation for social participation.

• Principle of Joint Responsibility: All members are not merely recipients of support, but are co-responsible for maintaining the sustainability of society.

• Induction through Incentives: Instead of exclusion, optimizing treatment based on the degree of adaptation to society (understanding of the language and norms).

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4. Creation of the Social Integration Fee and the Gradual Exemption System

To ensure the financial foundation of multicultural coexistence measures and to encourage proactive social adaptation by members, the following systems will be constructed:

• Social Integration Fee: A system in which members who meet specific conditions among those recorded in the Basic Resident Register contribute to part of the costs required for multicultural coexistence measures.

• Gradual Reduction and Exemption Measures: The aforementioned fee will be gradually reduced or fully exempted according to the status of social participation (objective level of achievement):

  • Language Proficiency Indicator: Reduction according to the level achieved in external exams, such as the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

  • Social Understanding Indicator: Reduction according to the completion status of public courses on the legal system, social norms, and culture of Japan.

• Goal: Promote social adaptation through "choice" rather than "coercion," defining a path where those who make an effort are properly evaluated and transition to a status of duties and rights equivalent to the primary members of Japanese society.

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5. Exemptions and Rational Considerations

• Consideration for the Next Generation and Special Cases: For those under 18 and individuals for whom learning is extremely difficult due to disabilities, this system will not apply, or specific considerations will be made.

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6. Conclusion

The design of the system based on this proposal prevents the fragmentation of Japanese society while simultaneously achieving a sense of satisfaction for the majority residents (Japanese) and independence for the minority members. Elevating multicultural coexistence from an "ideology" to an "effective system" is the only option to ensure the stability and sustainability of Japanese society.

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Chapter 3: Draft Act on the Establishment of the Foundation for a Multicultural Coexistence Society (Provisional) — Legal Framework of 16 Articles

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Chapter 1: General Provisions

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(Purpose)
Article 1 This Act establishes the basic principles regarding the formation of a multicultural coexistence society, clarifies the responsibilities of the State and local governments, and defines the necessary items regarding the social integration fee system and the creation of funds, aiming to maintain the order of Japanese society and thereby contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

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(Definition)
Article 2 In this Act, "multicultural coexistence" refers to a state in which people of different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, or languages, while living together as members of Japanese society, respect each other's cultural backgrounds while basing themselves on the common language, legal order, and social norms of said society, sharing rights and duties, and assuming joint responsibility for the maintenance of the order and sustainability of society.

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(Basic Principles)
Article 3 The formation of a multicultural coexistence society must be carried out based on the stability of life and the understanding of the citizens who compose the majority of our society, prioritizing the guarantee of order for society as a whole as the highest priority.
(2) Measures regarding multicultural coexistence shall not aim for unilateral support for specific targets, but shall be based on the principle that all members participate in society under common rules and share that responsibility.

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(Responsibility of the State)
Article 4 The State has the responsibility to comprehensively formulate and implement measures regarding the formation of a multicultural coexistence society, in accordance with the basic principles of the preceding article.

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(Responsibility of Local Governments)
Article 5 Local governments have the responsibility to formulate and implement measures regarding the formation of a multicultural coexistence society according to the characteristics of their region.
(2) Local governments, in the implementation of measures based on this Act, shall endeavor to cooperate with private organizations familiar with field operations.

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Chapter 2: Social Integration Promotion Measures

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(Provision of Social Understanding Courses, etc.)
Article 6 Municipalities shall offer courses or training (hereinafter referred to as "Social Integration Programs") to deepen the understanding of the acquisition of the Japanese language, as well as the legal system, social norms, and regional rules of our country, for their residents who are members of different nationalities.

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(Allocation of Professional Specialists)
Article 7 Municipalities shall allocate or appropriately utilize multicultural coexistence specialists with high-level field experience (hereinafter referred to as "Professional Specialists") for the management of social integration programs and for coordination with members.

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Chapter 3: Social Integration Fee

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(Social Integration Fee)
Article 8 Municipalities, to fund the social integration measures specified in Article 6, may charge a social integration fee to those who do not possess Japanese nationality (hereinafter referred to as "Target Members"), among those recorded in the Basic Resident Register of said municipality, as established by municipal ordinance.
(2) The standard amount for the social integration fee shall be 5,000 yen annually.

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(Fee Reduction and Exemption)
Article 9 Municipalities may reduce or exempt the social integration fee, as established by municipal ordinance, if the Target Member falls under any of the following items:
I. When it is proven that they possess a certain level of proficiency in the Japanese language.
II. When they complete the Social Integration Program specified in Article 6.
III. When it is recognized that the status of social participation is satisfactory for other reasons.
(2) The exemption provided in the preceding paragraph shall be made by totaling the achievement levels of each item, potentially reaching a full exemption.

