Volunteers help preparation process mainly in fine art section. Volunteer activities may vary according to the artists and locations. There may be work in carpentry, handwork and cleaning. Many of them are international artists who play an active role in international art communities. They use a variety of shrines and temples in Nara to carry out an art installation (it is a form of art where guests can experience its dynamics by being on a space (place) itself). Main artists are: Kim Sooja (Korea), Shilpa Gupta (India), Tadashi Kawamata (Japanese) and many others who represent a field of modern art in Asia. The hosting committee expects that local residents in Nara and related organizations can be more conscious of taking an active role in international community by interacting/working with international volunteers.
Accomodation & food:
Accommodation: Volunteer facility near the project location
Facilities:
Sleep on Japanese FUTON or bed in a shared room. A kitchen, a lavatory (both western and Japanese), a shower, a laundry, and the internet is available. There are convenience store, supermarket and the internet café in the neighbor.
Meals:
Volunteers cook meals by themselves three times a day.
Location & leisure:
Nara is known as a good destination for international tourists because there are many world heritages such as Heijo Palace Site, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine and so on. Japanese tea (Yamato-cha), Wagashi, pickles (Tsukemono), Sake, Manju, Udon are also believed to have a root (origin) in this area. During free days, you may go sightseeing those areas or enjoy having authentic Japanese food. A volunteer needs at least 10,000 JPY in cash if she/he wants to go sightseeing on free-day.
Nara city sightseeing information center (ENGLISH) http:
//narashikanko.or.jp/en/
Requirements:
1. Extra fee of 15,000 JPY (about 120 EURO) for food is required to be paid on arrival 2. We look for those who respect other cultures and have an interest in traditional Japanese culture and modern art, and interest of this "Eest Asia Culture City" concept. 3. Basic Japanese conversational skill is recommendedBring a sleeping bag, long sleeved T shirts and trousers, work clothes (which can get dirty), bath towel, toiletries, work shoes (which can get dirty. No sandal in work days) and hat/cap.
- Give assistance to their productive activities (woodwork, ceramic art and fabric crafts) - Join recreational activities (painting craft and playing music) - Help daily routines (serving meals and cleaning work materials)
Accomodation & food:
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a guest houseFacilities: A washer, a shared kitchen, a lavatory and a shower room, volunteers will sleep in a TATAMI room with FUTON. Internet access is available only in the main office. A small post office, shops are nearby. The area is surrounded by great nature. Meals: All meals will be provided. Have meals together with residents in a dining room.
Location & leisure:
Hokkaido is the biggest and northernmost part of four main islands in Japan. It is also known as the 21st largest island in the world with abundant nature and a number of national parks. Kembuchi is a small town with the population of 4000, located in north central part of Hokkaido. On weekend, you may be able to go to the local hot springs and some landmarks in the area. A volunteer needs at least 5,000 JPY in cash if she/he wants to go sightseeing on free-day.
Requirements:
A conversational Japanese skill is welcomed to communicate with Gakuen stuff. Volunteers need strong motivation for helping residents to enjoy their life in the school. The important point is you enjoy yourself and treat people in a friendly manner. Bring work clothes (short sleeved T shirts, long pants) and sneakers. Dress conservative (skirt/short pants are not allowed). Outfits should be warm since the weather can be cold in the mornings and evenings even during the summer time.
« I had not appreciated that so few people come out in the East Asian countries that my telling them was something extraordinary. This was also the most interesting aspect of the workcamp in terms of trying to expand the awareness of other ways of living, and there was never any hostility or problems because of it. »