WORKCAMP PROGRAM IN JAPAN 2013

WORKCAMP PROGRAM 

IN JAPAN 2013

INDEX 

1、 WHO WE 

ARE 

・・・・3~6 

・ What is CIEE? 

・ Introduction of CIEE Japan 

・ Way to the Alliance 

・ General Conditions 

・ Tips for volunteers 

2、 PROJECT 

MAP ・・・・7 

3、 LIST OF 

PROJECTS ・・・・8 

4、 PROGRAM 

DESCRIPTION 

・・・・9~32 

CONTACT 

Outgoing Officer (International Volunteer Project) 

Sayaka TANAKA (MS) IVP-out@cieej.or.jp or stanaka@cieej.or.jp 

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Incoming Officer (International Volunteer Project)

WHO WE ARE 

What is CIEE? 

The Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, is a non-profit, 

non-governmental organization dedicated to helping people gain understanding, acquire 

knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse 

world. 

Founded in 1947, CIEE has developed a wide variety of programs and services for students 

and teachers at secondary through university levels and for related constituencies. Today, 

CIEE is one of the world’s leading operators of international exchange programs and related 

services around the globe. Since its beginning chartering transatlantic ocean liners after 

World War II, CIEE has grown to employ 400 professionals working in more than 50 

countries to deliver CIEE’s diverse programs and services. CIEE is governed by an 

international Board of Directors elected by its 300 member academic institutions. The 

Board includes representation from members and concerned business organizations. 

Membership is open to academic institutions that meet prescribed standards. 

Introduction of CIEE Japan 

Founded in 1965, CIEE JAPAN has been helping thousands of students, professionals, and 

educators gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally 

interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, 

and valuable exchange programs available. CIEE has the central office in Tokyo as well as 

the regional branch in Kyoto and Fukuoka. CIEE Japan will be celebrating its 50th 

anniversary in 2015. 

Since 1981, CIEE has been working closely with Educational Testing Service (ETS) of the 

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United States on administration of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) and 

acts as a regional representative in Japan for various ETS products and services. According 

to ETS, CIEE has helped make TOEFL ITP a worldwide assessment, as well as a program 

requirement in several educational institutions in Japan, including the oldest and 

top-ranked institution in the country, the University of Tokyo. Each year, more than 200 

institutions globally—including 21 CIEE member universities—use the TOEFL ITP 

Assessment Series. The test is used by colleges and universities, English language 

programs, and other agencies throughout the world to measure students’ English language 

proficiency in order to place students in English language programs; to measure progress 

throughout the programs; to fulfill a language requirement; or to assess faculty or staff 

proficiency. 

Way to the Alliance 

Originally, CIEE US was the member of the Alliance. Later, CIEE Japan started working with 

CIEE US. Then CIEE US stopped working with the Alliance because they focused long term 

study abroad to foreign universities. Instead, CIEE Japan began to work with the Alliance so 

that the numbers of outgoing students have grown rapidly. 

CIEE Japan applied for associate membership in 2006, then was voted and accepted in 2010. 

Motivation for being a part of the Alliance has been consistent. CIEE Japan organizes the 

training for camp leaders and conducts the pre-departure orientation for outgoing 

volunteers. Feedback from our volunteers as well as the host institution of incoming 

volunteers became quite positive over the years. 

Our key words when we promote workcamps are: 

1. “Bring young people to your institution (or community, school) to have International 

experience staying in Japan” (Local partners) 

2. “Grow, Discover, and meet new people globally” (Potential volunteers) 

3. “Help bridging local community and world” (Sponsors) 

General Conditions 

1. Must be over 18 years-old 

We can neither accept a high school student nor a teenager who is 17 or lower. 

2. Attend a camp from the beginning to the end 

Japanese people are very punctual. No delay is allowed except an emergency. Since we 

usually organize camps consisting of less than 5 volunteers, each individual are huge 

asset to the project. Therefore, arriving late or/and leaving early does cause a certain 

impact to the host organization as well as other volunteers , the project leader and most 

of all, people in the local community. In additions, some projects are held in rural area. 

