A United Nations research estimate indicates that by 2030 approximately 60% of the population will reside in urban areas. This trend will result in an increased influx of inhabitants to cities, presenting new challenges for peaceful coexistence. Considering these estimations, my doctoral thesis in sociology examines the topic of inclusion of newcomers in urban contexts, with a specific focus on a geographical area that has received still insufficient attention from urban sociology researchers: Japan. The significance of this research stems from the recent shift in Japan's national migration policy, which is likely to lead to the country opening its doors to a greater number of 'low-skilled' migrants.

Cities are well-known magnets for migrants due to the availability of services and opportunities. Consequently, the effects of this policy change will likely be observable in urban areas, such as my case study. The city of Hamamatsu, in particular, already has a relatively high number of foreigners compared to the national average and has implemented an extensive integration policy to foster inclusivity and sustainability. Within this framework, guided by the concept of the city as an 'inclusive machine,' my research analyses the inclusive urban practices that can be observed in Hamamatsu. In particular, the objective of my thesis is to investigate the practices that emerge outside formal integration policies and facilitate the inclusion of newcomers. In this regard, I am particularly curious about how these practices contribute to the newcomers' inclusion in the city of Hamamatsu. By employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, I intend to address this question by examining the structure of urban Japan and Hamamatsu, exploring the city's portrayal, and gaining insights into the daily lives of its residents. The conceptual framework and empirical data collected during fieldwork will be crucial in answering my research question and shedding light on a broader issue: Is Hamamatsu an inclusive city for newcomers?