Shizuoka Prefecture (Japan)

Summary: Shizuoka Prefecture established a certification system recognizing businesses and organizations that agree with the philosophy of Intercultural and are actively implementing practical initiatives.

Purpose

This system aims to promote the spread of the philosophy of Intercultural and encourage proactive efforts by business entities.

Context / Problem identified

Target groups: Companies, organisations, and individual business owners that have offices within Shizuoka Prefecture

Challenge, need or barrier addressed: To establish a labour environment that supports harmonious and efficient working conditions for both foreign and Japanese workers.

Implementation process

Main steps (Overview of the System): Applicants are required to submit an application form along with documents verifying fulfilment of the following requirements to Shizuoka Prefecture.

**Key Certification Requirements:**

*(Common Requirements)*

- Use the Intercultural Shizuoka Symbol Mark and support the philosophy of Intercultural inclusion.

- Must not have any legal violations.

*(Requirements for Entities Employing Foreign Workers)*

- Properly employ foreign workers.

- Support foreign employees' adaptation to Japanese society, including Japanese language education.

*(Requirements for Entities Not Employing Foreign Workers)*

- Implement initiatives that foster vibrant local communities where Japanese and foreigners alike coexist.

- Provide services to foreign customers and residents using easy Japanese or multiple languages.

- Foster intercultural awareness within the office.

**Certification Validity Period:** 3 years

Benefits of Certification: Once the application has been reviewed and certified by Shizuoka Prefecture, the certified businesses/organisations will receive the following benefits.

1. Certified Businesses/Organisations supporting Intercultural Shizuoka are to receive a certificate of recognition bearing the governor's name and the Intercultural Shizuoka Symbol Mark.

2. The certified businesses/organisations' initiatives are to be featured on the prefecture's website, enhancing corporate image.

3. Certified businesses/organisations are to receive preferential additional points in some public tenders conducted by Shizuoka Prefecture.

First Certification Award Ceremony

On the 27 August 2026, the Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture awarded  Yataro Co., Ltd. (株式会社ヤタロー; Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; food manufacturing industry) with the first certificate of Businesses/Organisations Supporting Intercultural Shizuoka under its system.

Yataro Co., Ltd. employs approximately 120 foreign workers, has an established foreign employee support office, conducts multilingual safety and health education, distributes a free Japanese language learning app, and hosts a Japanese-language speech contest, among other long-standing Intercultural initiatives.
Three Indonesian employees of Yataro Co., Ltd. attended the ceremony wearing traditional Indonesian batik clothing. They reported fluently in Japanese to the governor about their active roles since joining, the company's appeal, and the positive aspects of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Results achieved

Outcomes – short term: As of August 2026, the Prefectural Office has named a number of eight (8) certified Businesses/Organisations Supporting Intercultural Shizuoka within its region.

In cooperation with other departments, certified businesses/organisations were given preferential additional points in some public tenders conducted by Shizuoka Prefecture, which encouraged many to participate in this system actively and led to successful outcomes. This initiative was also featured in local newspapers, contributing to an increase in inquiries from businesses and organisations, thereby enhancing public awareness of the system and its purpose.

Furthermore, Shizuoka Prefecture's website features case studies of certified businesses' initiatives, designed to serve as practical references for other businesses/organisations. Examples of these initiatives include communication using "Easy Japanese", providing information in multiple languages, and supporting employees' daily lives and Japanese language education.

(expected) impacts: This certification system is expected to widely promote intercultural initiatives among business entities, encourage their spread throughout Shizuoka, and foster Intercultural awareness among the residents of the prefecture.

Shizuoka Prefecture will continue to collaborate with companies to advance intercultural initiatives in the future.

Cross-cutting aspects

Sustainability: By increasing the number of certified businesses/organisations, good practices and the philosophy of interculturality will spread to other businesses/organisations.