Finding safety and a new life in far-away Japan.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Masamba now works at UNIQLO GINZA.

THE POWER OF

CLOTHING

June 2024 No.26

Wandering the streets looking distraught, he heard a voice ask, “is something wrong?”

A former colony of Belgium that has since gained independence, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is fraught with civil war and social unrest, with large numbers of people fleeing the country.
Oppression in his homeland made it impossible for Masamba to live his life. He used to teach geography and math. Sixteen years ago, his friend in the civil service urged him to seek refuge in Japan.

Photographs by Shinsuke Kamioka

Leaving the Democratic Republic of the Congo where he was born, Masamba took a series of flights that landed him in Japan. He had no friends or family, nor could he speak the language. He’d booked a night in a hotel in Ginza, but knew he had to find a cheaper place to stay while he applied for refugee status, though he had no idea where to go or how to start the process. This was 2008, so he didn’t have a smartphone.

The next morning, he checked out of the hotel and dragged his suitcase around Ginza. He must have looked out of sorts, because a Japanese man approached him and asked him in English, “Is something wrong? Are you trying to find something?”
His face was kind, so he smiled and responded.
“I’m hoping you can tell me where to register for refugee status with the UN.”
“We’ll figure this out,” the man told him and brought him back to his company’s office. This man and his coworkers looked up the address and called ahead, then gave him an address on a piece of paper.
“Here’s where you need to go,” they said. “Are you okay taking the subway by yourself?”
“I just arrived yesterday. I have no idea how things work here.”
“Do you have any money?”
“A little.”
“Okay, then hand this address to a taxi driver, they’ll get you there.” The man called him a taxi.

We spoke with Masamba in the employees-only area of the store. He’s a patient listener and gentle speaker.

Over 30% of the staff at UNIQLO GINZA are from overseas. There are many different perspectives.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Referenced from the data of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

Located in the middle of Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the 11th largest country in the world in terms of area. Climates range from glacial mountains at the eastern border to tropical rainforests, plateaus, and sprawling basins. Located in the Congo River Basin, the capital of Kinshasa is a modern city with a population comparable to central Tokyo. Dictatorship has given way to civil war, and according to estimates from UNHCR, over eight million people have fled their home.

History

A colonial possession of Belgium in the twentieth century, gaining independence in 1960. Soon after, assassinations and coups divided the nation, which remains riven by conflict. Renamed the Republic of Zaire in 1971, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was given its current name in 1997, though political unrest continues.

Economy

One of the poorest countries in the world, though rich in mineral resources. According to Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024, the nation ranks first globally in cobalt deposits, fourth in copper, and eighth in tin, but with most profits being fed into armed conflicts, civilians benefit little from this wealth.

Culture

With a diverse range of cultural groups and languages, as well as the imprint left by years under Belgian rule, and a population which is about 80% Christian, this country cannot be easily reduced to one cultural symbol. The education system remains fraught with issues.

Futon Culture Shock

Arriving in Shibuya, Masamba tried to pay the cab fare in US dollars, but the driver looked upset and said, “I can’t take those.” But that was all he had, so the driver took him to a bank. As he was filling out the currency exchange forms, another African approached him. “Is something wrong?” they asked. When Masamba explained, the other African said “This address is the branch of the UN that provides aid to refugees, you can’t apply for refugee status there.” After settling up with the cab driver, he went with the African to the nearest police box.

The officer on duty gave him some helpful instructions. “Head over to JAR (Japan Association for Refugees),” he said, then gave him a new address and called another taxi. At JAR, Masamba received instructions on how to apply for refugee status at the immigration office. They also gave him a map of Tokyo, some info on life in the city, and provided a place for him to stay in the short term. At the dorm, he was baffled to discover that he wouldn’t be sleeping in a room with a bed, but on a futon laid out on the tatami floor. He’d never seen a futon in his life. But thanks to the kindness of strangers, his second day in Japan, a very long day, had come safely to a close.

Escaping a War-Torn Homeland

I was born in 1975 in Mbanza-Ngungu, a city in the western part of Congo. About 100 kilometres southwest of the capital city of Kinshasa, it’s home to Kongo University and has a population of around 100,000 people. Though Congo is now free from colonial rule, it has continued to experience conflict, assassinations and coups, resulting in a large number of deaths and a steady stream of people leaving the country.

