What is the MIA?

The Minato International Association (MIA) is an organization that strives to achieve a harmonious multicultural society through various events. The activities are conducted by volunteer members as the power base.

More than 80 foreign embassies and business offices locate themselves in Minato City. As there are many foreign residents in our city, the MIA organizes a wide range of international exchange activities and support programs for them.

Introduction of MIA Activities

LRJ (Let's Rediscover Japan)

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This program is conducted in English. Can you communicate what you know about Japan and your home country to someone else? Do you know who you are? At each meeting a speaker gives a talk on a particular topic. There is time for free discussion among participants after each presentation.
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LCJ (Let's Chat in Japanese)

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Many people who are studying Japanese have few opportunities to really use it. LCJ is a great opportunity to make new friends and practice Japanese conversation skills while chatting about interesting topics. You might learn something new about someone else’s country or culture.
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Intercultural events

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The Culture Exchange Team creates opportunities for friendly exchanges between Japanese and non-Japanese residents through programs such as exploring famous historical sites while learning more about Japanese culture. The team also works on international exchange while planning and executing such events as the New Year Party, spring hiking, autumn bus tour and introductions to different countries around the world (twice a year).
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Programs to introduce aspects of Japanese culture

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With the theme, "Becoming Familiar with the Heart and Culture of Japan," programs are offered so that foreign residents can gain deeper knowledge of Japanese culture. Program activities include lectures that are hands-on and that allow attendees the chance to experience actual tools and materials (such as those for flower arrangement or tea ceremony) and events involving observation or tours that can help deepen understanding of history and the origins of things, such as visiting a temple, shrine, or famous historical site. Depending on the event, there may be opportunities to visit places where one is not normally able to go, such as backstage at a theater.
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Events by and for youth (20’s–30’s)

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The youth team organizes an overnight program in Hakone every year to encourage interaction among young people from various countries. They can freely discuss things they have encountered and their everyday concerns, and perhaps even share their joys and problems.
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PR activities

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We cooperate with other teams and the Minato City administration to encourage cross-cultural interaction through:
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publishing
Kiteki Issei
;
publishing the
Kawaraban
newsletter;
managing the website;
participating in the Minato Citizens’ Festival;
assisting with embassy-sponsored events;
assisting with Minato City-sponsored programs for foreigners;
cooperating in activities to promote interaction with local community members.

Consultation for foreigners

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The following service counters are available to foreign residents for everyday problems or concerns. All information is kept strictly confidential, and consultation is free of charge. If you can tell us in advance about the type of problem you have, we will be able to serve you in a more efficient way.
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Date and Time	Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Advance reservations are necessary for all hours.)
Location	MIA Office
Languages	English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French (all on an advance reservation basis)
Consultants	MIA members
Reservations/inquiries	Minato International Association, Tel: 03-6440-0233 Monday through Friday (closed on national holidays and during the year-end/New Year holidays from December 29 through January 3) Please call between 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Minato Nihongo Tomodachi no kai (project commissioned by Minato City)

This project was begun by Minato City in fiscal 2018 to create an opportunity for foreigners to participate in community planning. In this project we will expand the use of “Yasashii Nihongo” (Easy Japanese), creating an environment in which foreigners and Japanese can easily interact.
In addition to offering courses in Easy Japanese, we will provide foreigners with the opportunity to practice Japanese conversation through our Japanese Conversation Partner program and “Koryu-kai” (exchange gatherings) for Japanese and foreigners.
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Welcome Basket ("Welcome to Minato City")

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The Minato City government supports the activities of organizations and groups whose membership primarily consists of Minato residents. Use of the meeting rooms in the International Communication Space is free of charge, and various groups are already conducting their own activities. Groups with five or more members need to register to use the facilities. Please provide your organization’s bylaws, membership list and a description of planned activities when registering.
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