There are not enough English sign boards to guide you to one place to another. Each year, 

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there are certain numbers of volunteers who get lost and cannot come to the meeting 

point on time. Please have yourself enough time for your travel. 

3. Have to be a good communicator 

Japanese workcamps are very unique. International volunteers are often introduced to 

the local community and they do many activities together. Therefore, we look for 

volunteers who are outgoing, sociable and friendly to Japanese people. Anyone who has 

an interest in Japanese culture or languages is welcomed. We expect volunteers who 

have a motivation not only for experiencing life or sightseeing the landmarks, but also 

contributing the society and its people. 

TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERS 

These are very important information about the work camp in Japan. 

Please look it through before sending a volunteer application to us. 

1. Highlight 

We organize international workcamps every year in Japan. The number of international 

volunteers has once decreased in the year 2011 because of the impact of 3.11 earthquakes 

in East Japan. We have been working very hard to improve the situation and welcome more 

volunteers from overseas. In 2012, we successfully organized the camps throughout the 

country and accepted about 100 international volunteers around the world. 

2. Language 

Not like other countries, it is hard to find English-speaking environment in Japan. Although 

we emphasize on using English as a common language for international volunteers and the 

leader, the host organization and people in the local community are not used to 

speak/listen in English. 

Therefore, we appreciate if the volunteers can at least try to communicate in Japanese with 

these local people. Some projects in Japan involve quite a lot of local volunteers, especially 

when it is run jointly with their regular activity/camp. 

3. Culture 

Once you join CIEE work camp in Japan, you will find our culture very different from your 

own. 

Since our country is not consisted of immigrants, most citizens are Japanese and they are 

not really good at opening up themselves to other races or nationalities. Instead, we usually 

hope others to come communicate with us. The word “Passive” may describe how we are in 

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encountering new people. 

On the other hand, we have a very polite and welcoming culture. It may result from the fact 

that the size of “service industries” has been huge in Japan. We used to say the customer or 

guest is “the king” so we have to treat them as our superior. 

You should keep in mind that public affection is generally hatred by Japanese people. You 

may not directly find out by their facial expression, but they really are not in favor of it. If 

the volunteer join the project with his/her partner or significant others please pay attention 

to the manner. 

4. Insurance 

Volunteers are not covered by any CIEE insurance. It is their responsibilities to cover the 

whole period of his /her stay in Japan. 

5. Transportation fee 

Each volunteer is responsible for arranging their transportation to/from the meeting point 

of the camp at their expenses. 

6. Requirements 

Motivation letter, Volunteer's Picture (A copy of your passport is acceptable) 

7. Leader 

We usually assign 1 project leader in each camp. We recruit them according to their 

motivation, English skill and experiences requested by the host organization. Since the 

project leader act as a coordinator, an advisor and most of all a good communicator to 

bridge the volunteers with the local community, we pay a good attention to who is qualified 

for the position. Once the assignment is settled, we provide a half day orientation so that 

they understand the role and responsibilities for the project. Once the camp begins, we 

closely work with local coordinator and the leader so that each camp goes smoothly. After 

the workcamp finishes, we share the project report from the leader with the host 

organization, in order to improve the quality of the camp in the future. 

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PROJECT MAP 

(CIEEJ1301)/ 

CIEEJ1322 

● 

●CIEEJ1315 

CIEEJ1320 ● 

●CIEEJ1302 

CIEEJ130 

CIEEJ1312 ● 

CIEEJ131 

CIEEJ131 

● 

● 

● 

CIEEJ1314 ● 

CIEEJ130 

● 

CIEEJ1318 

CIEEJ1310 ● ● ●CIEEJ1308 

● 

●CIEEJ1306, 1316 

●CIEEJ1317 

● ● 

CIEEJ1303, 1321 

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CIEEJ1307 

CIEEJ130 

●CIEEJ1323, 1324, 1325 

※CIEEJ1301 was already finished successfully in Feb 2013. 

