Volunteer Programs in Japan

Japan has the modernity, luxuries, and infrastructure of a developed Western nation, with many unique cultural aspects of the Far East. Even though Japan has a thriving economy and less need for volunteers than more under-resourced countries in Asia, you can still find a volunteer opportunity that is suited for you while learning about Japanese culture, tradition, and language.

There is a high demand in Japan for volunteers who can teach English, as well as be caretakers for the elderly and for agricultural work on farms. It is possible to find volunteer opportunities in Japan's big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, as well as rural areas and small towns all throughout the country. Japan is a very safe travel destination with a high value on customer service, per Buddhist and Shintoist tradition, so you can rest assured that you will receive great treatment wherever you go.

Although Japan is a well-developed and prosperous country, the need for volunteers is still great in a number of sectors. Volunteering in Japan is an incredible way to learn about Japanese culture and language while gaining skills and providing support in an area of your interest. Although you can volunteer in many different sectors, the following are the most common types of volunteer opportunities found in Japan.

Youth Development & Education

Japan offers opportunities to work with youth in educational as well as more recreational settings. Many programs place volunteers in schools to work as teaching fellows, to advance student development and education in the classroom. Japan also has many children's camps in need of volunteers, including sports camps and English-learning camps, which encourage physical and mental development in youth.

Elderly Care

Japan is experiencing a significant aging problem: more than a quarter of Japan's population is over the age of 65, and this percentage is only increasing. In traditional Japanese culture, it's expected that family members will take care of other aging family members. However, the burden of caregiving often becomes too serious for family members to handle. There are many volunteer opportunities to work with the elderly in senior homes or in personal homes. Working with the elderly in these settings can range from assisting them with daily tasks in their home to leading musical therapy and physical exercises in a senior home.

Agricultural Development

Although only 20% of Japan's land is suitable for cultivation, the countryside is still vastly covered by rice paddies and other non-paddy farmland. Depopulation in agrarian areas means workers are needed to join local farmers in cultivating and harvesting crops. Whether it’s by planting seeds, tilling soil, or processing food, volunteers develop a knowledge of and appreciation for sustainable agriculture through teamwork and hands-on activity. In a rice paddy, a vegetable farm, or a tea field, you can help with work that has always been an important part of Japanese life, culture, and economy. WWOOF is a great volunteer opportunity if you want to work on a farm, live with a host family, and explore Japan beyond the surface.

Nature Preservation

Japan has a natural landscape that is wildly diverse; its views and vistas range from the rugged, snowy mountains in the north to the sandy beaches of its southern islands. If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, volunteering is a great way to combine a love of nature and practical care of the environment. Why not create your own outdoor adventure by giving time to preserve the natural beauty of Japan’s lakes, forests, or volcanoes? Join a work camp to maintain hiking trails, or lend your efforts to a team to protect wildlife and their natural habitats. Some programs even offer opportunities for volunteers to organize local activities that encourage conservation and sustainable practices.

Ancient History & Culture

Both old and new are honored in Japanese culture, a trait made apparent in the preservation of historic buildings among the skyscrapers and train stations of modern cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Ancient culture, too, is kept through the observation of historic and societal practices as well as the careful curation of history.

Several volunteer organizations offer cultural experiences as part of their programming, knowing that the sharing of culture is key in allowing participants to engage in global community. Schedules often include visits to museums, historical sites, and villages. The ultimate goal of these programs is to help visitors learn who the Japanese people were in the past and how they incorporate that into who they are becoming in the present.

As part of this culture exchange, volunteers are encouraged to get hands-on with history. Participants can try traditional trades and crafts using methods and knowledge gathered over centuries. Workshops invite anyone to try basket making, calligraphy, sushi crafting, and other time-honored skills. In some organizations, volunteers not only attend local festivals but help run them as well.

Innovative Technology

Pioneering brands such as Nikon, Sony, Nissan, and Honda have their roots in Japan. Volunteers with a passion for medical care, civic planning, or business may find kindred spirits working side-by-side with local people who put state-of-the-art technology to use in their communities.

Japan’s healthcare system is also highly invested in high-tech advancements, seeking to improve treatments and even implement the use of robots in patient care. If you volunteer to work with hospital patients, physically disabled patients, or the elderly, you may come into contact with these developments and witness firsthand the latest in medical technology.

