Japan
Vermittlungsgebühr 120 EUR
| In Japan arbeiten wir seit langem mit der 1991 gegründeten Organisation NICE (= Never-ending International Volunteer Exchange) zusammen. Die Camps zeichnen sich durch sorgfältige Vorbereitung und hervorragende Betreuung aus. Seit 1996 kooperieren wir auch mit der Organisation CIEE-Japan, die neben umfangreichen Aktivitäten im Austausch von Studenten auch Workcamps organisiert. | |
Aktuell: Wir stehen in regelmäßigem Kontakt mit unseren Partnerorganisationen in Japan. Alle Workcamps, die in gefährdeten Regionen stattfinden, haben wir aus dem Programm genommen. Alle anderen Camps finden weiterhin statt und wurden gründlich auf ihre Sicherheit geprüft! Bitte kontaktiert uns vor einer Anmeldung zu einem Workcamp in Japan. | |
Japan NICE-12-S03 Kirikiri 2 (Iwate) 25.06.-08.07.2012 ENVI/CULT 4vols
Organized since 2011 together with Kirikiri-Koku, a NPO which local people set up after the giant earthquake to stand up again and revive the area. They chopped and reused the rubbles of woods into firewood and sold 5,000 packs x 5 kg of them by 2011 Sep with vols. Then, they have been working to revive the rich and beautiful forests and sea like 100 years ago since 2011 Oct. NICE has organized several workcamps here with Japanese and international volunteers since 2011.
WORK: We will mainly collect and carry woods from the forests, so be flexible and also ready to do hard, simple and (could be) risky work. By removing some overplanted trees, various grasses and bushes can be grown, that will bring more bacteria, that will be carried to the sea and enrich the nutrition!
STUDY PART: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: A small container house in the working place and sometimes, in tents or different buildings.
LOCATION: East coast of Iwate prefecture. Due to rich natural resource of fish, shells, etc, the main industry has been fishing. People have quite independent spirits from a long time ago.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
Volunteers for longer stays (09/06-02/09 are also recruited.
Japan NICE-12-45 Showa-mura 3 (Fukushima) 26.06.-24.07.2012 ENVI 6vols
Organized together with Choma-Club (CC) since 2008. CC is the local NPO to work on the community revitalization activities such as supporting elderly farmers, community festivals, utilization of vacant houses as a guesthouse and an atelier cafe in the small village, the number of vacant houses and abandoned farms have been rapidly increasing. This year, participants will have the opportunity to share about the revival of Fukushima, along with local people.
WORK: We will mainly support elderly farmers to work on their farm such as cutting glasses, sharing ideas about community development with local community leaders and spread the message of challenge of revival of Fukushima through the internet such as Facebook.
STUDY PART: Revival of Fukushima! Community development from the disaster in your country. Please bring info.
ACCOMMODATION: The old school buildings in the small community.
LOCATION: Mountain village in Okuaizu-area. South west part of Fukushima. The population is about 1,400.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (5 hours from Tokyo by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 07:30 on First day, and can leave there after 20:00 on last day.)
ACCOMMODATION: Excursions, nature walk, experience the local weaving called Karamushi (Ramie), etc.
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in revival of Fukushima, community development, Japanese village life, agricultural works.
Japan NICE-12-35 Maki 2 (Nagano) 27.06.-08.07.2012 AGRI/MANU 8vols
Organized together with Maki Farm of Kyodo Gakusha (KG) since 2000. KG is a NPO running 5 organic farming communities in Japan where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, those who want to learn farming, etc. in order to change our society from competitive to cooperative. Maki Farm has 5-10 members and is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains), so once it became an abandon village in 1970s.
WORK: We will help their organic farming (weeding in rice and vegetable fields, planting vegetables, taking care of goats and chicken) and also carry the things from the town, renovate the trails, help their house work, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (05:30-18:00 with some brakes) and hard.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (4 hours by express train or 8-10 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 04:00 on 27 Jun. and can leave there after 24:00 on 10 Jul.)
REQUIREMENTS: Good Japanese language is not necessary, but still welcomed. You need to be physically strong and flexible to respect the way of the local host. Motivation letter is needed!
Japan NICE-12-S04 SYKirikiri 3 (Iwate) 09.07.-22.07.2012 ENVI/CULT 4vols
Organized since 2011 together with Kirikiri-Koku, a NPO which local people set up after the giant earthquake to stand up again and revive the area. They chopped and reused the rubbles of woods into firewood and sold 5,000 packs x 5 kg of them by 2011 Sep with vols. Then, they have been working to revive the rich and beautiful forests and sea like 100 years ago since 2011 Oct. NICE has organized several workcamps here with Japanese and international 19 volunteers since 2011.
WORK: We will mainly collect and carry woods from the forests, so be flexible and also ready to do hard, simple and (could be) risky work. By removing some overplanted trees, various grasses and bushes can be grown, that will bring more bacteria, that will be carried to the sea and enrich the nutrition!
STUDY PART: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: A small container house in the working place and sometimes, in tents or different buildings.
LOCATION: East coast of Iwate prefecture. Due to rich natural resource of fish, shells, etc, the main industry has been fishing. People have quite independent spirits from a long time ago.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
Volunteers for longer stays 31/08-25/11) are also recruited.
Japan CIEEJ1205 HAGI#1 15.07.-22.07.2012 CULT 5vols
HAGI Program Part 1 and Part 2 comprise one consecutive program.
BACKGROUND: Kawakami Sughinoko-Mura(village) is located 40 min by car from the downtown of Hagi city which faces the Japanese Sea. Abu-river runs through Hagi city, and it rises in the area where this village is located. The natural beauty is just about abundant in the area. The village is in a depopulated area where only around 10 families with elderly and no children live. The host organization has been working for the community, cooperating with the local people, the libraries in the area and the local welfare council on the activities such as studying the local history, facilitating intercultural and intergenerational communications, and so on. Volunteers’ work will be around an old schoolhouse, which was an elementary school closed 33 years ago. This school was called “Notoro elementary school” and it had a history of one hundred and three years!
WORK:
・ Volunteers will help with maintenance of the facilities and clean the area. (3-4hours per a day)
・ Clean the Abugawa historical museum. (1 day)
・ When any lecture is scheduled, volunteers will be asked to help to organize, join and clean it up after the event.
・ Planning and preparing for the farewell party with international cuisines.
・ 1or 2 nights Homestay (available)
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in the old schoolhouse.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bath heated by burning wood. No internet.
MEALS: Volunteers are asked to cook by themselves, sometimes together with local people.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring clothes which are suitable for activities such as sweat shirts, pants, and sneakers and long sleeved items for colder days. Please bring toiletries, towels and other items for your daily life.
NOTE: Volunteers are requested to introduce their own countries by showing photos and maps, to teach children’s songs and plays, or to introduce a recipe.
LOCATION: Hagi city is located in Yamaguchi prefecture, in the west part of Honshu, the mainland of Japan and faces the Japan Sea. It is a small local city with population of 55,000. There still remain historical monuments from the Edo period. It is also famous for producing political leaders during the Meiji Restoration and afterwards. It takes 80 minutes by bus from the nearest Shinkansen station, “Shin Yamaguchi.”
AIRPORT: Kansai International AIRPORT (domestic line: Hagi iwami/Yamaguchi Ｕbe AIRPORT)
TERMINAL: JR Shinome STATION
REMARKS: Since there are various duties, volunteers who have interests in many fields and spirits of challenge are desirable. Volunteers who love nature and rural life in Japan are welcome. You have the opportunity to communicate with people of all generations. So you may need to prepare for the events to present your country in several ways. Such as games, dance, songs and performances of your country and so on.
Japan NICE-12-48+57 Kodomo-mura (Oita) 18.07.-24.08.2012 KIDS 8vols
Organized with Kodomo-mura Project since 1998. Every year, they run a summer vacation kids program called ‘Kodomo-mura’ (Kids Village = KV) with 30 kids aged 8-15 years of age. They play, cook and live in nature as they learn independence, sensitivity, group cooperation, and a global understanding and interest in different cultures. Volunteers need to be prepared to spend 24 hours with the kids for this period (except for a few days off).
WORK: We will help out and live together with kids in the Kids Village supporting activities and sharing your culture. We will encourage the kid’s independence and creativity by letting them plan the schedule, so you will need to respect their ideas!
