A Guide to Volunteering in Japan

Photo: iStock/ recep-bg

 

Like many places, volunteering rates in Japan tend to rise in the aftermath of disasters. By the third anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, according to a study by the Japan National Council of Social Welfare, more than 1.3 million people volunteered in the disaster-struck area. From vulnerable individuals and groups to animals and nature, there are plenty in need of support throughout the year. Japan has a variety of organizations you can contact if you’re looking to help out.

If you want to try volunteering in Japan, here’s a list of groups where commitments can vary from donating goods to volunteering for a few hours or weeks.

• International and Refugee Aid
• Helping Children and Women
• Helping Animals and the Environment
• Mental and Physical Health Support Groups
• Community Support

International and Refugee Aid

The local and global have become increasingly interconnected and these organizations pride themselves on connecting you to the struggles that people face inside and outside Japan.

Organization	What is it?	How can I help?
Amnesty  International  Japan (AIJ)	AIJ promotes human rights issues through campaigning, educational initiatives and government lobbying.	Write campaign letters Organize events Spread information
Peace  Boat	Peace Boat organizes sea voyages around the world to promote peace, human rights and sustainability.	Teach languages (onboard) Be an interpreter (onboard) Write reports (in office) Organize events (in office)
International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)	IMADR organizes campaigns, information sessions, public opinion surveys and lobbies governing bodies on behalf of discriminated persons and groups worldwide.	Donate food and clothing
RAFIQ	RAFIQ provides legal and social support to refugees who have resettled in Japan, especially those living in Kansai.	Translate and interpret Plan events Disseminate information Accompany refugees to medical and governmental institutions
Refugee Empowerment International (REI)	REI offers legal, educational and employment support to refugees and displaced peoples to rebuild their communities.	Organize events Raise funds Help with PR and marketing

Helping Children and Women

Women and children tend to suffer the most in abusive environments and these groups want to be there to support these vulnerable groups.

Organization	What is it?	How can I help?
Kobokan (Settlement House)	Settlement House offers social welfare services to community members from children to seniors.	Donate food and clothing
Seishounen Fukushi Center (SFC)	SFC helps maintain the mental and physical well-being of foster children through to adulthood.	Help with housework Be a teacher or mentor Organize events
Kids Earth Fund	Kids Earth Fund provides art supplies and instruction to children for their emotional and mental well-being.	Become a workshop leader Organize events Drive people and equipment
House for Women “Saalaa”	Saalaa is a multilingual organization that operates a telephone hotline and shelter aimed at helping women in dangerous situations.	Donate food and clothing
House in Emergency of Love and Peace (HELP)	HELP provides legal and social services to women and their young children escaping dangerous relationships.	Donate food and clothing

Helping Animals and the Environment

Like people, animals and the environment need care, too.

Organization	What is it?	How can I help?
Tokyo River Friends	Tokyo River Friends organizes monthly clean-ups of rivers in the Tokyo area.	Join an event and help clean a riverside
Animal Rescue Kansai (ARK)	ARK saves, cares for and finds homes for abandoned and abused animals.	Socialize with animals Clean animals’ living spaces Walk dogs Organize events Help groom an animal
HEART Tokushima	HEART runs an animal shelter for hundreds of cats and dogs.	Socialize with animals Walk dogs
Arakawa River Clean Aid Forum	Clean Aid Forum plans clean-up events to beautify the Arakawa River area.	Join an event and help clean the Arakawa River
Japan Cat Network	Japan Cat Network helps cat owners care for their cats and cares for felines without a home.	Clean and care for cats Monitor cats’ health Socialize with cats

Mental and Physical Health

If you would like to help out people with their mental and physical needs, start with the groups below.

Organization	What is it?	How can I help?
TELL	TELL offers mental health support services, especially for Japan’s international community.	Train to be a Lifeline Support Worker Organize events Help with office work during peak periods
Run for the Cure Japan	Run for the Cure Japan is the country’s largest breast cancer foundation.	Organize and participate in events held throughout the year
A Dream a Day in Tokyo	A Dream a Day in Tokyo helps to organize memorable events for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.	Donate funds or clothing Accompany families around Tokyo
Japanese Red Cross Society	The Japanese Red Cross provides medical aid to disaster-struck areas and helps vulnerable people in local communities.	Help with disaster relief Assist senior citizens Hand out information
Shine On! Kids	Shine On! Kids help children with cancer and other serious illnesses through their Hospital Facility Dogs program.	Donate funds Host a fundraising event Volunteer
ShineOn! Kids	ShineOn! Kids gives support to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through social support and activities.	Organize and participate in events Make phone calls for donations and support Use creative skills to create activities for events

Community Support

Volunteering locally is one of the best ways to see the change we can make in people’s lives. Without strong Japanese skills, finding opportunities can be difficult. Start here to connect with the residents of your city and neighborhood.

Organization	What is it?	How can I help?
Second Harvest	Second Harvest works to ensure that communities have access to nutritious food.	Deliver donations Prepare donation boxes Hand out food in person Organize the pantry
Hands On Tokyo	Hands On Tokyo connects volunteers with initiatives supporting children, seniors and people with special needs.	Make crafts Participate in events Provide English conversation
Tokyo Spring Homeless Patrol	Tokyo Spring Homeless Patrol walks through Tokyo neighborhoods and provides essentials to homeless people.	Participate in a walk Collect donations such as food and clothing
The Big Issue (no English website)	The Big Issue provides social support to homeless populations through events, information campaigns and food drives.	Distribute information about services to homeless people Support performers during events Organize events
Never-ending International workCamps Exchange (NICE)	NICE organizes workgroups to help revitalize local communities with an emphasis on fostering social bonds and taking care of the environment.	Clean rivers Organize events Help maintain schools and local infrastructure Work with children, families and individuals with special needs