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(Exceptions in Collection)
Article 10 Municipalities, in the collection of the social integration fee, may allow a choice between a one-time payment or installments, considering the convenience of the Target Member and the efficiency of the collection.
(2) Municipalities may utilize methods such as payroll deduction (special collection) for Target Members, based on agreements with companies.

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Chapter 4: Multicultural Coexistence Social Integration Fund

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(Creation of the Fund)
Article 11 Municipalities shall establish a Multicultural Coexistence Social Integration Fund (hereinafter referred to as "the Fund") to appropriately manage the revenue from the social integration fee and allocate it to the operations specified in Articles 6 and 7.

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(Independence of Resources)
Article 12 The Fund must be managed separately from general resources, and its use shall be limited to projects that contribute directly to social integration based on this Act.

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(Financial Measures by the State)
Article 13 The State shall adopt the necessary financial measures, within the limits of the budget, as needed, to support the management of the Fund in the municipalities.

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Chapter 5: Use of Private Organizations and Miscellaneous Provisions

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(Outsourcing of Operations)
Article 14 Municipalities may outsource part or all of the operations specified in Articles 6 and 7 to private organizations that possess considerable field experience in said region and hold specialized knowledge.
(2) In the selection of contractors, coordination capacity in the field and operational experience shall be prioritized as the highest criteria, regardless of formal qualifications.

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(Exclusion of Application)
Article 15 Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 8, the social integration fee shall not be charged to those under 18 years of age or individuals with special circumstances, such as disabilities.

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(Evaluation and Reporting)
Article 16 The State shall regularly conduct research and evaluations regarding the status of the implementation of this Act and publish the results.

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Chapter 4: Concrete Operational and Implementation Plan — Participatory Incentives and Practical Design

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1. Details of the Social Participation Incentive System (Fee Exemption Structure)

This system aims to visualize the efforts of target members to adapt to Japanese society and realize the corresponding reduction of burdens.

• Exemption Axis A: Language Acquisition Level (Use of objective indicators)
  Gradual fee exemption based on the level achieved in exams such as the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT):

  • Beginner Level (equivalent to N5/N4): 10% to 20% exemption.

  • Intermediate Level (equivalent to N3): 30% exemption.

  • Advanced Level (equivalent to N2/N1): 40% to 50% exemption.

  • Objective: Encourage the acquisition of the language for daily life and reduce administrative and social costs.

• Exemption Axis B: Social Understanding Level (Status of completion of new courses)
  Gradual fee exemption based on the level of completion of courses on the legal system, social norms, and regional rules of Japan:

  • Level 1 to 2 (Daily life basics, traffic rules, disaster prevention): 20% exemption.

  • Level 3 to 4 (Social security, taxes, labor laws): 20% exemption.

  • Level 5 (Regional participation, neighborhood association activities, mutual aid): 10% exemption.

  • Objective: Eliminate friction caused by "lack of knowledge" and promote activities as independent citizens.

• Conclusion of the System: If the requirements of both axes (A and B) are met, the fee will be 100% exempted. This means, in actual operation, the transition to a state of rights and duties equivalent to the primary members of Japanese society (Japanese residents).

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2. Next-Generation Education: Preschool Social Adaptation Program

Perform early investments to prevent foreign children from being isolated in Japanese compulsory education.

• Creation of Social Adaptation Preschools: Offer short-term intensive programs (6 months to 1 year) for children before they enter elementary school, supporting adaptation to the Japanese language and school culture.

• Cooperation between Families and Educational Institutions: Provide complete guidance on the education system to guardians, simultaneously reducing confusion in the school environment and the burden on teachers.

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3. Allocation of "Professional Specialists" Led by Field Operations and Public-Private Cooperation

Define the use of "Professional Specialists" who act as a bridge between the administration and residents in the operation of this system.

• Principle of Field-First Priority (Non-formal qualification): High-level expertise should be evaluated through field experience and a history of trust in the local community, rather than through formal national qualifications. This avoids talent shortages and allows the hiring of specialists ready for action.

• Outsourcing to Specialized Private Organizations: Establish as a standard model the outsourcing of course management, fee administration, and individual multilingual consultations to "specialized private organizations with extensive field experience" that hold high-level expertise.

• Legitimacy of Outsourcing: By using private partners who accumulate knowledge permanently, rather than government employees subject to rotation, we optimize administrative costs and improve service quality.