The first presidential and parliamentary elections were held in 2006, but after showing my support for the opposition party, I began to fear for my own safety. “You better leave the country soon,” a friend working in the government told me, “or you’ll be arrested.”

Since the Democratic Republic of the Congo used to be a colony of Belgium, our official language is French. European culture feels familiar to me. Before leaving Congo, I thought of visiting the French and British consulates and applying for a visa. Unfortunately, they were swamped with people like me rushing to file applications, with long lines forming outside by as early as four in the morning.

There was no way of knowing if or when I could obtain a visa. So I asked my public servant friend for more advice. “You don’t have time to wait. Take this and rush over to the Japanese consulate,” he said, handing me a civil servant’s passport he had made for me. Sure enough, I was able to get a visa to Japan and started making preparations for my trip.

As a teacher of geography and math, I saw Japan as a high-tech advanced society. But I didn’t know the first thing about Japanese language or culture. Europe is full of refugees from Africa, but I’d never heard of someone seeking refuge in Japan. Now that I had the visa, though, I knew I had to try.

From Refugee Status to Employment

Here’s an overview of the steps involved in obtaining refugee status in Japan.

1. Apply for refugee status

After entering the country, apply for refugee status at the immigration office. Submit forms, take the interview, await results.

2. Head to Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) or Refugee Assistance Headquarters (RHQ)

These organisations provide funding for living expenses, housing, and medical fees while applicants for refugee status are waiting for results.

3. Designated Activities

Obtain the Designated Activities temporary residence permit and wait for application results.

4. Refugee status

Those granted refugee status can work and live in Japan. RHQ offers an educational residency support programme that includes Japanese language instruction, lifestyle guidance, and job placement assistance.

5. Employment

New residents refine their language skills and understanding of Japanese workplace culture as they search for a position. At present, only a subset of companies proactively hires individuals who have been granted refugee status.

Chicken Sauté Opens Doors

I started getting things in order. JAR was so kind and patient helping me with all the forms. With the paperwork complete, I visited the immigration office, but applying for refugee status wasn’t that easy. My civil servant passport was a problem. You see, my friend knew if we’d used my real name, I could’ve been detained leaving the country, so instead he used a common name that also happened to be widely represented in the political regime. My visa had been issued right away because I’d applied to go to Japan as a civil servant.

In the eyes of the Japanese government, it was against the rules to use a fake name on your passport, regardless of the reason, which meant I couldn’t apply for asylum. My application was rejected, and I was given just an alien registration card. But this didn’t give me the right to work. Without refugee status pending, I’d need to make some other kind of headway if I wanted to stay in Japan. Visiting RHQ (Refugee Assistance Headquarters), I learned about Japanese language classes and got all kinds of support.

One of the things they told me about was Kalabaw No Kai, an organisation that helps out foreign labourers, immigrants and refugees. They offered not only Japanese classes but also lectures on making sense of Japanese culture, which I attended studiously. I went on to receive a great deal of support from Kalabaw No Kai, for which I’m full of gratitude.

I’m fluent in French, but English isn’t easy for me. The organisers communicated with us using English. At my English level, I was unable to relay the complicated state of affairs in Congo or discuss the tragic civil war or tell these people where I stood.

At one point, the Kalabaw No Kai hosted a festival that aimed to foster more communication between immigrants, refugees, the organisers, and the community. We were also hoping to make some money by cooking and selling food. I was in charge of making a French-style chicken sauté, something I loved back in Congo. So then this Japanese college professor who’s working on a plate comes up and says to me, “These flavours take me back.” It turns out he had eaten food like this in France. “Can you speak French?” I asked, using French to start a conversation. This professor knew what was happening in Congo and understood why I’d left, so he helped the others at Kalabaw No Kai recognise my situation. This prompted the group to feel even more strongly that I should be granted refugee status, and eventually, we got a lawyer and brought the case to trial.

By the time we’d won and I was granted refugee status, I’d been in Japan for seven years. It’s hard to summarise what these years were like. I’m so thankful I can have a steady job at UNIQLO GINZA and feel so positive about the future.

I have two sons. One’s four, the other’s seven months. Raising kids is tough! Because my sons are growing up in Japan, they haven’t been able to see Congo, to see their roots. The older boy can speak Lingala, one of the languages of Congo, in addition to English, Japanese, and French. English is his strongest. His favourite anime is in English, so that tells you something. My wife is most comfortable with French. She is okay at English listening, but it’s difficult for her to speak.

In Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lingala is the common tongue. People in the east speak Swahili. In the west it’s Kikongo, and in the central region, Tshilubà. These are the four main languages, but if you count the tribes, there are 450 cultural groups. Among them, Lingala is a language most people can speak.

Since we don’t have any Lingala textbooks, we make sure to speak with our children in Lingala every day. You don’t need books to learn words and learn how to speak. I want my children to know Lingala because I think the day will come when we’ll return to Congo.

One thing I can’t forget about my life in Congo is the weather. Where I come from in the western region, the land has a savanna climate, cooled by the sea. It’s like autumn in Japan, but all year round. When the Portuguese first visited the Kingdom of Kongo in the fifteenth century, they arrived in the west, via the ocean. The slave trade didn’t come until the sixteenth century, and for a while, trade conditions were relatively balanced. But in the sixteenth century, we were invaded by the Europeans; the start of a dark path through history.

From stocking to alterations, Masamba does it all in the men’s department at UNIQLO GINZA.

Back from the Lost and Found

Something I love about Japan is how quiet it is. Whether you’re on a bus or on the train, the other passengers don’t talk so much, just riding along, keeping to themselves. In Congo, the buses and trains are like a party, with people jabbering away.

It’s also incredible how if you lose something in Japan, there’s a chance you’ll get it back. This one time, I left my bag on the train. It had my phone and wallet. When I realised what had happened, I notified the station personnel, spurring a frantic search, but they couldn’t find it. Later, though, I contacted the lost and found, and they told me that my bag had been discovered.

So I went to pick it up and found my phone and wallet inside. Nothing had been taken. I really couldn’t believe this. I’m so thankful for whoever dropped it off. If this had happened in Congo, it would be safe to say the bag was gone, and if it did ever show up, it would be empty.

Helping Refugees in Limbo

I started working at UNIQLO GINZA in 2017.

So it’s been seven years. Right now, I’m looking after men’s clothes on the eighth, ninth and tenth floors. But I also work the register, help customers in the fitting room, stock shelves and maintain the store. A big portion of the staff come from overseas. It’s a busy job, but very satisfying.

I was able to bring my wife over from Congo. We had two kids here in Japan. I have this job to thank for the stability and peace of mind my family enjoys. While coming to Japan was practically an accident for me, I’m blessed to have wound up in such a peaceful, quiet place.

I want to be of service to other refugees whose story is like mine. When you’re stuck in the application process, it’s like living in limbo. Every day is uncertain. No way of knowing what will happen next. I want to help those people out, as a way of giving back the kindness I received. Far from being lost, like in those first days in Japan, I’ve found a community of other Africans, folks from Congo living here. These connections are a crucial source of support.

Every day I check up on the situation in Congo. If they can establish a democracy and stabilise the situation, I’d like to bring my family home. I hope eventually, that day will come.

UNIQLO COFFEE on the twelfth floor of UNIQLO GINZA and UNIQLO FLOWER on the first floor by the street.

How UNIQLO is hiring refugees through the RISE programme.

In an effort to leverage our resources as an apparel company, UNIQLO has been collecting items via recycling boxes at our stores, sorting out what can be used again and sending clothes to refugee camps worldwide, in response to demand. To date, over 54.6 million items have been sent to eighty countries and territories (as of August 2023).

The RISE (Refugee Inclusion Supporting and Empowerment) programme was launched in 2011. The idea is to proactively hire refugees at UNIQLO stores. For displaced individuals to find a stable way of life in their new homes, employment opportunities are crucial.

Partnering with NPOs, UNIQLO conducts interviews to determine individual abilities. All hires receive instruction in UNIQLO values and customer service methods, as well as language courses in Japanese (or, if in other countries, the local language).

This training framework also includes guidance for managers, training personnel and store staff intent on fostering deep cross-cultural understanding.

As of April 2024, forty-six staff members with refugee status are employed at thirty-three stores in Japan. This trend is spreading to our stores in the US and Europe, as well as to Fast Retailing Group companies. Viewing all employees as part of the same team, regardless of their roots or citizenship, is an integral part of the company culture.

