Kirk here with the results of a survey question directed to residents of Kumamoto. Here’s a translation of the question:
— start translation — The number of foreigners living in Kumamoto Prefecture is increasing year by year. What do you think about a society where foreigners and residents live together in the community? (Please mark only one with a circle.)
Desirable 32.9 Somewhat desirable 19.9 Neither 38.4 Not very desirable 6.6 Undesirable 2.2 — end translation —
The graph compares this year’s results with last year’s. The number of folks who saw increased internationalization positively (the two shades of blue) decreased a little and those with negative views (the two shades of yellow) also decreased slightly. All in all, no big change.
Of course, I’d like to see more people viewing the internationalization of Kumamoto positively but, on the other hand, considering that anti-immigrant sentiment is rising in many parts of the world, I’d say the results aren’t all that bad.
I’ll cite my sources and put other information in comments.