Giving Machine Partner Organization Introduction
Vol.4: Japan Association for Refugees
It takes an average of about three years for someone who has fled their home country and arrived in Japan to receive the results of their refugee status determination. Japan’s refugee recognition rate is strikingly low compared to other developed countries—only 2.2% in 2024, while Canada’s rate is 70% and United States’ is 58%. As a result, many people who should receive protection as refugees are not able to access safe and secure conditions.
In addition, the systems in place to support applicants during the recognition process are poor, leaving many people lives difficult. The Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) provides assistance for asylum seekers throughout the application process and in their daily lives, helping them to live safely and together within society.
Introducing the Representative
Masaru Yoshiyama, Public Relations Officer for GIVE Machine donations, shared the following:
“Through our refugee support activities, we hope more people will come to understand the actual situation of refugees in Japan. In particular, we want to reach those who usually have no direct connection to this issue, and those who may not know much about it yet but care about people in need. By people becoming closer to the issue, we hope to expand the circle of understanding and empathy.
Many refugees who have fled to Japan have risked their lives escaping persecution and conflict in their home countries. However, once in Japan, they often face extremely harsh conditions: daily instability, difficulty in gaining recognition, and social isolation—all of which threaten their dignity.
We hope to approach this not as ‘someone else’s problem,’ but as a challenge our society shares. Even if only step by step, we want to work together toward solutions.
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