Bringing displaced individuals onto the UNIQLO staff is a way of making diversity an everyday reality.

Helping people live and work in Japan: Refugee Assistance Headquarters (RHQ)

RHQ was founded by the Japanese government in 1979 as a framework for accommodating refugees from Mainland Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos). Per government mandate, they provide various forms of aid to refugees, evacuees, and those applying for refugee status, with a goal of resettlement.

Those who have entered Japan and applied for refugee status and who lack personal funds are eligible for four months of monetary aid to cover basic living expenses, housing, and medical fees. This period can be extended on a case-by-case basis in consideration of factors such as illness or caring for young children.

While waiting for their refugee status to be granted, most applicants are issued a “Designated Activities” visa for two or three months. The mid- to long-term versions of this visa that allow for employment can take almost a year of waiting. Without the proper visa, employment is not possible, which makes this part of the application process hardest on refugees.

For those granted refugee status, RHQ offers an educational residency support programme. Daytime courses run six months, while evening courses are one year and provide Japanese language instruction and guidance on living in Japan. If someone has difficulty commuting to classes, housing is available at a relatively short distance from the classrooms.

Lifestyle guidance helps people get insurance for their children, prepare their children for entering school, and abide by local rules for sorting trash. Job placement support is also provided at this time. RHQ is continually appealing to local industries and chambers of commerce to hire refugees.

It used to be that most refugees came from Asia, but in recent years more and more hail from the Middle East and Africa. Many of those granted refugee status who participate in the residency support programme arrive with college or graduate degrees and have hopes of working in a variety of fields. To help them match their talents with employment, we need to create a society that’s more receptive to people from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. What it all comes down to is that we try to understand each other.

Over 30% of the staff at UNIQLO GINZA are from overseas. There are many different perspectives.

The mood changes from floor to floor, whether it’s the cafe on the twelfth floor or the flower shop on the first. Staff member Thidar is a refugee from Myanmar.

Thidar, who looks after the women’s floor, is pictured explaining UTme! to some curious customers.

Just a few minutes on foot from the Ginza 4-chome intersection at Ginza 6-chome, UNIQLO GINZA has a notably diverse staff. Out of 320 employees, 110 come from overseas (as of March 2024), and three employees were hired through the RISE programme.

On weekday afternoons, all twelve floors of the Ginza store are full of customers from all over the world. A reflection of the diverse staff.

Each floor is organised and decorated differently, but the whole store is bathed in natural light, making it a joy to browse. The twelfth and topmost floor has a simple cafe space consisting of a wall of sofas. A perfect place to take a seat and rest amid the jet lag. Is this Ginza, or New York?

Good question. Listen to the chatting customers, and you’re likely to hear English along with many other languages. The sight of customers feeling at home and of the staff helping them out gives the store a peaceful atmosphere.

On the fifth floor, there’s a UTme! station where you can make original shirts and tote bags from your favourite photographs and illustrations. Thidar, who staffs the counter, was hired through the RISE programme.

Applied for Asylum to No Avail

Thidar fled Myanmar for Japan in 2007.

Myanmar was colonised by Britain in the late nineteenth century. The state was later occupied by Japan during World War II. Then in 1948, in the wake of the war, they declared independence as the Union of Burma (to be renamed Union of Myanmar by the military government in 1989).

Myanmar has been a frequent site of coups and conflicts, with dictatorial rule continuing to this day. Oppression and armed conflict within Myanmar spiked in 2021, and according to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), over 61,700 people have sought refuge in neighbouring states and beyond, while in excess of 2.9 million have been forced to relocate domestically.

When the dictatorship banned civilian demonstrations in 2007, Thidar, who was concerned for her safety, reached out to her sister and brother-in-law, who were already living in Japan, and she left Myanmar behind.

Once she was in Japan, she applied for refugee status at the immigration office , but was declined. All she was able to obtain was a “Designated Activities” visa. Visas issued by the Ministry of Justice permit certain kinds of work for periods ranging from three months to five years. In Thidar’s case, hers was for six months. Before the period was up, she could visit the immigration office and sit for an interview. If her situation was deemed exceptional, she could receive an extension.

Thidar was able to renew her six-month visa several times. Later, it was renewed in one-year increments. In her sixth year in Japan, she was finally granted refugee status.

