Ⅰ Multicultural Community Planning
Operate the YOKE Information Corner
The "YOKE Information Corner,"(tel 045-222-1209)located at YOKE's main office, offers information and provides consultation to foreign residents living in Yokohama. These services are offered by telephone or in person in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Support International Lounges in Yokohama
YOKE works in close cooperation with 7 Yokohama-based International Lounges (Aoba, Hodogaya, Kanazawa, Kohoku, Konan, Naka, and Tsuzuki) and provides support for the training of their personnel. YOKE manages the operation of the Naka International Lounge.
Support Japanese-language Education
"YOKE Japanese Classes for Newcomers" supports foreign residents in their Japanese studies. In Yokohama, there are many Japanese language classes run by volunteers. Information regarding times and places can be found on the YOKE website.
Dispatch Interpreter and Support Personnel
YOKE dispatches voluntary interpreters to public organizations such as ward offices, social welfare facilities, and schools to support foreign residents in communicating with public officers.
Publish Newsletters
YOKE publishes newsletters geared to foreign residents. These newsletters are written in a number of languages to provide foreign residents with information that is useful to their daily lives, such as administrative services that are available to them, and special events in the City of Yokohama.
・Various language version of "Yokohama Yokohama" (800 to 1,300 copies monthly) Chinese (traditional and simplified), Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and easy Japanese ・English version "Yokohama Echo" (2,600 copies monthly)
Translate Administrative Newsletters
YOKE provides support in conveying daily useful information to foreign residents by having registered translators translate public relation materials like " the Living Guide" into multiple languages. To make the translated words consistent, YOKE makes "the List of Standard Translation Words" in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese.
Support During Times of Disaster
During times of earthquake disaster, YOKE, based on an agreement with the City of Yokohama, will set up and operate an "Earthquake Disaster Information Center for Foreigners" and will support foreign residents by translating information and dispatching volunteer interpreters.
In cooperation with other organizations and the City of Yokohama, YOKE has been involved in various disaster preparedness projects. In cooperation with the City of Yokohama, YOKE has created "Multilingual Indication Slip During Time of Disaster; 2009" and distributed them to all disaster-preparedness centers in the city. In cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations(CLAIR), YOKE has also created the "Terminology and Multilingual Requirements Manual During Time of Disaster" and has created a network to support foreigners during times of disaster (2007). Together with CLAIR, YOKE has also published "Multilingual Disaster-Preparedness Drill Information: 2006".
Ⅱ Human Resources Development for Global Activities
Hold an International Activity-based Event
YOKE sponsors the "Yokohama International Festa." This event encourages citizens to participate in international exchange and other international-inspired activities. The Festa also promotes activities that support foreign residents.
Support Citizen Participation in International Activities
In Yokohama, there are many citizens' groups that are very active in promoting international exchange, international cooperation, and/or offering support to foreign residents. An information bulletin of events and mailing list is available to participants who wish to share information on international exchange activities. The bulletin and list are only available in Japanese.
・International activity groups within the city (database searching system) ・Japanese classes within the city (database) ・International activity events ・Guide to Yokohama International Activity Mailing List
Offer Language Classes
Conduct Language (English and Spanish) Classes
Ⅲ Promote International Cooperation
Support International Organizations
YOKE manages and operates the "Yokohama International Organizations Center" (1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku) on behalf of the City of Yokohama and supports the tenant International Organizations. Together with these International Organizations, YOKE holds the "Seminar for Global Citizens" to introduce each organization's activities, conducts "Internship Program" for Yokohama- based university students, and provides opportunities to tour these International Organizations.
・International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) ・Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies (IUC) ・The Regional Network of Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlements (CITYNET) ・The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Japan Relations Office ・Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Liaison Office in Japan ・United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS)
Support International Students
YOKE manages and operates the "Yokohama International Student House (YISH)" (4-171-23 Honcho-dori, Tsurumi-ku). With a total of 115 rooms, the House not only offers international students and researchers a place to live, but also the opportunity to interact with Japanese citizens. The YISH also helps international students find employment and offers a host of other services.
Support Trainees from Overseas
YOKE provides support to trainees of JICA Yokohama in their training/social services ("YOKE Desk") and cooperates in personnel training of developing countries.
Ⅳ Provide Information on International Activities
Information Bulletins and Website
YOKE publishes information bulletins to promote citizen involvement in international exchanges and other activities that foster international cooperation. These bulletins also encourage Japanese citizens to participate in activities designed to make foreign residents feel more comfortable in Japan. YOKE also manages a website that provides information in a number of different languages.
・"YOKE PIER"(4,200 copies monthly) ・YOKE Website is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.
YOKE's Reports and Printed Materials
Project and activity reports that the Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges has drawn up in the past are introduced. (Available only in Japanese)