STUDY PART: Life of children in each country and their activities, games and hobbies. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Community center and Tents.
LOCATION: Small village in the mountains, in the very center of Kyushu Island
TERMINAL: Fukuoka (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive by 11:00 on 20 Jul. and can leave there after 15:00 on 24 Aug.). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train and 12 hours by midnight bus (you need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on 19 Jul. and leave there from 11:00 on 25 Aug.)
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers need to join the full period (20/07-24/08) and should love kids and speak and understand some Japanese. Responsibility, group cooperativeness and motivation are necessary! Specialist in games, songs, cooks and similar types of experience is welcome. Motivation letter is required.
Japan NICE-12-49 Yasuoka (Nagano) 20.07.-31.08.2012 KIDS 5vols
Camplanguage is Japanese!
Organized together with Green Wood (GW) since 07. GW is a local NPO established in 1993 to promote education of children by experience in nature. They run a school for students from cities, first aid classes, kids exchange projects in the northeast Asia and various types of children’s nature experience camps for community planning. They have many staff members and also short term volunteers (for several days), but need a few longer term volunteers to run the summer program stably.
WORK: We will assist to run various types of 3-10 days children’s summer camps such as playing with kids, managing safety, food and other stuffs, helping kids to cook, preparing and cleaning the places. We will be separated to each program to work with local staff, so don’t expect to be there as a group.
STUDY PART: Kids play scheme in each country. Bring some info.!
ACCOMMODATION: Tents in the camping site.
LOCATION: The south edge of Nagano prefecture and 80% of the village land is forests. 40% of 2,000 inhabitants are aged 65 or more. They have rich nature and a lot of fruit farms!
TERMINAL: Tokyo (5-6 hours by highway bus and slow train. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 06:00 on 20 Jul. and can leave there after 17:00 on 31 Aug.).
LACCOMMODATION: Various enjoyable programs with children, exchange parties, etc.
REQUIREMENTS: Very high motivation to work with kids all day and run outdoor activities even in rain. Good Japanese language and a motivation letter is needed! The common language is Japanese.
Japan NICE-12-52 Samegawa (Fukushima) 21.07.-13.08.2012 KIDS 13vols
Organized together with Abukuma Nature School Network (ANSN). Their theme is learning from soil and nature, and live together!) And to make it into practice, ANSN organizes many programs for ranging from kids to adults such as a nature school, classrooms for farmers, foresters and organic farming groups, 2 weeks nature camps for kids, etc. They are hoping to make these programs more active and make better relationship between local community and organization.
WORK: We will prepare and assist to run various types of 3-10 days children’s summer camps such as playing with kids, managing safety, food and other stuffs, helping kids to cook, preparing and cleaning the places. We also do agricultural work with kids.
ACCOMMODATION: Share room of the nature school.
LOCATION: Small village in the forest area, the population is about 5,000, surrounded by rich nature. The temperature in the winter can be minus 5 to 10 though the inside buildings are warm enough!
TERMINAL: Tokyo (2 and a half hours from Tokyo by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 08:00 on 25 Jul. and can leave there after 18:00 on 12 Aug.)
REQUIREMENTS: Strong motivation to work with the host and live in the remote area with a lot of nature, respect to the local custom and life, flexibility, friendliness, positive mind and those who likes children. Experience of similar types of work is welcome!
Japan CIEEJ1210 TENKI-MURA #1 22.07.-04.08.2012 ENVI/KIDS/CULT 3vols
BACKGROUND: In Japan, children are having fewer chances to talk with elderly people in the neighbourhood and also they tend to stay home playing video games. TENKIMURA was established in 1987 to reconsider and improve the situation in which children are put, and to help their healthier growth. This organization has many programs and organizes events related to nature activities for children, aiming to create a better local community and offer supports to parents in the children’s education. The slogan is “The earth is a playground!” Lots of local people are involved in the events as supporters and TENKIMURA provides children with chances to explore the nature, and hopefully, the event will stay in their minds as a precious memory for the rest of their life.
WORK: This program consists of two sections. 1: Camp for children, 2: Repair work on old, traditional Japanese-style houses.
As for 1: The summer camp is a program for elementary school children (6 to 12 years old). Volunteers will be expected to act as their leaders. You will cook, play in the river and do other activities with children while making sure they are all safe.
As for 2: Volunteers will stay at Japanese-style old thatched house and participate in repair work on those houses. You can experience the former life-style in Japan and see how nature was close to the life of people in the past. Volunteers will have opportunities to visit the facility for the elderly, later.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be staying at the camping site for the first half of the program and will be accommodated in the office, an old house, for the second part.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Bedding will be limited, and you may need a sleeping bag in some part of the stay. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. A small shop, public phone, Internet café are available nearby.
MEALS: Volunteers are expected to cook by themselves, sometimes with children. Food will be provided. During the camp, cooking is done in the camping site, and after the camp, a kitchen in the office is available.
WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers need to bring a sleeping bag, swimwear, work clothes and something to introduce your country with, such as a game. You need clothing which is suitable for the activities, such as T-shirts, pants, and sneakers. Long-sleeved shirts and a hat/cap are a must. In addition to the clothing, please bring toiletries, towels and other things you need in your daily life.
LOCATION: Shiga prefecture is in the central part of Japan and is famous for Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in the country, which occupies one sixth of the total area of the prefecture. Kusatsu City lies to the south of the lake and has over 110,000 residents. The city served as one of “Sekisho”, ancient checkpoints on Five Main Highways in Edo period (1615-1867) and used to be a busy place with many tourists. It takes about 20 minutes by train to get to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan with lots of historical sites, and about 2 hours by express trains to get to Kansai International AIRPORT.
TERMINAL: Kansai International AIRPORT/JR Kusatsu STATION
URL: NPO Children Network Center Tenkimura: http://www.biwako.ne.jp/~nt-tenki/
REMARKS: Japanese skills (intermediate level is preferable) would be helpful for communication with kids. This camp is suitable for nature and children lover. Volunteers who are physically tough in repairing old traditional houses, are also welcome.
Japan CIEEJ1206 HAGI#2 23.07.-28.07.2012 KIDS/TEACH/CULT 5vols
HAGI Program Part 1 and Part 2 comprise one consecutive program.
BACKGROUND: Hagi Koen Gakuin -“Ko” of Koen means Lights, and “En” Salt respectively. This is a name taken from Bible - “You are the light of the world. You are the salt of the earth.” Koen Gakuin is a private mission school and was established in 1955. The size of the school is small, with only 160 students (from 7th to 12th graders). Their education is focused on religious field (Catholic) and English. Further information：http://www.hagikoen.jp/ (in JAPANESE only)
WORK: Volunteers will help to prepare “Summer English Program” in the school and join the classes to give the students the chance to speak English for inter-cultural exchange purposes. Volunteers are also asked to clean the facilities where they stay.
ACCOMMODATION: A dormitory of Yamaguchi University of Human Welfare and Culture is available. It is new and clean.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Desk, chair, bed, kitchen, closet, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom with bathtub and shower, air conditioner, and internet environment are available. You’ll enjoy the magnificent view of Japan Sea from the window of your room.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner will be provided.
WHAT TO BRING: White shirt with collar, and black, navy or beige trousers. Volunteers will be requested to introduce their countries and cultures with their photos and maps. Please bring recipes, children’s songs, and children’s plays as well.
LOCATION: Hagi is located in Yamaguchi prefecture, in the west part of Honshu, the Mainland of Japan, and faces the Sea of Japan. It is a small local city with population 55,000. There still remain historical monuments from the Edo period. It is also well known to produce great political leaders during the Meiji Restoration and afterwards. It takes 80 minutes by bus from the nearest Shinkansen station, Shin Yamaguchi.
AIRPORT: Yamaguchi Ube Airport/ Iwami Airport/Kansai International Airport
TERMINAL: JR Shin Yamaguchi Station
URL: http://www.city.hagi.yamaguchi.jp/portal/
REMARKS: Volunteers who are willing to play with children and interested in English education for children are most welcome.
Japan NICE-12-51 Iwatesan (Iwate) 24.07.-02.08.2012 KIDS/CULT 10vols
Organized together with Local group since 2012, a giant earthquake occurred in the eastern part of Japan on March 11th, causing unprecedented damage. 80% of the houses have gotten damaged by the earthquake in Rikuzentakata, and so many people still have to live in the temporary house. Kids could not enjoy the school playground because there is so many temporary houses. So we would like to give the chance for Kids to enjoy the outdoor activates in their summer varcation.
