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apfseditor 
Regarding foreigners in Japanese society, new efforts are being made to accept foreigners, such as the introduction of a points-based preferential treatment system for highly skilled personnel. The Fourth Immigration Control Plan also clearly states that "we will actively promote measures to accept foreigners." However, we must not forget that there are 67,065 irregular residents in Japan (as of January 2012).
On Sunday, November 18, 2012, APFS held a Ginza parade with 34 participants, consisting of 18 families and 2 individuals, calling for legal residence for undocumented immigrants. The aim of this parade was to widely appeal to the fact that undocumented immigrants do exist in Japanese society and are facing various problems.
The 34 people, consisting of 18 families and 2 individuals, include family members, spouses of Japanese (permanent residents), and single people. Their nationalities span nine countries: Philippines, Bangladesh, Mali, Iran, Korea, Pakistan, Peru, Bolivia, and Guinea. Some have been living in Japan for more than 20 years. Some play key roles in the local community, and some are expected to look after elderly Japanese people in their old age.
In addition to the 34 people involved, many of their supporters also participated in the parade, with the total number of participants exceeding 100. They paraded through the streets of Ginza with a banner that read, "Before accepting foreigners, don't forget us." A leader of the people involved took a microphone and appealed to the people that 34 people, 18 families and 2 individuals, are seeking to stay in Japan. "We have lived honestly, and will continue to do so. Please don't forget that we are here," they said. The flyers that were prepared to be distributed on the streets were gone in an instant. Also, on the streets, there were scenes where Japanese children who were watching the parade asked their parents what activities they were doing. We were able to attract a lot of interest.
However, 34 people (18 families and 2 individuals) have already been issued deportation orders. Although they meet the "positive elements" of the "Guidelines for Special Permission to Stay" revised in July 2009, they have not yet been granted special permission to stay. The 34 people (18 families and 2 individuals) are seeking permission to stay by petitioning for reconsideration (requesting a second review in light of changes in circumstances since the issuance of the deportation order). However, even four or five years after the issuance of the deportation order, some people remain in an unstable situation because their reconsideration has not been granted.
On July 9, 2012, the revised Immigration Control Act came into force. The revised Immigration Control Act is very strict for irregular residents. Under the revised Immigration Control Act, irregular residents are excluded from resident registration and are no longer able to carry proof of identity. In Western countries, Korea, etc., when laws relating to foreigners become stricter, amnesty has been granted. Amnesty has granted regular residence to those who meet certain criteria.
The 34 people, consisting of 2 individuals from 18 families, have been living and settling in Japan for a long time. We believe that the 34 people, consisting of 2 individuals from 18 families, should not be forgotten, but should live together with us. The 34 people, consisting of 2 individuals from 18 families, and APFS hope that with the enforcement of the revised Immigration Control Act, irregular residents in Japan will also be looked upon with kindness and be granted legal residence. We ask for your continued support and cooperation.