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4. Roadmap for the Realization of the System

• Demonstration Phase: Designate specific municipalities as "Multicultural Coexistence Social Integration Model Districts" and implement this system as a pioneer. Conduct data collection and efficacy measurement.

• Legislation Phase: Based on the results of the demonstration, promulgate the "Act on the Establishment of the Foundation for a Multicultural Coexistence Society (Provisional)." Establish the legal basis for the social integration fee and the exemption system.

• National Expansion Phase: Expand the model to the entire country and establish a social integration standard unique to Japan.

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Chapter 5: Multicultural Coexistence Social Integration Fund — Resource Scheme with Local Decentralization and Return to the Field

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1. Nature of the Fund and Founding Institution

This fund is for restricted purposes, using the "Social Integration Fee" collected from foreign residents as a resource, destined exclusively for the stability of the local community and integration practices.

• Founding Institution: In principle, the "Municipalities (Local Governments)" themselves that collect the fee will create and manage the fund.

• Objective: Realization of multicultural coexistence measures that "do not depend on Japanese taxes (general resources)."

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2. Resource Flow (Local-Led Model with Return to the Field)

Instead of centralized management by the State, resources remain directly with the local government acting in the field, allowing for a rapid operation consistent with reality.

• Collection and Accumulation: The fees collected by each municipality at their counters are accumulated directly in the "Multicultural Coexistence Social Integration Fund" of said municipality.

• Adjustment by the State (Subsidies): For regions with an extremely low or excessive number of foreign residents, the State will provide additional funds (subsidies) from the national treasury as needed, but the power of decision over the use of resources always remains with the municipality.

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3. Resource Expenditure (Outsourcing to Private Professional Specialists)

Projects funded by this fund will be operated based on the following principles:

• Principle of Private Outsourcing: To avoid administrative gigantism, the actual operations of teaching Japanese, managing social courses, and responding to consultations will be fundamentally outsourced to "specialized private organizations."

• Selection Criteria: In the selection of contractors, the law (or ordinance) must explicitly state that "long-term field experience in the specified region" and "field coordination capacity" are priority evaluation criteria, rather than formal company size.

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4. Legitimacy of this Mechanism (Logic)

• "Local Problems are Solved Locally": The challenges of multicultural coexistence vary by region (industrial, tourist, or agricultural cities, etc.). Giving resources and decision-making power to the municipality allows for the most efficient solution.

• "Use of Local Specialized Knowledge": Utilizing local professional specialists (such as PUTZ Network) who know the circumstances of the region and have built trust with residents results in greater administrative cost containment and high efficacy.

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Chapter 6: 【Prototype Proposal】 Suwa Model — The Challenge of Changing the Country starting from the Municipality

(※ Policy Proposal Addressed to the Mayor of Suwa)

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Proposal on the Construction of the "Suwa Model" of Multicultural Coexistence Society to Create the Future of Japan
～ Anticipating national trends, making the City of Suwa the next-generation standard model for the country ～

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Proponent:
PUTZ Network Co., Ltd.
Kenji Kawanishi, CEO

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1. Purpose of the Proposal: A Major Turning Point in Japanese Society

Currently, the form of multicultural coexistence is being questioned fundamentally throughout Japan. Discussions on legal structuring have begun at the national level, but truly effective systems are born only from field knowledge.
We propose making Suwa the "Pioneer Model (Prototype)" to launch to the world the Japan-exclusive model for multicultural coexistence that the State should adopt in the future, taking advantage of the knowledge accumulated through long years of action on the front lines in the City of Suwa.

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2. Core of the Structure: Participatory Incentive System (Self-Sustaining Operation)

We will build a "sustainable mechanism" where the members themselves (foreign residents) share the costs to adapt to society, without depending on the general resources (taxes) of the Japanese.

【Concept of the Social Integration Fee (Provisional)】

• Objective: Ensure resources for "Field Adaptation Support Practices," such as consultations with multicultural coexistence specialists, life-rule training, and disaster prevention education.

• Value Indicator: Approximately 5,000 yen annually (in accordance with the plan under discussion by the State).

• Incentive: Significant fee exemption in the following year according to the level of Japanese language proficiency and the completion of social-rule courses.

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3. Proposal of Flexible Options for the Collection Method (Material for practical analysis)

Considering the balance between the administrative burden of collection and the convenience of residents, the following multiple approaches are possible. These are merely examples and we anticipate a joint analysis of the most appropriate form for the existing system in the city.

• Plan A: Administrative efficiency through one-time payment
  One-time payment of 5,000 yen annually. Simplifies counter procedures and minimizes administrative costs.