WORK: We will help out and live together with kids in the Kids Village supporting activities and sharing your culture. We will encourage the kid’s independence and creativity by letting them plan the schedule, so you will need to respect their ideas!
STUDY PART: Best practice to revive disaster areas in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Youth center.
LOCATION: South east edge of Iwate prefecture (very near from Miyagi). Forestry, agriculture and fishing are used to be the main industry though they were severely damaged and may take several years to be rehabilitated.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 on 23 Jul. and can leave there after 09:00 on 03 Aug.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
Japan CIEEJ1212 Hiroshima 26.07.-07.08.2012 FEST/CULT 4vols
PROJECT: This camp is organized by two different groups. One is a specified non-profit organization “Yomogi no atelier” which offers many kinds of domestic services to the aged or physically/socially handicapped people, and another is an artists’ group called “NPO Project Now” with their activities based in Hiroshima, and their object is to organize an event aimed for atomic-bombed day this year, showing the productions worked out on a concept “Atomic weapons and I”. The first half of the camp will be dedicated to the work of Yomogi no atelier, and the latter half will be with the artists’ group.
WORK:
・Agricultural work and making lunch boxes (at NPO Yomogi no atelier)
・Assisting English teaching class for teenagers (at NPO Yomogi no atelier)
・Experiencing Japanese culture (at Mrs, Todo’s house. Mrs.Todo is one of the host families)
・Preparation for an event on 06/08 (NPO Project NOW!)
・Preparing the venue for the event of Peace Camp, pitching up tents, and cleaning the venue when the event is over. (with NPO Project NOW!)
・Participating in the Peace Memorial Service and other related services (with NPO Project NOW!)
ACCOMMODATION: 26/7-01/8 Volunteers will be accommodated in the house in Kumano-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima. 02-03/8 Home stay. Each volunteer member will be accommodated in a house of a local host family. Volunteers should expect and respect some house rules of the family they stay with. 04-07/8 Volunteers will be accommodated in tents on the campus of Hiroshima City University. You need your sleeping bag during this period. Bedding will be provided for the accommodation period ① and ② above. There will be a washer, a small kitchen, a lavatory and a shower room. Internet access is available at the office. Public phone and a convenient store are available nearby when you are staying with a host family. However, for the period ③ above, when you sleep in tent, you will need to bring anything you need. All meals will be provided. Breakfast and supper will be cooked by volunteers with the foodstuff supplied, and the lunch will be provided at the work places.
LOCATION: NPO Yomogi no atelier and Project NOW! are located in Hiroshima city, which has overcome and recovered from the tragedy of atomic bombing and now is the biggest city in Chugoku-Shikoku Region.
URL: NPO Yomogi no atelier (JAPANESE): http://yomoginoatorie.com/
Project NOW! (ENGLISH) http://www.p-now.com/?lang=en
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Please bring a sleeping bag, clothes which are suitable for activities such as T-shirts, pants, and sneakers. Please bring toiletries, towels and other items for daily life. For outdoor activities, you may need a hat/cap and rainwear. Volunteers are requested to introduce their own countries by showing photos and maps, teaching children’s songs and plays, or introducing recipes.
Volunteers have to change their accommodation places three times according to the change of working places. And so does the contents of the work. This is the camp for the volunteers with an appetite for leaning and exploring the new world unknown to you yet.
We strongly recommend you to study well about Hiroshima, before coming to Japan.
TERMINAL: Kansai International Airport or Hiroshima airport, JR Hiroshima train station.
EXTRA COSTS: Volunteers have to bear transportation cost both between JR Hiroshima station (Meeting point) and Kumano-cho (where you stay), and between JR Hiroshima station and Hiroshima City University (the venue of Peace camp). The cost will be approximately 2,500 JPY (ca. 25€) in total for 26/07 – 07/08.
Japan NICE-12-53 Kuromatsunai (Hokkaido) 27.07.-14.08.2012 KIDS 6vols
Organized together with Buna-no-mori Shizen Gakko (nature school with beech forests) since 03. BSG was started in 1998 to promote quality and quantity of ecological education for kids and run various kinds of kids programs. They have a summer vacation program around 27/07-15/08 with about 20-25 kids aged 8-15 where they enjoy canoe, playing in the coast and river, camping, etc. and want to put global colors which should grow understanding and passion to different cultures in those kids.
WORK: We will help to run this summer program by playing with kids, running cultural programs such as teaching your dance, songs, arts, sports, games, cooking, etc. and helping house works such as cleaning and cooking with professional staffs and other vols. You won’t have much free time.
STUDY PART: Life of kids in each country to be introduced to the kids there. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Old school (you will sleep in the same rooms with the kids by turns).
LOCATION: South west of Hokkaido Island. Full of beautiful nature with national reserve of beech forests, a river and wetland. Main industry is cattle farming.
TERMINAL: Sapporo (2 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Shin-Chitose airport by 06:00 on 27 Jul. and can leave there after 18:00 on 14 Aug.). From Tokyo, 13 hours by bullet train or 32 hours by ship.
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work with kids all day and to run outdoor activities even in rain. Similar types of experience and Japanese speaking skill are welcome! Motivation letter is needed!
Japan NICE-12-55 Rokkasho (Aomori) 01.08.-10.08.2012 ENVI/AGRI 8vols
Organized together with Touhoku Ashitanomori (TA) since 2011 (but first time for the short term with NICE). TA is a NPO runnning organic farming and agricultical practice. Rokkasho villadge is known by nuclear fuel processing facility, but TA set up the mission to set up the eco village only. We aim to farming through workcamps, also conservation these mountains to save water, and activate the area.
WORK: We will work in the farm doing activities, constructing small water power generator, constructing henhouse by which we can contribute to eco villadge fraiming. We will also clean up the cow shed early morning.
STUDY PART: Similar type of eco-villadge communities in each country. Bring some info..!
ACCOMMODATION: movable house.
LOCATION: On the percific side, Aomori prefecture. The Rokkasho villadge is 253.01 km2. There are so many tee trees to tree thinning.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus, You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 on 31 Jul. and can leave there after 09:00 on 11 Aug.)
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in agricultural & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple lifestyle!
Japan CIEEJ1216 HIGASHI HIRAKAWA-MURA 02.08.-15.08.2012 ENVI/RENO/CULT 15vols
BACKGROUND: Higashi Shirakawa-Mura Board of Education offers this program in cooperation with Nagoya University of Commerce & Business Administration and invites international volunteers to this small village which may not be a well-known tourist spot, but nevertheless, has many attractive things and places to visit. It is a great opportunity for volunteers to enjoy Japanese traditional pastoral scene and life!
WORK: There are several tasks waiting for you:
1. Cultural exchange activity with junior high school students: Volunteers will visit a junior high school to have cultural exchange with 9th graders (14-15 y.o). For instance, you will learn Japanese traditional Origami or Calligraphy and play sports together. Activities are designed to help the students open their mind and understand the international society.
2. Helping with kids program: Volunteers will join the Canoeing program for elementary school students that and do canoeing along the river nearby. (6 -11 y.o.).
3. Helping with events: Volunteers will help local people organizing a summer dance festival and other events.
4. Experiencing the local industry, timber industry: Volunteers will participate in the activities such as tree thinning, pruning and land-cleaning. You will work with people in their 30s to 60s.
5. Cleaning cultural facilities: Volunteers will clean up shrines etc. You will work with people in 60s to 80s.
6. Helping NPO, Aozora Kenbun Juku: Volunteers will interact with children and staff and work on maintenance of hiking trails. Maintenance of roads includes thinning and cleaning sidewalks. Volunteers will help organizing a camp for children of 6 to 12 y.o
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in the office of Kanda Shrine.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: There is no bed, so a sleeping bag is necessary. There are a washer, a kitchen, and a shower room. Library where you can use Internet and also a small shop are located close by.
MEALS: Volunteers will be expected to cook by themselves. Food stuff will be provided.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a sleeping bag, clothing suitable for activities, such as long sleeved items, pants, a hat/cap, cotton gloves, and sneakers durable for outdoor works. Towels and a water bottle/canteen are necessary. Sandals and short pants are not appropriate for the type of work here. If you love fishing, please bring fishing tackle.
