Voluntary work in Japan
Information & guidance about volunteering projects in Japan
A place where ancient traditions are seamlessly woven into modern life, voluntary work in Japan means exploring the thrills and delights of one of the most technologically modern destinations the world has to offer and the rich culture of a country 100,000 years old simultaneously, which results in an experience like no other. With voluntary work available in most fields, Japan serves as the dream destination for volunteering abroad.
Where to volunteer in Japan
Voluntary work in Japan opens the door to the opportunity to experience a seemingly endless choice of destinations; Tokyo is Japan’s capital with a staggering population of around 14 million. The financial center of the world is the birthplace of technological innovation and brilliant business ideas, and seems to be incomprehensibly large, with endless unique opportunities. Kyoto is a hub for education and eastern religions, the spiritual heart of Japan with more than 2000 temples and shrines. After a long day volunteering in Japan’s smaller city (still with a population of over one million!) you should definitely head to Nishiki Market (‘Kyoto’s kitchen’) to try the local delicacies.
Another destination for the foodies, Osaka is known as the ‘nation’s kitchen’ with modern takes on traditional Japanese dishes. However, if you dream of volunteering in Japan’s less touristy destinations and see a different side of Japan, Fukuoka was recently voted the easiest city to live in in the world, said to be the oldest city in Japan due to its location as the nearest Japanese city to China and the Korean Peninsula, offering a voluntary experience off of the beaten track.
Volunteering projects in Japan
The incredible environment and culture means whatever type of voluntary work in Japan you choose, you are sure to have an amazingly unique experience. Japan offers voluntary projects that let you delve deep into the Japanese culture, including art preservation, environmental research, elderly care, and historic conservation.
Environmental preservation is a highly valued practice in Japan, with many of the cities being created with the environment in mind; voluntary work can include helping to preserve natural o spaces or improve and implement systems for recycling and conservation. Preservation for the architecture and man-made highlights of Japan is also needed, as the country races toward modernization. Caring for the elderly is a popular type of voluntary work in Japan; voted one of the easiest countries to retire in, volunteers assist individuals in need of assistance one-on-one.
Volunteering in Japan is possible in over 20 industries, including agriculture, education and childcare, and the time requirements depend on the project. It is important to bear in mind that Japanese differs greatly from Western culture, so it is important that you do your research on attitudes and behaviors to ensure you transition smoothly into your volunteering role and don’t accidentally cause any offence.
