How can Japan help its homeless?

Being homeless is stigmatized in Japan and much of the world. Fortunately, homelessness is not as prevalent here as in other countries. The official number from the National Survey of Homelessness in Japan states the homeless population nationwide is around 5,500. For comparison, some U.S. cities such as San Francisco have over 8,000 homeless. Despite this, there are still bureaucratic and cultural hurdles for Japanese homeless people to get back on their feet.

Anyone who lives in Japan knows that sometimes companies and institutions are reluctant to bend rules, even when there is good reason to do so. During the recent Typhoon Hagibis, emergency shelter staff in Tokyo’s Taito Ward turned away some homeless people. The reason given was their lack of a registered address in the ward.

There was some outcry, notably from public figures who work to help the homeless. However, response on social media was not very compassionate. Many were not sympathetic to the homeless in question at all, saying among other things that their smell would bother other people at the shelter.

Much like in other countries, there is a tendency in Japan to stigmatize and distrust the homeless. Some even claim they don’t want to work, or that their situation is purely their fault.

This sense of shame is what prevents some homeless people from seeking the help they need. They may not want their family or friends to know the situation they’re in. This can actually complicate procedures for getting government assistance. Welfare services often require a registered address. If one can’t be provided, they ask to contact family members to prove that they can’t support the homeless person themselves.

Despite this, there is support available. Welfare services do provide temporary, shared shelter for homeless people – this is paid for by their welfare checks. These shelters, however, can be uncomfortable for some people, who end up leaving, whether temporarily or permanently.

Non-profits also provide assistance to the homeless. For example, the non-profit organization Sanyukai in Tokyo donates food and clothing to homeless people, in addition to providing a free medical clinic. Another organization, Moyai, provides assistance to those who have difficulty securing an apartment because they don’t have a guarantor.

We’ve all dealt with circumstances outside of our control at some point in our lives. I find that people are generally sympathetic in these cases, but those who fail to seek or maintain employment are often an exception.

I view judgmental attitudes towards the homeless anywhere as partly an extension of this. It seems we should realize that bad things can happen to any of us. Very few choose not to work, and nobody chooses to be homeless.

Societal shame can affect not only a homeless person’s willingness to get help, but also how they’re treated and the social safety net options available to them. The situation in Japan is still better than other countries overall. However, social attitudes and assistance procedures can be obstacles instead of aids on the path to empowerment. Much more can be done, but the most important first step is a change in how we view those less fortunate than us.