In the meantime, she had worked at a hamburger shop and at a yakitori restaurant. Early on, because she couldn’t read Japanese, it was a struggle to learn the menu and take orders without making mistakes. Interacting with customers taught her that to live and work in Japan, she would need a strong command of the language. A friend pointed her in the direction of the social welfare foundation Support21, which specialises in helping refugees become independent. They also offer Japanese classes, which she started attending, dedicating much of her free time to her studies.

Morning meeting on the twelfth floor of UNIQLO GINZA. This was a special morning, since they celebrated one staff member’s ten-year anniversary.

UNIQLO is Recommended in Japanese Class

As she struggled to find her way, Thidar heard that her mother back in Myanmar had fallen ill. Since she had to send home money for the medical expenses, things were very tight financially for a time. This is when she began yearning for a more stable source of income and a calmer way of life.

One day, her Japanese language teacher asked her, “Thidar, would you ever work at UNIQLO?” She liked fashion and was interested in the work. Thidar took this recommendation as a reassuring sign that her Japanese skills were improving. Support21 provided guidance on writing resumes and filling out applications, helping her put everything together.

Once she was selected by the RISE programme, Thidar interviewed with a teacher, who deemed her Japanese abilities to be adequate. Soon after, she started working, while attending special RISE programme language classes on the side. Thidar says she still remembers the mix of relief and anxiety she felt.

UNIQLO support programmes for refugees were launched in 2011. The company, its stores, and staff have gained a wealth of experience. Over time, a philosophy has emerged—acknowledging that everyone’s experience is different, you can communicate with refugees the same as with the rest of the staff, without too much special treatment, so that they become accustomed to the nature of the job.

For over twenty years, UNIQLO has also been proactively hiring people with disabilities. This programme embodies a very similar philosophy. Fostering understanding and cooperation ultimately makes a store’s team stronger, improving communication and, in turn, the quality of the shopping experience—a philosophy that has been embraced throughout the company.

Citizenship and Entrepreneurship

Thidar was assigned to UNIQLO GINZA.

Stepping into the employees-only area, she found that the signage was written in both hiragana and English, so that staff who were still studying Japanese could read it easily. She found it reassuring that several members of the staff were also refugees. Most of all, she was thrilled to be working in the clothing industry.

Something puzzling at first was how often people started talking to her in Japanese, because of the way she looked. They’d talk as if she knew what they were saying, but sometimes she couldn’t follow. “Sorry, could you please say that again?” she’d ask, when they’d steal a glance at her name tag and say “Oh, you’re not Japanese,” then continue speaking at a slower pace. As frustrating as this could be, it wasn’t entirely a bad thing. Thidar was grateful that the customers were willing to match her pace.

In her early experiences at morning assembly, she was only able to pick up maybe twenty percent of what was said. But by asking her coworkers to explain, she was able to figure it out. Anything could be resolved by asking questions. This was a revelation.

She learned a lot. What’s involved in reducing plastic trash, how important it is to recycle clothes and to send what can still be worn to refugees all over the world. Working at the Ginza store has given her a chance to learn on the job, gaining insight into UNIQLO’s sustainability projects.

At present, Thidar is considering applying to become a naturalised citizen of Japan. She checks the news from Myanmar daily, but things don’t seem to be improving. The staff at the Ginza store are kind. It’s a job worth doing. She’s gotten used to living in Japan. She’s found a stable existence. Her dream is to someday open her own clothing boutique—a dream that fuels her drive to obtain citizenship.

Yuki Koda

Manager, UNIQLO GINZA

Difference is part of the experience, but we all try to approach things from a positive perspective.

At UNIQLO GINZA, we regularly welcome customers from over 130 different countries. Before coming to the Ginza store, I worked overseas myself as manager of a UNIQLO in New York City. In America, it’s not uncommon for the staff to consist of folks with roots in South America, China, Europe, Asia, or Africa. Sometimes there’s a spectrum of English proficiency, but it’s clear that everyone is doing their best, so the language barrier isn’t so much of a problem. Something I’ve noticed since coming back to Japan is a general intolerance for tiny differences. Some constructive criticism is a good thing, though. If you approach things from a positive perspective, it’s easier to make adjustments. That’s how I do my job.

Takaya Nagai

Acting Manager, UNIQLO GINZA

Building a global space where nationality is never a concern.

