December 3, 2020
Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs

^{Connecting words, connecting hearts}
Preparation of a Video to Promote Simple Japanese

Tokyo has become ever more diversified. As of January 2020 there were 580,000 foreign nationals residing in Tokyo, representing an increasingly wider range of cultures.
To realize a multicultural society where Japanese and foreigners comfortably coexist and all take active roles in the community, it is important to use simple Japanese to communicate with goodwill and understand each other.
To promote this, we have prepared a video to help understand the meaning and concept of the use of simple Japanese and how to put it into practice. Please have a look at it.

Outline of the video

The video conveys to viewers the meaning and concept of the use of simple Japanese, highlighting the fact that simple Japanese is often more understandable than other languages in communicating with foreign nationals residing in Japan.

Where the video can be viewed

Media	Broadcast sites
Websites	Website of Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “TSUNAGARI,” portal site for the promotion of multicultural coexistence, portal site of Tokyo Volunteers
YouTube	tokyodouga.jp(External link)
Electronic billboards	Large digital signage at Shinjuku Station West Exit square
	Digital signage on the pillar surface at Shinjuku Station West Exit
	Digital signage at the TMG No. 1 Building
	Signage-type smart pole at Shinjuku Subcenter Route 4
	DHC Vision at Shibuya Station (planned)

Content of the video

I cannot communicate with foreigners in English.

Languages that foreigners residing in Japan can understand: Japanese 60%, English 40%

* Interview Survey concerning information communication for foreigners residing in Tokyo, Tokyo International Communication Committee 2018

Why not try simple Japanese?

※ This press release is also available in other languages. (日本語／English／中文／한국어)

For inquiries (Japanese only)

Community Activity Promotion Section, Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs, Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs Phone: 042-591-1689 email: S8000224(at)section.metro.tokyo.jp * The above e-mail address has been arranged as an anti-spam measure. Please replace (at) with @.