For Organizations | NPO Red Look
Don't let international employees feel isolated, at work or outside it
Keeping international employees connected also means giving the Japanese colleagues who welcome them a place to meet other cultures and learn how to communicate. As a non-profit that has built a third place where Japanese and international people meet as equals, we help you work on both sides.
- First consultation free
- Sagamihara, Tokyo, online
- Organizations of any size
The challenge
More international employees than ever, yet many feel isolated at work
2.57M
International workers in Japan (record high)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, end of Oct 2025
32.6%
of international full-time employees say they feel isolated
Persol Research Institute survey (2019)
<30%
of companies offer chances to connect with colleagues or regular check-ins
Same as above
The same research shows that the lonelier employees feel, the lower their performance and their wish to stay, and that international employees have about 2.6 times as many concerns as their companies are aware of. Alongside efforts inside the workplace, a place outside work where Japanese and international people connect naturally can make a real difference.
Voices from the field
What we heard at our workshop on September 6, 2026
At the Sagamihara Global Future Session 2026, held with the support of Sagamihara City, participants from companies, local government, schools, and the community shared their views in writing. Here is a summary of the comments related to companies.
- Several participants were concerned that international employees may feel lonely or isolated
- When companies try to train staff whose Japanese is still limited, the employees doing the teaching often burn out first
- Holding back for fear of being rude can lead to explanations that are not clear enough
- The Japanese side also needs to align what management intends with what is happening on the floor
- Japanese people also need more awareness of international exchange
Source: NPO Red Look, workshop summary report for the Sagamihara Global Future Session 2026 (summarized from participants' written comments)
Our approach
A place for both: those who arrive and those who welcome
Living together is a two-way street. We believe that not only international employees but also the Japanese colleagues who welcome them need experiences with other cultures outside work.
For international employees
- Talk casually with Japanese people and others in a similar situation, outside work
- More chances to use Japanese, and people to turn to
- Connections with the local community
For Japanese employees
- Experience talking with international people as equals, outside work
- Practice communicating in English or simple Japanese
- Broaden their own international perspective and career
At Red Look's events and community, Japanese and international people take turns teaching and learning from each other.
What Red Look can do
Three ways to work with us
We don't sell a fixed package. We listen to your situation first, then propose what fits.
A place outside work for your employees
Our weekly online language exchange, in-person events in Shibuya and Sagamihara, and the online community Red Hub. Introduce them to both international and Japanese employees as places to meet people in Japanese and English.
In-house exchange and cross-cultural programs
We plan and run language exchanges and events where Japanese and international employees get to know each other, and sessions to deepen understanding of communication and culture.
Sponsorship and local partnerships (CSR)
Sponsoring events, your logo on our website, introducing your company at events, and more, as part of your commitment to an inclusive, multicultural community.
Red Look does not provide job placement services (brokering or matching job seekers). Introducing your company at events can be discussed as part of a sponsorship.
About Red Look
A place where Japanese and international people meet as equals, built with the local community
- Events hosted
- 160+
- Total across Canada, Germany, and Japan
- Total participants
- 1,600+
- Same as above; current activities are mainly in Japan
- Meetup community
- ~600
- As of Oct 2026
- Participant satisfaction (out of 5)
- 4.7–4.8
- Participant surveys, as of Sept 2026
- Held an event with the support of Sagamihara City (Sept 2026), with speakers from the Sagamihara City International Division, Winkle Inc., Aoyama Gakuin University, and the Sagamihara interpreters and translators group
- Registered as a Sagamihara SDGs Partner
- Delivered a special international understanding class at a junior high school in Sagamihara
- Spoke at the invitation of the Sagamihara Citizen Activity Support Center (Feb 2026)
- Exhibited at a citizens' festival in Sagamihara for the first time (Sept 2026)
How it works
We start by listening
- 1
Contact us
Use the form below or email us.
- 2
Hearing
We learn about your challenges and goals, online or in person.
- 3
Proposal
We propose how to work together, what to do, and the cost.
- 4
Run it together
We carry it out together as agreed.
FAQ
Before you get in touch
Is there a cost?
The first consultation is free. After that, we propose costs based on content and scale. In some cases we only ask for actual expenses.
Can you introduce candidates for us to hire?
No. Red Look does not provide job placement services. Introducing your company at events can be discussed as part of a sponsorship.
How can our employees join your events?
Anyone can join our weekly online language exchange and in-person events in Shibuya and Sagamihara through Meetup (usually free). For ongoing involvement, there is our online community Red Hub (¥1,500/month).
Can only our Japanese employees take part?
Yes. Japanese employees can also join to gain experience talking with international people as equals and to broaden their international perspective.
We are a small organization. Can we still ask?
Yes. Organizations of any size are welcome.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, and active across Tokyo and Kanagawa. Online, we can work with you wherever you are.
We don't have international employees. Can we still consult you?
Yes. We also welcome sponsorship and local partnership inquiries as part of your work toward a multicultural community.
Contact
Feel free to get in touch
We usually reply within 3 business days. The form is in Japanese; feel free to email us in English instead.