We have 320 staff members at UNIQLO GINZA, with over 30% coming from overseas. You'll hear them helping customers in Japanese, English and Chinese every day, along with Korean, French, Russian, Thai, Mongolian or Vietnamese depending on the shift. Lately customers have been using translation apps, which lowers language barriers considerably. The basis of service at UNIQLO is “help yourself,” letting customers feel free to explore the store. If somebody needs help, we provide courteous and kind assistance. We want to build a global space where nationality is never a concern, for staff or customers. I think this gives our stores a light and breezy atmosphere where anyone can feel at home.

Thoughts from UNIQLO GINZA Staff

Kayo (Japan)

This is a place where I can feel myself growing. I was able to do my job here even seven months into pregnancy.

Gerald (Philippines)

Every day, I have a chance to exercise my language skills in English and Filipino. That makes work fun.

Natalia (Russia)

About a year ago, I switched from a store in Shinjuku to UNIQLO GINZA. I like meeting customers from all over the world.

Ayaka (Japan)

Communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and finding ways to support them makes this job extra meaningful.

Sasitorn (Thailand)

When I hear people speaking Thai, I say hello. This is a job with lots of growth potential.

Lin (China)

I have three kids. Working and raising children at the same time is tough, but I’m up for the challenge. I want to make the sales floor shine.

Yuiko (Japan)

It’s fun contributing to an environment that’s positive not just for customers, but for the staff as well.

The team includes a store manager, training staff, store veterans, and RISE hires—so many different roles, all working toward a single goal.

UNIQLO GINZA

Address:	1F-12F, Ginza Komatsu East Wing, 6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours:	11 AM – 9 PM
Collections:	Women, Men, Kids, Babies, Maternity
Access:	Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Ginza and use exit A2, then walk four minutes.

Maintaining human dignity, walking together, and helping one another.

Ayaki Ito

UNHCR, Japan Representative

In the seven decades since the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) was formed to provide relief and solutions for refugees escaping the devastation caused by WWII in Europe, the global refugee situation has changed significantly. The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or human rights violations has now reached 110 million worldwide.

In countries hosting refugees, generosity towards them is being challenged. Even countries that historically served as significant sources of emotional and material support for the refugee cause have, in recent years, faced challenges in providing sufficient assistance. In the twenty-first century, we’ve also seen a shift away from multilateral international cooperation towards inward-looking unilateralism. Today, we frequently hear of concern and anxiety that refugees might drive domestic tensions and cause divisions.

I imagine that in Japan, when people hear the word “refugee,” many still have sympathy towards them but think that there is nothing they can do and perceive it as an insurmountable problem. Additionally, when people hear words like “civil war” and “politics,” they may think it is better to stay away from the issue.

Postwar Japan has never experienced a civil war-like situation. And yet, every person in Japan can imagine a situation where they suddenly lose their homes due to natural disasters, like a massive earthquake, and have to live in a challenging situation after evacuation.

In this sense refugees are not so different. They are people who had ordinary lives but were suddenly deprived of them and forced to flee their homes. Putting ourselves in their shoes in this way helps us better understand their plight.

As a humanitarian agency, UNHCR provides immediate support for displaced people in countries stricken by conflict, or in the neighbouring countries they flee to.

But this doesn’t solve everything. In situations where people cannot return home, or where they seek a new life in a place with a different language and culture, the national and local governments need to work with experienced organisations to develop strategies to help and welcome them into society. Otherwise, refugees will quickly become isolated and unable to make a living. Unless they are supported by both the hosting government and society as a whole, refugees will not have a stable future.

I have great faith in the power of the private sector. I’m hoping that more companies can follow the example set by UNIQLO’s Refugee Inclusion Supporting and Empowerment (RISE) programme, which helps refugees become self-reliant. The programme creates a foundation for refugees to learn the language, culture, and customs needed to live independently, and actively participate in the betterment of the local community as contributing members of society. Deepening mutual understanding and uplifting one another will bring positive effects far greater than we can imagine.

Once refugees start working and gain a place in the community, the word “refugee” becomes an unnecessary identifier. To maintain human dignity, we need to support and walk alongside each other. By helping refugees fully demonstrate their abilities, we help enrich our own communities across the board.

To improve ourselves and create a sustainable society, we must build a society that welcomes refugees. It is my sincere hope that you’ll lend a hand.