• Plan B: Installment payment prioritizing convenience
  Monthly payment of 500 yen (total of 6,000 yen annually), etc. Reduces the psychological weight through payments in small amounts (with a surcharge to cover increased administrative costs, etc.).

• Plan C: Special collection through public-private cooperation (Payroll deduction, etc.)
  Cooperate with companies in the city to deduct from wages or synchronize with other public collection cycles.

• Plan D: "Collection at the time of registration" based on administrative order or ordinance
  Link to residence registration procedures (entry into the city), charging as an administrative fee based on an administrative order (ordinance) from the Mayor.

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4. Guaranteed Expertise: Field Support by Multicultural Coexistence Specialists

It is not realistic to cover all languages due to budget and personnel constraints. In this model, we prioritize "specialized knowledge that correctly conveys the social rules and legal systems of Japan and resolves friction," more than the language itself.

• Introduction of Consultations with Multicultural Coexistence Specialists: Field professional specialists with specialized knowledge will take on consultancy and coordination, avoiding problems before they occur and drastically reducing the burden on municipal staff.

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5. Significance of the City of Suwa becoming the "Model"

The fact that the City of Suwa started these tests as a "Pilot Project" is not limited to a mere municipal measure.

• Establishment of National Standards: Suwa's success case will become the direct prototype for future national laws.

• Creation of a City with Pride: It will become the benchmark for municipalities throughout the country as a "city with order that promotes independence without using Japanese taxes."

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6. Finally

Currently, I participate in discussions on system design at the national level. Within this great flow, I sincerely wish, as a field professional, that my beloved City of Suwa becomes the pioneer in creating the "correct answer for Japan." I wish to build the design and operation of the system together in a flexible way, taking full advantage of the field perspective.

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Chapter 7: Supplemental Material of the Proposal — Answers to Concerns (Q&A) and Roadmap

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Q1. Isn't charging a fee only from foreign residents "discrimination"?

• Answer: It is not discrimination. This system is a "Participatory Incentive System" so that all members share fairly the "social integration costs" necessary to maintain the multicultural coexistence society.

• Key Point: We emphasize that this is not about "coercion" to punish, but about a "positive point system" where those who make an effort in learning Japanese and social understanding transition to the same status of charges as a Japanese resident.

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Q2. Doesn't it violate Article 14 of the Constitution (Equality before the law)?

• Answer: It does not. It is about a "rational distinction" according to the form of residence and the need for social integration, and as there are reachable exemption provisions, legal validity is fully maintained.

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Q3. Aren't learning the language and culture becoming, in practice, "mandatory"?

• Answer: It is not mandatory. We do not implement unfavorable punishments such as residence status restrictions due to lack of proficiency; we limit ourselves to being an "incentive for social participation." Learning or not is free for the individual, but the fact that those who learn are valued is a fair rule in a democratic society.

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Q4. Why use "Private Professional Organizations" instead of "National Qualifications"?

• Answer: To prioritize effectiveness. Rigid qualification systems cannot respond to the front line of multicultural coexistence that changes rapidly. It is more rational for specialized organizations with a long history and local network to act as partners of the administration in the field, in terms of cost, mobility, and quality.

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【Roadmap】

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1. Demonstration Phase: Pioneer implementation in model districts.

• Introduction Period (Years 1 to 4): Demonstration experiment in the "Multicultural Coexistence Social Integration Model District (e.g., City of Suwa)." Experimental operation of the fee and exemption system.

2. Legislation Phase: Promulgation of the "Foundation Law" based on results.

• Expansion Period (Years 5 to 9): Presentation of the "Act on the Establishment of the Foundation for a Multicultural Coexistence Society" to the national parliament based on demonstration data. Start of fund distribution to the localities.

3. National Expansion Phase: Establishment of the Japan-exclusive social integration standard.

• Consolidation Period (Year 10 onwards): National standardization. Launch of "Social Integration (Japanese Model)" to the world.

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Conclusion: To Build a Sustainable Japan Together

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Multicultural coexistence is not merely "social assistance" or "volunteering." In a country where the population is declining rapidly, the fact that people from diverse backgrounds "fulfill responsibilities under common rules and support society together" is a central challenge to protect Japanese society and keep it strong in the future.

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As a field professional, I am convinced that the implementation of this new "mechanism" is the only path to regenerate Japanese society and build a sustainable future.

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Let's build together an effective system that uses field knowledge, with the State, the prefectures, and all the cities and towns acting as one. I sincerely wish that we can open the future of Japan starting now, together with you.

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