The corporate world also benefits from cutting-edge technology, which promotes connections through advancements in resources and communication. Volunteer programs that support local communities and nonprofit organizations in Japan are looking for workers with wide ranges of skills, from database management to translation work.

Planning your trip to Japan should be largely based on the specific program you are interested in. This will determine your housing arrangement and how much of the language you're comfortable with before going to Japan.

Regardless of these factors, it is important to familiarize yourself with the cultural mannerisms in Japan before going overseas. In Japan, many places expect patrons to remove your footwear before entering. Other cultural etiquette includes bowing as an exchange of greeting, avoiding making direct eye contact with elders, and handling items with two hands. Knowing some of these cultural subtleties will help you acclimate to life in Japan.

Where to Volunteer in Japan

The big cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the most popular destinations for international volunteers and foreign tourists alike. If you're seeking a less-touristy and more rural experience, Miyagi, Chiba, and Shizuoka are all prefectures on the Pacific coast that have children's camps and farms in need of volunteers.

Housing & Accommodation

Most of the agricultural volunteer programs offer either homestays, which will provide a high level of cultural and language immersion, or camping-like accommodations, which will allow you to really enjoy Japan's natural beauty. Other program providers in Japan may place volunteers in apartment or hotel accommodations, often with other volunteers. Accommodations may be traditional or modern style residences, but both options will reflect Japan's decadence and luxurious lifestyle.

Language Requirements & Tips

Language requirements vary vastly depending on the type of program. Programs that involve teaching English to youth typically don't require Japanese language skills as they want you to speak only English to the students. However, many other programs require Japanese language ability to do the work itself.

Regardless of whether you speak Japanese, it's important to be familiar with cultural nuances. Most significantly, Japanese culture is more hierarchical and formal than American culture, with an emphasis on respecting elders.

Packing Tips

When comprising your packing list for Japan, it's important to note that Japan is a modest country, and, especially if you plan on visiting any religious sites, you will need to cover up a bit. It is also advised to have a pair of shoes with you that slip on-and-off easily, as many places, including religious sites, personal homes, and restaurants, require the removal of shoes before entering.

Japan has four distinct seasons with different weather conditions, so it's important to check the weather for the time of year you want to volunteer. For example, if you visit Japan during the rainy season of June and July, you will want to bring clothes that can withstand rain. You also probably won't want to be doing a volunteer project that works mainly outdoors, such as farming. Consider if your desired program aligns with the weather conditions during the time of the year.

It's easy to get a data-only SIM card to use your cell phone in Japan without roaming charges. You can get these upon landing in Japan and even in the airport, but it's always helpful to order one ahead of time and pack it with you. Packing a universal adapter to use Japanese-style sockets is also recommended. Japan's electrical outlets are two-pronged, so you will need an adapter to use any plug with three prongs.

Additional Tips for Volunteering in Japan

Japan is a highly developed country and one of the most expensive destinations in Asia, especially if you are in one of the large cities. However, it is still possible to stick to a budget and find hole-in-the-wall places to eat, shop, and immerse yourself in local culture.

Visas are not required for stays of less than 90 days. If you plan on volunteering for upwards of 90 days, your program provider can help you apply for a tourist, business, or visitors visa.

Japan is overall a very safe country with a modern and highly-developed infrastructure. The crime rate is low, and tourists can feel comfortable walking about on their own, while exercising normal safety precautions and securing valuables. If you're volunteering with an organized program, most will help you with a pre-departure checklist that may include paperwork for visas and navigating other necessities like health or travel insurance.

Health

No vaccinations are required prior to volunteering in Japan, but it's recommended to get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine if you're planning to volunteer for an extended time in rural areas. The influenza vaccine is also recommended for all travelers from November through April. For more information, visit MD Travel Health.

Japan has a national health insurance system, which is only available to foreigners with long-term visas. As so, international visitors and volunteers are encouraged to look into supplemental insurance for overseas coverage. English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to Americans' expectations are expensive and not very widespread, but the U.S. Embassy provides a list of English-speaking medical facilities.

Safety

Crime against travelers in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports, so it's best to carry a bag that you can wear in front of you, rather than on your back. Use particular caution in the nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially in larger cities and more touristy areas.