多文化

• Reading: たぶんか
• Romaji: tabunka
• Kanji breakdown: 多 (ta) — many, much; 文 (bun) — culture, writing; 化 (ka) — change, become
• Pronunciation: /tabɯŋka/

Meaning

Multicultural; multiethnic. Pertaining to or encompassing multiple cultures or ethnicities.

Typically used as a modifier, as in 多文化社会 (multicultural society) or 多文化共生 (multicultural coexistence). As Japan's foreign resident population grows, 多文化 discourse has intensified in education, municipal policy, and public debate. The term reflects both a descriptive reality and an aspirational policy goal.

Examples

1. 多文化共生を実現するには制度的な支援が不可欠だ。 Institutional support is indispensable for achieving multicultural coexistence.
2. 増加する外国人住民とともに多文化社会への移行が進んでいる。 The transition to a multicultural society is advancing alongside the growing foreign resident population.
3. 学校での多文化教育は次世代の国際感覚を育てる。 Multicultural education in schools nurtures the next generation's international awareness.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, education, sociology, immigration

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 多 (ta) — many, and 文化 (bunka) — culture. The phrase gained currency in Japanese policy discourse in the 1990s as labour migration from Southeast Asia and Brazil increased significantly.

Cultural Context

Era: Heisei–Reiwa

Generation: All ages

Social background: General