NOTE: Basic Japanese knowledge would be helpful for the communication with the villagers.
LOCATION: Higashi Shirakawa-Mura is located in the central part of Japan, near the Hida Mountains which are very famous for its beautiful scenery among climbers and tourists. Also, volunteers may have a chance to visit "Shirakawago", a newly registered “World Heritage”. This is the place for nature lovers!
AIRPORT: Central Japan International AIRPORT
STATION: JR Higashi Shirakawaguchi STATION
URL：Higashi Shirakawa-Mura Town Office: http://www.vill.higashishirakawa.lg.jp/
REMARKS: Works planned in this program consist of a lot of outdoor activities in the forest. Please be prepared for the outdoor work in terms of clothing and belongings. Occasionally, volunteers have to work under the sun with extreme heat of the summer. A hat/cap, water bottle and a bug repellent are useful. Please give work the highest priority. Five hours a day, five days a week. Please be reminded also, that the villagers are not used to seeing people from overseas and they may look at you with curiosity, but no offence meant. Schedule is fixed including sight-seeing, free-time and day-offs.
Japan NICE-12-58 Hanawa (Fukushima) 03.08.-18.08.2012 FEST/ART 10vols (no more female)
Organized together with KOBOSHA, a local NPO for community planning, since 1996. We will join the summer festival called ‘TORO NAGASHI’ that is a memorial service for an ancestor by making a lantern and floating it down a river. We will make large TORO (2 x 2 meters) for the festival in this workcamp. We aim to mobilize the area with workcamps. Through workcamps, the local community will be much more activated, redeveloping pride for their community and revival FUKUSHIMA!
WORK: We will mainly help and join the festival by making four big lanterns ‘TORO’ (2 x 2 meters) and hundreds of small lanterns together with local students. You can design your own large ‘TORO’ in this festival. It will be physically challenging work.
STUDY PART: Unique festivals in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Public Sports Center.
LOCATION: Small town in the southern part of Fukushima. 100km far from Fukushima nuclear power plant and the level of radioactivity is 0.15 mSv/h.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (5 hours from Tokyo by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 07:30 on Frist day. and can leave there after 20:00 on last day.)
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in Japanese culture, making big lanterns (‘TORO’) and working with locals!
Japan NICE-12-61 Ogata (Oita) 04.08.-19.08.2012 KIDS/AGRI/FEST 10vols
Organized together with a local group formed specifically for this project by various people such as the local governmental staff, organic farmers and the community since 2002. The population of Ogata town was 6,500 and then has been incorporated into Bungo-ono city. People from Ogata are migrating to big cities and with declining birthrates, they face the problems of an ageing population. The goal of this workcamp is to energize and engage the community.
WORK: We will (a) be divided into 3-4 groups and help local farmers such as cutting brush and harvesting vegetables, (b) join a kids’ activity which is held for few days and (c) help to prepare, run and clean up after “the Kodai festival” that is a very traditional festival.
STUDY PART: Effective cases to activate depopulated areas in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Public hall.
LOCATION: Ogata is a very beautiful town famous for it’s tulips. There is a large waterfall that is known as “the Oriental Niagara Falls”. It is located near the border of Oita and Kumamoto prefectures.
TERMINAL: Fukuoka airport (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive by 09:00 on 04 Aug. and can leave there after 15:00 on 19 Aug.). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train and 12 hours by midnight bus (you need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on 03 Aug. and leave there from 11:00 on 20 Aug.)
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in nature, agriculture and the project of the workcamp.
Japan NICE-12-66 Ogi (Niigata) 12.08.-31.08.2012 ENVI/FEST 6vols (no more female)
Organized together with “Morito”, a local voluntary group in Sado Island, since 2001. They maintain the school forest called “Furusato-no-mori Park” in Ogi town, on the southern part of the island. They make it possible for the community to enjoy the forest in every season. They are now trying to focus on caring for the forest in a joint effort with the community. They hope youth and foreign volunteers will mentally and physically help to empower the area.
WORK: We will participate in the famous art festival “Earth Celebration” and sell soba (buckwheat Japanese noodles) with the local people. We will also work in the school forests, cutting bushes and creating recreation programs for local youth to experience the forest. Part of the World Tanabata Action.
STUDY PART: Unique festivals in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Tents.
LOCATION: 300 km northeast of Tokyo. Sado Island is famous for gold and the Japanese crested ibis. Ogi is in the southern part beside the beach, where you can enjoy fishing and the hot spring!
TERMINAL: Tokyo (3.5 hours by express train/ 8 hours by highway bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 on 11 Aug. and can leave there after 11:00 on 1 Sep.)
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in nature protection & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple lifestyle!
Japan NICE-12-67 Kita-kyushu (Fukuoka) 15.08.-28.08.2012 KIDS/FEST 10vols
Organized together with a local group formed for this project since 2007. Every year, they run a summer vacation kids program with 30 kids aged 8-15 years of age. They play, cook and live in nature as they learn independence, sensitivity, group cooperation, and a global understanding and interest in different cultures. Volunteers need to be prepared to spend 24 hours with the kids for this period (except for a few days off).
WORK: We will help out and live together with kids in the Kids Village supporting activities and sharing your culture. We will encourage the kid’s independence and creativity by letting them plan the schedule, so you will need to respect their ideas!
STUDY PART: Life of children in each country and their activities, games and hobbies. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Community center.
LOCATION: The north part of Kyushu with a population is 1 million.
TERMINAL: Fukuoka (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by 11:00 on 15 Aug. and can leave there after 15:00 on 28 Aug.). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train and 12 hours by midnight bus (you need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on 14 Aug. and leave there from 11:00 on 29 Aug.)
Japan CIEEJ1219 Izu-oshima#1/TOKYO 16.08.-30.08.2012 SOCI/RENO/DISA 4vols
BACKGROUND: The host institution, "Musashino-Kai" runs many facilities for the retarded, and/or elderly people, and orphans. They accept people who are physically or mentally challenged and in need of help in their daily lives. For example, the people can take a bath and have meals with help of care workers. Rehabilitation and recreation programs are also offered. The staff also provides a visiting-home helper service to help people take a bath, to cook their meals and to do other general help in their daily lives. There are 2 facilities, Oshima Megumi-no-Sono and Oshima Megumi-no-Sono#2 in Oshima Island, and approximately 80 mentally challenged people are living with support in each facility.
WORK: Volunteers will be engaged in maintenance of the facilities, such as cleaning, etc. You will also help people living in the facility with their daily routines, such as taking a bath, eating meals and doing exercise. Volunteers will also join activities such as ceramic arts and crafts and be encouraged to interact with the people at the facility.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in the dormitory.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. A TV, an air conditioner and a refrigerator furnished.
MEALS: All meals will be provided in the dormitory.
WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers are encouraged to bring work clothes (long sleeved shirts and long pants), indoor shoes, a hat/cap and a swimwear to use when helping with the resident’s bath time.
NOTE: Volunteers who are broad-minded, friendly and always ready with a smile when talking to the people are most welcome. Basic Japanese skill would be helpful to communicate with people.
LOCATION: Oshima is 1 hour and 45 minutes away by high speed boat from Takeshiba or 30 minutes flight from Haneda Airport. The sea around the island is so beautiful that it is very popular among snorkelers and divers.
AIRPORT: Narita International AIRPORT
TERMINAL: Takeshiba Passenger Boat TERMINAL (JR Hamamatsu-cho STATION)
URL： Izu Oshima Turist Information: http://www.town.oshima.tokyo.jp/english/index.html
Oshima meguminosono: http://www.oshima-megumi.jp/
Tokai Kisen Co. Ltd.: http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/
REMARKS: PLEASE be aware: it is the facility for MENTALY CHALLENGED PEOPLE. Volunteers who studied the field of welfare or social security or who have experiences of similar activities are most desirable. Volunteers need to have some understanding of people who are mentally handicapped (with autism disorder, Down syndrome etc.) or developmentally disabled, and also need to have basic skills of nursing care.
