75% of Japan prefectures boosting programs for coexistence with foreigners

Around 75 percent of Japan's prefectures have allocated funds in their initial budget proposals for the new fiscal year starting Wednesday to establish initiatives or expand existing programs to promote coexistence with foreign residents, a Kyodo News survey showed.The measures focus on fostering interaction with local communities and raising awareness of everyday rules and norms. The move comes amid an influx of foreign workers into Japan as the rapidly graying country struggles with a labor shortage.In a survey of Japan's 47 prefectures conducted from February to early March, eight, inclu…READ FULL ARTICLE