Mid-term (1 to 6 months) "cultural project" projects in Japan

The host organization is Kikuya Community Group, a local group of local young people. Ikata town is famous for the production of oranges: recently the town has been facing depopulation, lack of workers and ageing society since most of young people tend to leave the town. By consequence, the number of abandoned orange farms is increasing and the town is losing its tradition, life, custom and scenery. The group is strongly hoping to host volunteers and working together to animate the town and revive orange farms. Volunteer's tasks will include: helping orange farmers (harvesting, taking care of trees, etc. this is a main work), organizing culture and language classes for local people and kids, supporting old people who live alone, organizing new activities to animate the town (planning & organizing activities).

In a volunteer house, in single room.

The town is located in Satamisaki Peninsula in Ehime prefecture. It is surrounded by the sea, so fishing is also famous as well as oranges. There are only 30 houses in this community.

Matsuyama. From Matsuyama, about 2 hours by train and bus

Volunteers should be very motivated and have some knowledge of Japanese. Rather than sending in our MTV questionnaire, volunteers should write a letter detailing their motivation and previous experience. Exact dates of the project to be confirmed, please contact the office for more details. The project term will be between 2-12 month. A phone interview with the partner in Japan will be arranged before confirming the placement. Pocket money is 25.000 yen/month provided.

Showamura is a rural village where over 50% are elderly and they face depopulation of their youth. There is a lack of communication between the generations so the NPO "Choma Club" wants energize the community with innovative ideas by hosting a volunteer project to allow for interaction and exchange with youth. The volunteers will work at farms for vegetables and flowers. They will also cut grasses around rice field. There are some opportunities to interact with local elementary school students and participate in several local events. Volunteers will coodinate 4 short term volunteer projects.

A building in the center of Choma club.

A small village in the forest area, the population is about 19,000. There is a hot spring.

about 4 hours by train and bus from Tokyo

Must speak some Japanese, be cooperative, open mind and have a strong motivation to work for the host organistation. Interest in environmental issues and agriculture. Rather than sending in our MTV questionnaire, volunteers should write a letter detailing their motivation and previous experience. A phone interview with the partner in Japan will be arranged before confirming the placement.