Japan CIEEJ1220 Izu-oshima#2/TOKYO 16.08.-30.08.2012 SOCI/RENO/DISA 4vols
BACKGROUND: The host institution, "Musashino-Kai" runs many facilities for the retarded, and/or elderly people, and orphans. They accept people who are physically or mentally challenged and in need of help in their daily lives. For example, the people can take a bath and have meals with help of care workers. Rehabilitation and recreation programs are also offered. The staff also provides a visiting-home helper service to help people take a bath, to cook their meals and to do other general help in their daily lives. There are 2 facilities, Oshima Megumi-no-Sono and Oshima Megumi-no-Sono#2 in Oshima Island, and approximately 80 mentally challenged people are living with support in each facility.
WORK: Volunteers will be engaged in maintenance of the facilities, such as cleaning, etc. You will also help people living in the facility with their daily routines, such as taking a bath, eating meals and doing exercise. Volunteers will also join activities such as ceramic arts and crafts and be encouraged to interact with the people at the facility.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in the dormitory.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. A TV, an air conditioner and a refrigerator furnished.
MEALS: All meals will be provided in the dormitory.
WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers are encouraged to bring work clothes (long sleeved shirts and long pants), indoor shoes, a hat/cap and a swimwear to use when helping with the resident’s bath time.
NOTE: Volunteers who are broad-minded, friendly and always ready with a smile when talking to the people are most welcome. Basic Japanese skill would be helpful to communicate with people.
LOCATION: Oshima is 1 hour and 45 minutes away by high speed boat from Takeshiba or 30 minutes flight from Haneda Airport. The sea around the island is so beautiful that it is very popular among snorkelers and divers.
AIRPORT: Narita International AIRPORT
TERMINAL: Takeshiba Passenger Boat TERMINAL (JR Hamamatsu-cho STATION)
URL： Izu Oshima Turist Information: http://www.town.oshima.tokyo.jp/english/index.html
Oshima meguminosono: http://www.oshima-megumi.jp/
Tokai Kisen Co. Ltd.: http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/
REMARKS: PLEASE be aware: it is the facility for MENTALY CHALLENGED PEOPLE. Volunteers who studied the field of welfare or social security or who have experiences of similar activities are most desirable. Volunteers need to have some understanding of people who are mentally handicapped (with autism disorder, Down syndrome etc.) or developmentally disabled, and also need to have basic skills of nursing care.
Japan CIEEJ1229 Nagi-machi / OKAYAMA 16.08.-29.08.2012 ENVI/CULT 2vols
PROJECT: Local sponsor Nagi International Exchange Association has just been founded, to accommodate an increasing request for international exchange opportunities among the citizens of Nagi. The number of the members is just 15, but all of them are quite active in terms of social activities, and they often belong to more than one activity groups. This will be the first international workcamp they organize. All members are excited, and are looking forward to meeting volunteers from all over the world.
WORK: ・Organizing and attending local summer festivals.
・Cleaning parks, shrines and temples, and mountain trails.
・Japanese traditional culture experiences, such as calligraphy, pottery, woodwork, Ikebana - Japanese flower arrangement
・Kabuki-this is the traditional local entertainment in Nagi.
・Meeting with young children or babies and their mothers.
ACCOMMODATION: Each volunteer will be accommodated in the house of a local host family. Volunteers should expect and respect the house rules of the family they stay with. Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. Internet accessibility is up to the family you stay. Please note that volunteers will be staying at the house of a host family. Please always ask for permission of the family when you wish to use, for example, a washer or a kitchen, etc. You may need to do the laundry by yourself or will be washed together with the laundry of family’s and be asked to help with it. Please be flexible and helpful. All three meals will be provided.
LOCATION: Nagi-machi is located in Okayama prefecture. It is famous for beautiful landscapes and the nearest mountain, Nagi-san, is designated as one of the quasi-national parks of Japan. Town Nagi is surrounded with beautiful nature and at the same time, abundant with historic spots such as old temples and shrines.
URL: Nagi-machi tourist association (Japanese) http://www.town.nagi.okayama.jp/statics/tourist/index.html
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Clothing need to be suitable for activities, such as T-shirts, pants, and sneakers. Long-sleeved shirts and a hat/cap are a must. In addition to clothing, please bring toiletries, towels and other things you need for your daily life. Rubber boots and rubber gloves are necessary for the cleaning work.
During the program, you will be frequently asked to introduce yourself in interchange events. Please be prepared. (Photos, CD, books, magazines, toys, games, snacks etc.) Volunteers are expected to study about Japanese culture and custom in advance. During the camp, volunteers are to use bicycle when they commute between the host family’s house and a workplace. All participants must be able to ride a bicycle!!
Home stay: If you are on any strict diet, please inform in advance what you can and cannot eat. Keep your host family’s phone numbers (home and mobile) with you all the time during the stay. Refrain from going out at night.
Most important thing is to build a good relationship with your host family:
-Help them with housework, as you are a member of the family.
-Ask the family if they have already made a plan for Sundays and Saturdays for you. Remember, the purpose of the work camp is to build a good international relationship between volunteers and the citizens of Nagi. You are strongly expected to spend time together with your host family. Always ask and check with the family, before you make your own schedules for weekends.
TERMINAL: Kansai International Airport, JR Katsumata Station.
Japan NICE-12-70 Hoshino (Fukuoka) 18.08.-28.08.2012 ENVI/KIDS/EDU 10vols (no more female)
Organized together with a local group formed for this project since 1999. This village has received the first prize at the national contests for visibility of beautiful stars in the sky and tiered paddy fields. In spite of the town’s natural heritage, depopulation (especially of youth) is a serious problem here similarly to many other parts of the country side in Japan. We aim to help with nature conservation and to activate the area through workcamps.
WORK: We will work in the forests doing activities such as hiking and cutting bushes in maintenance of the forest by which we can contribute to nature conservation through global voluntary power. We will also join a kid’s camp, which will be held in this village for few days.
STUDY PART: Effective cases of activated depopulated areas in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: A community center.
LOCATION: Small village surrounded by mountains, about 50 km southeast of Fukuoka, very scenic. There was a national summit for the protection of beautiful tiered rice paddies held in Hoshino in 2000.
TERMINAL: Fukuoka (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airport by 11:00 on 18 Aug. and can leave there after 15:00 on 28 Aug.). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train and 12 hours by midnight bus (you need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on 17 Aug. and leave there from 11:00 on 29 Aug.)
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in nature protection & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple lifestyle!
Japan CIEEJ1223 Fureai no mori /Yamaguchi 18.08.-27.08.2012 ENVI/KIDS/AGRI 9vols
BACKGROUND: Host organization offers outdoor activities for both adults and children, which include making woodwork, basket wares, building wooden houses and painting, etc. in an environment abundant in nature. All staff in organization are volunteers and they work with a philosophy of “A forest sustains people, people sustain a forest”. During summer, many children and families visit this place and join the program of various outdoor activities.
WORK: This program consists of 3 sections:
1: Activities to help children, families and elders with cooking (pizza, udon and somen noodles etc), making crafts, and so on. (Planned for three to four days) The age of participants will range from 5 to 80 years old.
2: International exchange with local students: Please introduce your country. The local students will give you the introduction of the area and of its traditional culture. Volunteers will participate in Japanese traditional summer festival called ”Matsuri”, together with local students. (Planned for two days)
3: Maintenance of Fureai-no-Mori (mori means forest in Japanese): Volunteers will help with maintenance work of forest park and some facilities. (Planned for one to two days)
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in the facilities.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: A sleeping bag is necessary. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. Public phone and a small shop are nearby.
MEALS: Volunteers will be cooking by themselves.
WHAT TO BRING: Clothing needs to be suitable for outdoor activities. Slippers and sandals are not allowed during outdoor work. Please bring swimwear or something you can play in the river.
LOCATION: Shunan-city is located in south-eastern part of Yamaguchi Pref., between the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and hillside. It takes four and a half hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen or one and a half from Yamaguchi Ube AIRPORT by train.
AIRPORT: Yamaguchi Ube airport
TERMINAL: JR Tokuyama station
URL: Fureai-no-Mori Nandemo Kobo (JAPANESE): http://www.kanko-shunan.com/saihakken/fureaikobo/fureaikobo.html
REMARKS: Volunteers need to be a self starter. Those who are open-minded and eager to learn Japan by helping people and interacting with local people are most welcome!
