Expat Clubs in Hiroshima

Aug 31, 2022

Expat Clubs in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s growing expat population increased from just under 40,000 in 2014 to over 55,000 in 2020. that 55,000 figure makes up around 2% of the prefecture’s inhabitants. It is a city where foreigners are welcomed, and there are various clubs, groups, and organizations where newcomers can meet other residents, make good connections and get support with settling in. Here are some of the leading expat clubs in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima International Center

The Hiroshima International Center is a joint operation set up and run between private companies and local agencies to promote the integration of foreign communities and cooperation between locals and expats. The center offers services and resources from its premises and website in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Japanese. Services include multi-language consultation, Japanese language classes, international student support, volunteering opportunities, and an international exchange platform.

Website: https://hiroshima-ic.or.jp/

Hiroshima International Plaza

Hiroshima built its hub for international residents in 1997 to support and promote interaction between local foreign communities and Japanese residents. It consists of the Hiroshima International Cooperation Center and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chukogu International Center and primarily serves the Chukogu and Shikoku regions. Facilities on-site include an information center and library, training and conference rooms, sports facilities including a gym and tennis courts, and a restaurant. There are programs for expats to learn Japanese and culture, social and educational events such as sports days, cooking competitions, dance festivals, bus sightseeing tours, and more. Locals also have the chance to volunteer or engage in training to help new residents settle in.

Website: https://hiroshima-hip.or.jp/en/

Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation

Established in 1998, the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation is the international relations and cooperation division of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in the Peace Memorial Park. It provides a wide range of services, advice, and support to expat residents in various languages, including English, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Nepali. Activities include Japanese classes and free consultation and support services for newcomers having difficulties due to not speaking Japanese. The website features helpful information on various topics, including what to do in emergencies, healthcare, education, employment, and paying taxes.

Website: https://h-ircd.jp/en/guide-en.html

Hiroshima Filipino Association

Filipinos make up the third-biggest expat community in Hiroshima after Chinese and Korean, with over 5,000 residents living in the city. Because of this, the Hiroshima Filipino Association was set up in 2008 by a group of resident volunteers to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in Hiroshima and to help them settle in. The association is non-profit and runs many fundraising activities annually to sustain itself.

Website: https://hfagallery.shutterfly.com/

Hiroshima Canada Association

The Hiroshima Canada Association is one of the longest-running organizations promoting international cooperation in Hiroshima, established in 1988. Its main aims are to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and friendly relations between Hiroshima and Canada. However, Canadian expats relocating to Hiroshima can benefit from the local networks established, connect with other expats and integrate into local life more smoothly due to the association’s links with the city’s Canadian Embassy. Various annual events aim to bring locals and expats together, even a homestay program that encourages Canadians to come and stay with families in Hiroshima.

Website: https://www.hiroshima-canada.org/

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