Story by Dillon Font

Living in a foreign country is daunting, no matter how excellent your language skills are. Where can you turn to in Tokyo when you need a bit of a helping hand? Thankfully, you’re not the first person to question this, and multiple community-based organizations have risen up to provide English-language support for the gaijin both within and beyond the Yamanote loop.

Welcome Furoshiki

Taking its name from the traditional wrapping cloth in Japan used to carry anything from bento to gifts to a friend’s house, Welcome Furoshiki provides support and information for newcomers to Japan.

A Welcome Furoshiki representative will come to your home, giving you a free welcome pack overflowing with English-language information on living life here. The representative can also answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Since 1983, over 15,000 families and individuals have benefited from the service.

Kanto Area: 03-5472-7074
Kansai Area: 06-6441-2584

Photo: Michelle May, Director of Sponsors and Public Relations and Sherry Hartsell, Director of Reps and Visits

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