Japan NICE-12-71 Showa-mura 4 (Fukushima) 20.08.-17.09.2012 AGRI 6vols
Organized together with Choma-Club (CC) since 2008. CC is the local NPO to work on the community revitalization activities such as supporting elderly farmers, community festivals, utilization of vacant houses as a guesthouse and an atelier cafe in the small village, the number of vacant houses and abandoned farms have been rapidly increasing. This year, participants will have the opportunity to share about the revival of Fukushima, along with local people.
WORK: We will mainly support elderly farmers to work on their farm such as cutting glasses, sharing ideas about community development with local community leaders and spread the message of challenge of revival of Fukushima through the internet such as Facebook.
STUDY PART: Revival of Fukushima! Community development from the disaster in your country. Please bring info.
ACCOMMODATION: The old school buildings in the small community.
LOCATION: Mountain village in Okuaizu-area. South west part of Fukushima. The population is about 1,400.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (5 hours from Tokyo by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 07:30 on First day, and can leave there after 20:00 on last day.)
ACCOMMODATION: Excursions, nature walk, experience the local weaving called Karamushi (Ramie), etc.
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in revival of Fukushima, community development, Japanese village life, agricultural works.
Japan CIEEJ1224 Kusatsu TENKI-MURA #2 20.08.-01.09.2012 ENVI/KIDS/CULT 3vols
BACKGROUND: In Japan, children are having fewer chances to talk with elderly people in the neighbourhood and also they tend to stay home playing video games. TENKIMURA was established in 1987 to reconsider and improve the situation in which children are put, and to help their healthier growth. This organization has many programs and organizes events related to nature activities for children, aiming to create a better local community and offer supports to parents in the children’s education. The slogan is “The earth is a playground!” Lots of local people are involved in the events as supporters and TENKIMURA provides children with chances to explore the nature, and hopefully, the event will stay in their minds as a precious memory for the rest of their life.
WORK: This program consists of two sections. 1: Camp for children, 2: Repair work on old, traditional Japanese-style houses.
As for 1: The summer camp is a program for elementary school children (6 to 12 years old). Volunteers will be expected to act as their leaders. You will cook, play in the river and do other activities with children while making sure they are all safe.
As for 2: Volunteers will stay at Japanese-style old thatched house and participate in repair work on those houses. You can experience the former life-style in Japan and see how nature was close to the life of people in the past. Volunteers will have opportunities to visit the facility for the elderly, later.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be staying at the camping site for the first half of the program and will be accommodated in the office, an old house, for the second part.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Bedding will be limited, and you may need a sleeping bag in some part of the stay. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. A small shop, public phone, Internet café are available nearby.
MEALS: Volunteers are expected to cook by themselves, sometimes with children. Food will be provided. During the camp, cooking is done in the camping site, and after the camp, a kitchen in the office is available.
WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers need to bring a sleeping bag, swimwear, work clothes and something to introduce your country with, such as a game. You need clothing which is suitable for the activities, such as T-shirts, pants, and sneakers. Long-sleeved shirts and a hat/cap are a must. In addition to the clothing, please bring toiletries, towels and other things you need in your daily life.
LOCATION: Shiga prefecture is in the central part of Japan and is famous for Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in the country, which occupies one sixth of the total area of the prefecture. Kusatsu City lies to the south of the lake and has over 110,000 residents. The city served as one of “Sekisho”, ancient checkpoints on Five Main Highways in Edo period (1615-1867) and used to be a busy place with many tourists. It takes about 20 minutes by train to get to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan with lots of historical sites, and about 2 hours by express trains to get to Kansai International AIRPORT.
TERMINAL: Kansai International AIRPORT/JR Kusatsu STATION
URL: NPO Children Network Center Tenkimura: http://www.biwako.ne.jp/~nt-tenki/
REMARKS: Japanese skills (intermediate level is preferable) would be helpful for communication with kids. This camp is suitable for nature and children lover. Volunteers who are physically tough in repairing old traditional houses, are also welcome.
Japan NICE-12-S15 Rikuzen-takata 1 (Iwate) 22.08.-03.09.2012 CONS/CULT 10vols
Organized together with some local groups. A giant earthquake occurred in the Tohoku area on the 11th Mar. that caused unprecedented damage. 80% of the houses were damaged in Rikuzen-takata and so many people still have to be living in the temporary houses. We have the special workcamps in Tohoku area for reconstruction work with over 350 vols. (over 3000 vols. x days) including international ones since 2011 Apr. that did great work! But we still need a lot of vol. and plan to continue for 10 years!
WORK: We will be divided into some groups, help local farmers and people damaged by the tsunami such as reclaim, cutting grass and harvesting as well as organize some activities for the kids in the temporary houses and do anything else needed (possibly, also sometimes forest maintenance in Kirikiri).
STUDY PART: Best practice to revive disaster areas in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Share room of the old temple.
LOCATION: South east edge of Iwate prefecture (very near from Miyagi). Forestry, agriculture and fishing are used to be the main industry, but were severely damaged and may take several years to be rehabilitated.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus, You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 on 21 Aug. and can leave there after 09:00 on 04 Sep.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
Japan NICE-12-73 Shintoku (Hokkaido) 29.08.-11.09.2012 ENVI/CONS 8vols
Organized together with Kyodo Gakusha since 1998, a cooperative community where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, people who are tired of city life, who wants to learn farming or just want to live in the nature. They have five communities in Tokyo, Nagano and Hokkaido and grow animals and vegetables in ecological, organic way with utilizing bacterium. Their cheese got the 1st prize in the global contest! We will encourage their practice and share the spirit.
WORK: We will do some work that is hardly done by the daily work of the community (last year, it was creating a trail) with the supervision of the specialists. We will also join farm work (weeding and harvest in vegetable, corn and Japanese noodle fields) and other community work including house work.
STUDY PART: Similar types of communities in each country and networking (Social farms). Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: The community (female and male are separated). CV together with the people. SB!
LOCATION: Agricultural country side, 120 km east of Sapporo. -20 degree in winter and 20 in summer.
TERMINAL: Sapporo (4 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Shin-Chitose airport by 09:00 on 29 Aug. and can leave there after 17:00 on 11 Sep.) From Tokyo, 13 hours by bullet train or 32 hours by ship.
LACCOMMODATION: School visit, joining a summer festival (tugs of war), exchange and birthday parties, etc.
REQUIREMENTS: Interest and motivation to work and live in this type of community. Respect to their life. They also recruit volunteers for LMTI (Long and Middle Term Individual voluntary projects).
Japan NICE-12-74 Tokyo-ko (Tokyo) 01.09.-15.09.2012 ENVI 12vols (no more female)
Organized together with Green Volunteers of Tokyo Port (GVTP) since 1998. Because construction plan was delayed, a reclaimed land became one of valuable natural place in Tokyo Bay with some ponds and many plants, so various kinds of birds gather there. It became a park in 1989 and GVTP has been improving ecological conditions and guide visitors to promote ecological awareness. NICE is working with them very successfully by international and weekend workcamps!
WORK: We will mainly revive a plain of reed where various types of birds twitter beautifully by digging a waterway by that kudzu (arrowroot) will be weaken. This work needs to be done in a short time by many vols. that cannot be done only by the members of GVTP most of who have their jobs.
STUDY PART: Global environment and World Tanabata Action. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Office building in the pack.
LOCATION: Near Haneda (not Narita!) Airport in the central part of Tokyo. Though the park was originally artificial nature, has become valuable place for many birds and plants!
TERMINAL: Tokyo (40 min by train. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 12:00 on 01 Sep. and can leave there after 15:00 on 15 Sep.) If you fly to/ from Haneda, it can be 14:00 on 01 Sep./ 13:00 on 15 Sep.
REQUIREMENTS: Motivation to work hard for nature.
Japan NICE-12-75 Omuta (Fukuoka) 01.09.-15.09.2012 ENVI 14vols
Organized together with Volanty (VO) since 2001 (but first time for the short term international!). VO used to cooperate with local group which maintains the forest and coordinates the bamboo lantern festival. In spite of the town’s wonderful local heritage and coal pit history, depopulation (especially of youth) is a serious problem here similarly to many other parts of the country side in Japan. We aim to help with nature conservation and prepare the festival, activate the area through workcamps.
WORK: We will work in the forests doing activities such as hiking and cutting bamboos for maintenance of the forest by which we can contribute to nature conservation through global voluntary power. We will use the bamboo to make the lanterns of the garden.
