「救急車も呼べなかった…」馬産地・浦河町で孤立するインド人女性たち　27人のうち1人が外国人の町で出産や子育てを支える「多文化共生」のリアル

Currently, one of Japan's leading horse-breeding regions is supported by people from India. While Japanese and Indians work together, there are also women who have left their homelands and are isolated. Through a woman supporting Indians living in Urakawa Town, Hokkaido, we examine the nature of coexistence with foreigners. (HBC News Department: Yui Kitaoka, Reporter) [High-resolution version] 413 townspeople from India… A serious labor shortage even in a horse-breeding region These women are performing a traditional dance. It's a dance from their distant homeland, Rajasthan. They live in Urakawa Town, in the Hidaka region of Hokkaido. Even this leading horse-breeding region faces a serious labor shortage. Currently, many Indians are involved in horse production and breeding. The population is approximately 11,000. Over 400 are from India. In this town, there is a Japanese person who speaks Hindi, one of India's official languages. "Even though I was feeling unwell, I couldn't call an ambulance... I needed support." Chiharu Inaoka. Four years ago, she moved from Tokyo to Urakawa as part of the "Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team" and has been supporting Indian women ever since. Chiharu Inaoka "This is coriander leaf, cilantro. It doesn't grow in Urakawa, so I have it sent to me every week from Shihoro Town." She listens to their troubles through casual conversation. Sometimes, a sweet cup of Indian chai awaits them. Chiharu Inaoka, who supports Indian women in Urakawa Town "She has a friend who returned to India, and she's so sad it makes her cry. I go around listening to stories like that. I also help them read documents they can't read, and I do things like that once a week." She receives various consultations, including health concerns, childbirth, and childcare. Chiharu Inaoka, who supports Indians in Urakawa Town: "Indian men come of their own free will, wanting to work here. Women, on the other hand, are brought here by their husbands, they don't understand the language, and sometimes, even when they experience serious health problems, they can't call an ambulance themselves... I think they really need support." Many Indian women find themselves isolated, unable to go out as they wish due to language barriers. A 23-year-old pregnant woman is having her first child in Urakawa Town… Last year, Urakawa Town established a "Foreigner Support Center." Ms. Inaoka, at the town's request, visits about 10 households every week. Chiharu Inaoka: "Both are at the Red Cross Hospital." "The 'grandmother' is me." She has also come to know more Indian children since they were in their mothers' wombs. Urakawa Red Cross Hospital is the only hospital in town where births can take place. Parween Shazia (23), an Indian woman, is 36 weeks pregnant. This is her first childbirth. Ms. Inaoka accompanies the patient as an interpreter to prenatal checkups. The maternal and child health handbook is also in Hindi. The town began issuing them in 2020. A nurse using a translation app: "If your water breaks, we will administer antibiotics intravenously." The medical interview is conducted using a translation app. Ms. Inaoka is filling out the consent form for the "RS vaccine." She translates the explanation written in Japanese, carefully confirms it, and then signs it on behalf of the patient. Giving birth in an unfamiliar country is filled with anxieties. Doctor: "Do you have any questions?" Parween Shahzia: "(In Hindi) No." Ms. Inaoka: "No." Doctor: "You have anemia..." Support continues to help alleviate some of the anxiety. Chiharu Inaoka "I hope that Urakawa Town will provide an environment where women can feel safe becoming mothers." A horse-breeding region where Japanese and Indians work together; town-wide exchange and support Why Indians in a horse-breeding region facing labor shortages? It's because, since the British colonial era when horse racing originated, India has been skilled in handling horses, and their expertise was sought after. Towards a town where Japanese and Indians work together. The supermarket shelves also feature a unique selection of products… The supermarket "Co-op Sapporo Paseo Sakaimachi Store" in Urakawa Town has a different product selection than other stores. What stands out is the variety of milk and yogurt. In line with Indian food culture, there is also a wide selection of "halal foods." Naveen Kumar (33), a store employee "Indians love milk and yogurt. They drink milk from childhood." This is Naveen Kumar, an Indian national. Naveen Kumar (33), who studied Japanese at the prestigious Delhi University in India, joined Co-op Sapporo last year and is also involved in supporting the lives of Indian residents. "My motivation comes from helping Indians. My job is to help Indians as much as possible and to consider how they can contribute to the development of Hokkaido." One in 27 people is Indian… Traditional Indian dance to be performed at the annual C...