STUDY PARTERMINAL: Effective cases of activated festival in each country. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Local community center.
LOCATION: Southern part of the Fukuoka prefecture. The Omuta city is 81,55 km2. There is dragon legend set in the mountain which we'll stay.
TERMINAL: Fukuoka (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Fukuoka airpot by 11:00 on 1 Sep. and can leave there after 15:00 on 15 Sep.). From Osaka, 6 hours by bullet train and 12 hours by midnight bus (you need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on 31 Aug. and leave there from 11:00 on 16 Sep.)
REQUIREMENTS: Interest in redevelopment and environmental work & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple lifestyle!
Japan NICE-12-76 Nabari 4 (Mie) 01.09.-15.09.2012 ENVI/ART 10vols
Organized together with "Akame no Mori wo Mamoru kai", a local environmental NPO since 1999. Being located near from both big cities of Osaka and Nagoya, there were some plans of a golf link and disposing industrial garbage and local people have stopped them by "Woods Trust" movement. They formed this group in 1996 to collect donations to buy and protect lands, to own a pension to enjoy nature, to maintain forests, to create a pond for dragonflies, to host national copse meeting, etc.
WORK: We will do various kinds of forest work such as cutting trees, cutting branches, maintaining the footpaths, etc. We will also help their events (e.g. collecting edible wild plants, nature observation) in their field. They also open up new projects (apiculture, biomass energy etc.) that we may help.
STUDY PART: Local participation to protect nature and Greening Asia. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Eco-resort Akameno-mori (Log house).
LOCATION: About 60 km east of Osaka. There are famous falls nearby many hikers visit. The climate in this season is quite cold, so don't forget to bring warm clothes.
TERMINAL: Osaka or Nagoya (1 hour by train from both. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 12:00 on 01 Sep. and can leave there after 17:00 on 15 Sep.)
REQUIREMENTS: Motivation letter is needed! Strong motivation for conservation forest work. Physically demanding.
Japan NICE-12-78 Onuma 3 (Hokkaido) 02.09.-16.09.2012 ENVI 10vols
Organized together with Onuma Milestone 22, a local NGO made by President of Fishermen’s Cooperative and Director of international exchange association since 2004. Though Onuma lake has been a popular tourism spot for a long time because of its beautiful scenery, it has been polluted by over use of agricultural chemicals in cattle farming and erosion from abandoned forests with alien trees. President of Cooperative has bought a forest and wants to revive it to original nature with native trees!
WORK: We will mainly remove some alien conifer trees that disturb growth of other plants and animals and also make and put the carbon fiver in the lake to purity the water with some specialists and put some stones to protect the banks from the waves made by motor boats as Part of World Tanabata Action.
STUDY PART: 100 years plan of the forests and sustainable town planning. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Local house rent for the workcamps.
LOCATION: South of Hokkaido island, in a national park near Hakodate city which is famous for romantic view in the night, especially for sweet couples!
TERMINAL: Sapporo (3 hours by express train. You need to arrive at Shin-Chitose airport by 08:00 on 02 Sep. and can leave there after 17:00 on 16 Sep.). From Tokyo, 10 hours by bullet train or 30 hours by ship.
REQUIREMENTS: Motivation to actively work in the forests and with local people! You may live and work together with 5 volunteers (Japanese and international) of the 2 months workcamp in 21 Jul.-16 Sep.
Japan CIEEJ1225 Kunimi-en/YAMANASHI 02.09.-08.09.2012 DISA/CULT 2vols
For female volunteers only!
BACKGROUND: Kunimi-En is a school and home for mentally challenged people which was founded in 1996 as "A big home where everyone cares for everyone". The main aim of this school is to provide mentally handicapped people with a comfortable living space, treating them as individuals with dignity, so that they feel at home and enjoy their lives while they stay in the home. All staff are trying to focus on not only to enrich the services they are providing but also to introduce their welfare programs and activities to the local people. There are approximately 40 people staying and 24 staff. Kunimi-En call this the week as “International Exchange Week” when they have volunteers and conduct a special program during the week.
WORK: Volunteers will help people (from 27 to 73 years old) with both indoor and outdoor activities such as farm work, hand craft, art, Sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and swimming. Volunteers will be asked to help those people with their daily routines such as cleaning.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be accommodated in a Ryokan（Japanese style hotel) near Kunimi-En.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a lavatory and a shower room. Internet access is available. A small shop is near the accommodation.
MEALS: Volunteers will have lunch and dinner with the people at Kunimi-En but need to buy breakfast on your own.
WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers need to bring work clothes (short sleeved T shirts, polo shirts, long pants and sneakers).
NOTE: There will be an opportunity to introduce your country. Please be prepared. Basic Japanese skill would be very helpful to enjoy this project. You better bring a Japanese dictionary if you happen to have one! It will be so helpful for a better understanding of people and other matters.
LOCATION: Kunimi-En is about half an hour by train from Kofu city in Yamanashi prefecture. You can see Mt. Fuji, the highest and most sacred mountain in Japan, with the Japan South Alps as background. The place is also famous for a rapid Fuji river, and those landscapes are depicted in famous Japanese printing "Ukiyoe" by Katsushika Hokusai (1760～1849). Also, Pacific Ocean is only 1.5 hours’ drive away.
AIRPORT: Narita International AIRPORT
TERMINAL: JR Kajikasawa STATION
REMARKS: Volunteers who learned about welfare or social security are desirable. Volunteers need to understand about developmentally delayed people (27 – 73 years old, autism disorder, down syndrome etc) and to have knowledge of basic nursing care. Volunteers who are allergic to cats are not acceptable.
Japan NICE-12-80 Kami (Hyogo) 05.09.-18.09.2012 AGRI 7vols
Organized together with the local group ‘Okutajima-Ojirojuku (OO)’ since 2009. This depopulated, aging small village is located at the middle of north-west of the Hyo-no mountain. Nature in this area is really beautiful. Local people wish to introduce go the people in the cities to enable them to enjoy this beautiful nature as well as wonderful local culture through the interchange programs. Volunteers are expected to work for the revitalization the village.
WORK: We will maintain the rice field called “tanada”, a traditional Japanese rice field in the mountain area. Tanada here was selected as one of “the 100 most beautiful tanada” in Japan. We will also do some farming work and maintain the area.
STUDY PART: Local culture programs in the primary and secondary school. Also, we have discussion about natural disaster in each country. Please bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: In the administration building and log house.
LOCATION: Ojiroku located in the north-west the Hyogo prefecture, the middle of the Hyo-no mountain.
TERMINAL: Osaka. (4 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 08:00 on 05 Sep. and can leave there after 20:00 on 18 Sep.). From Tokyo, 6 hours by bullet train and bus or 14 hours by bus.
REQUIREMENTS: People with a flexible, positive, can-do attitude
Japan NICE-12-81 Katsuyama 2 (Fukui) 07.09.-20.09.2012 ARCH/CULT 10vols
Organized together with Obara Eco Project (OEP) and Katsuyama city government since 2009. There were 600 inhabitants in Obara village with 90 houses, but now only 2 elders! OEP was founded by the Foresters cooperative and local people in 2006 and have rehabilitated 3 houses of cultural heritage. Depopulation problem is serious in most of mountain parts in Japan and many fields and forests are abandoned, so we will try to improve the situation by voluntary power! First time to do in winter.
WORK: We will 1) help to renovate the old house by carrying the stuff, changing the floor, etc., 2) do other work for the community (e.g., reviving the abandon fields, chopping the fire woods) and 3) help farming in other places of the city and maintain the Dinosaurs Park (e.g., fixing the fence, excavating fossils).
STUDY PART: Best practice to revive depopulated areas in each country and their networking. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Renovated house (traditional house!).
LOCATION: About 200 km north east of Osaka. Katsuyama is an agricultural city and famous for dinosaurs discovery and Obara is located at 500 a.s.l. and famous for deep snow (4-5 meters) in winter!
TERMINAL: Osaka (2 hours by express train). From Tokyo, 3.5 hours by express train/ 8 hours by highway bus (You need to arrive at Narita airport by 21:00 on 06 Sep. and can leave there after 11:00 on 21 Sep.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work hard and simple life in the isolated area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Speaking Japanese language is very welcome!
Japan CIEEJ1228 Utano YH # 4 /KYOTO 01.10.-21.10.2012 CULT 1vols
Volunteer needs to have basic Japanese and English skills!
BACKGROUND: The Utano Youth Hostel in Kyoto encourages travellers to enjoy their stay in Kyoto, it is s also a great place to make new friends. Well-known for its casual, friendly atmosphere, Utano YH is the perfect place for foreign travellers who love nature, people and Kyoto. The hostel was renewed in 2008 and awarded for the “Most Comfortable Hostel in the world 2009” by International Youth Hostel Federation.
WORK: Volunteer will be in charge of various duties in routine work such as bed making, cleaning and providing meals (breakfast and supper). Volunteer will be expected to join preparation and operation of events which will be held in hostel, to support programs for children, and to accompany guests to local traditional events as an escorting staff.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteer will be accommodated in the hostel.
FACILITIES AND FIXTURES: Beddings will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory, a bathroom, staff bicycle and free Wi-Fi.
MEALS: Meals will be provided three times a day. (When you are out, it will be cancelled.)
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring toiletries and clothing which is suitable for the service. Please bring home countries’ recipes and ingredients. The volunteer is also encouraged to bring something to introduce his/her home countries’ culture and life.
NOTE: Volunteer needs to have basic Japanese and English skill to communicate with the staffs and travellers staying at the hostel. They are expected to be physically strong and open to cultural diversity.
LOCATION: Located in northwest Kyoto, Utano YH is surrounded by beautiful nature. There are many sightseeing spots nearby, such as Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji temple (both recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites). It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get to Utano youth hostel from Kansai International AIRPORT by train and bus
AIRPORT: Kansai International AIRPORT
TERMINAL: JR Kyoto STATION
REMARKS: There are sightseeing programs and events where guests can experience local culture. We are trying to enrich early to late evening events in the hostel. Volunteer can show his/her presence at the events. Volunteer needs to be open-minded to enjoy interaction with guests from all over the world and interested in learning Japanese culture and custom. Please note that there can be other volunteers joined through other programs.
URL：Kyoto youth hostel (ENGLISH): http://yh-kyoto.or.jp/utano/
Kyoto City Web (ENGLISH): http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/index.html
Japan NICE-12-87 Misato (Shimane) 10.10.-23.10.2012 ENVI/FEST 8vols
Organized together with the local group, Tsuga Nagafuji Local Conference, since 2011. Recently, aging and depopulation of the area is getting very serious as well as many other villages in Japan. So, they expect the workcamp to help and join one of the biggest festivals in Shimane prefecture called “Bamboo Lantern Festival” to activate the event and the community. Local people want us to know their traditional cultures to be succeeded to the next generation. The first workcamp in 2011 was successful!
WORK: We will cut bamboos for improving ecological situation and then, make the lanterns from those bamboos as well as other small stuffs to be used in the festival. We will also organize a program in the elementary school to promoting both inter-cultural learning and also the festival to the children.
STUDY PARTERMINAL: Introduction of your culture. Please bring some idea.
ACCOMMODATION: In the local exchange center.
LOCATION: Misato-cho located in the middle of the Shimane prefecture, famous for Iwami silver mine as a world heritage. There is hot spa, beautiful nature. You can feel Japanese four seasons.
TERMINAL: Osaka (9 hours by midnight bus. You need to arrive at Kansai airport by 19:00 on 09 Oct. and can leave there after 15:00 on 24 Oct.) From Tokyo, 6 hours by bullet train or 14 hours by midnight bus.
REQUIREMENTS: People with a flexible, positive, can-do attitude.
Japan NICE-12-88 Maki 3 (Nagano) 17.10.-28.10.2012 AGRI/MANU 8vols
Organized together with Maki Farm of Kyodo Gakusha (KG) since 2000. KG is a NPO running 5 organic farming communities in Japan where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, those who want to learn farming, etc. in order to change our society from competitive to cooperative. Maki Farm has 5-10 members and is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains), so once it became an abandon village in 1970s.
WORK: We will mainly clear the snow of their buildings and carry the fire woods by using sledges. We will also take care of goats and chicken and also carry the things from the town, help their house works, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (05:30-18:00 with some brakes) and hard.
ACCOMMODATION: Building for volunteers in the farm.
LOCATION: Very isolated, but beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”. About 900 meters asl. There are something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (4 hours by express train or 8-10 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 04:00 on 17 Oct. and can leave there after 24:00 on 28 Oct.)
REQUIREMENTS: Good Japanese language is not necessary, but still welcomed. You need to be physically strong and flexible to respect the way of the local host. Motivation letter is needed!
Japan NICE-12-S07 Minami-sanriku 1 (Miyagi) 21.10.-03.11.2012 ENVI/CULT 6vols
Organized since this year together with Fukko Yoriki Wakame Project, a group of 19 local fishermen founded after the giant earthquake. Though fish farming of seaweed, oyster and shells was the main industry with rich sea, it was completely destroyed and many people are giving up to do it again. So, this group has stood up to revive their fishing. NICE helped their planting seaweed one day last Nov. and organized a special workcamps for two weeks this March to harvest it that was very successful!
WORK: We will help to plant seeds of seaweed that important and not difficult for vols. Seaweed farming needs work only for planting (Oct.-Nov.) and harvest (Mar.-Apr.). We may also do some other community work such as talking with elderly people of temporary houses and play with kids, so be flexible!
STUDY PART: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: ShareD rooms of the small house. Be ready to enjoy simple life.
LOCATION: The northeastern coast of Miyagi prefecture. The scene of the coats is beautiful and registered as a National Park. One third of people here used to work for fishing, farming and forestry.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (6 hours by bullet train and bus, or 9 hours by buses. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.
Japan NICE-12-89 Shirakami 2 (Aomori) 27.10.-05.11.2012 ENVI 6vols
Organized together with Shirakami Mountains Preservation Society (SMPS) since 06. The Shirakami Mountains is a huge mountainous area and one of Japanese valuable preserved natural forests consisting primarily of beech trees. It was registered as a World Natural Heritage in 1993 and SMPS aims to help preserving the natural beauty of the Shirakami Mountains, so we try to maintain this forest by the global voluntary power!
WORK: We will do various types of nature conservation works such as 1) Cutting glasses to improve ecological richness of the forest and 2) Maintain the forest with the villagers. We will also help local farmers. Part of World Tanabata Action.
STUDY PART: Similar kind of activities in each country and World Tanabata Action. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: A simple house.
LOCATION: The Shirakami Mountains, located in the northern part of Honshu Island, is a huge mountainous area (130,000 hectares on the border between Aomori and Akita Prefectures).
TERMINAL: Tokyo (7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 on 15 Jun. and can leave there after 09:00 on 26 Jun.)
REQUIREMENTS: volunteers must be prepared to work outside in good and bad weather and have motivation to actively work in the forests with local people!
Japan NICE-12-S09 Minami-sanriku 2 (Miyagi) 04.11.-17.11.2012 ENVI/CULT 6vols
Organized since this year together with Fukko Yoriki Wakame Project, a group of 19 local fishermen founded after the giant earthquake. Though fish farming of seaweed, oyster and shells was the main industry with rich sea, it was completely destroyed and many people are giving up to do it again. So, this group has stood up to revive their fishing. NICE helped their planting seaweed one day last Nov. and organized a special workcamps for two weeks this March to harvest it that was very successful!
W: We will help to plant seeds of seaweed that important and not difficult for vols. Seaweed farming needs work only for planting (Oct.-Nov.) and harvest (Mar.-Apr.). We may also do some other community work such as talking with elderly people of temporary houses and play with kids, so be flexible!
STUDY PART: Revival of the disaster areas in the world and global cooperation. Bring some info!
ACCOMMODATION: Share rooms of the small house. Be ready to enjoy simple life. SB! CV
LOCATION: The northeastern coast of Miyagi prefecture. The scene of the coats is beautiful and registered as a National Park. One third of people here used to work for fishing, farming and forestry.
TERMINAL: Tokyo (6 hours by bullet train and bus, or 9 hours by buses. You need to arrive at Narita airport by 19:00 one day before the first day and can leave there after 09:00 one day after the last day.)
REQUIREMENTS: High motivation to work for disaster area and respect to the local culture and way of the local organization! Motivation letter is required.