LIST OF PROJECTS 

CODE NAME / LOCATION TYPE TYPE START END Vol 

CIEEJ1302 Iwate Reconstruction 2013 / IWATE KIDS CULT 26/07 08/08 5 

CIEEJ1303 Takatsuki-Keiyukai/OSAKA ELDE CULT 12/07 25/07 3 

CIEEJ1304 Amanohashidate /KYOTO CULT YOUTH 12/07 25/07 3 

CIEEJ1305 Mimasaka MIEA & Nagi /OKAYAMA CULT ENVI 17/07 04/08 6 

CIEEJ1306 Kusatsu TENKI-MURA #1 /SHIGA KIDS FEST 22/07 04/08 3 

CIEEJ1307 Peace program 2013/HIROSHIMA PEACE CULT 27/07 07/08 4 

CIEEJ1308 

MSSP (Meisei Summer School Project) 

/TOKYO 

LANG YOUTH 27/07 11/08 6 

CIEEJ1309 Rita no hanasaku villege /HYOGO (NEW) ENVI AGRI 

Early 

August 

Early August 5 

CIEEJ1310 Higashi shirakawa-mura /GIFU CULT YOUTH 02/08 15/08 15 

CIEEJ1311 Shimane Manyo Park /SHIMANE CULT ENVI 03/08 19/08 3 

CIEEJ1312 Zao Ikoino Sato /YAMAGATA (NEW) AGRI ENVI 05/08 16/08 5 

CIEEJ1314 Fureai no mori /YAMAGUCHI CULT KIDS 22/08 31/08 6 

CIEEJ1315 Kembuchi /HOKKAIDO DISA ART 19/08 29/08 3 

CIEEJ1316 Kusatsu TENKI-MURA #2 /SHIGA KIDS FEST 20/08 01/09 3 

CIEEJ1317 Izu-Oshima /TOKYO DISA SOCI 20/08 03/09 4 

CIEEJ1318 Kunimi-en /YAMANASHI DISA SOCI 01/09 07/09 2 

CIEEJ1319 Shizenkan Sahimel /SHIMANE CULT FEST 03/09 16/09 2 

CIEEJ1320 Kaleodoscope Museum of Furano CULT ART Mid July Late August 2 

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HOKKAIDO 

CIEEJ1321 Takatsuki-so/OSAKA ELDE FEST 24/07 06/08 3 

CIEEJ1322 Neiraku kyodo gakusha #2 /HOKKAIDO AGRI EDU Late July Late July 2 

CIEEJ1323 Turtles Preservation #1 /KAGOSHIMA MANU ENVI 01/08 15/08 5 



Some projects are under preparation. We will announce them later on via E-VET and Email 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

CIEEJ1302 Iwate Reconstruction 2013 /IWATE (TBD) KIDS/CULT 

Lengths: 

26 th July – 8 th August 

Volunteers: 5 

Age: over 18 

Language: English / Japanese 

Host organization: Tanohata Board of Education 

Airport: 

Narita International Airport (domestic line: Hanamaki airport) 

Terminal: 

JsR Miyako Station 

Project details are to be decided. 

CIEEJ1303 Takatsuki-Keiyukai/OSAKA ELDE/CULT 

Lengths: 

12 th July - 25 th July 

Volunteers: 3 (Female only) 

Age: over 18 


Host Institution: Takatsuki-Keiyukai 

Airport: 

Kansai International Airport 

Terminal: 

JR Takatsuki Station 

Background: 

Keiyukai is one of the healthcare corporations incorporated in Osaka, and have 7 facilities 

in Osaka and Kyoto. Some of them are clinics and others are day-care facilities or nursing 

homes for the aged requiring special care. They accept people who are physically or 

mentally challenged and are in need of help in their daily lives. 

Work: 

Volunteers will help in general duties of nursing care in the facilities for the elderly people 

aged 65 and up, and in need of full-time nursing care. 

In the morning: helping with nursing cares. 

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In the afternoon: helping with activities (exercising and games) and daily general works. 

You will also work in other facilities of the group (in Kyoto), too. 

Accommodation: 

Volunteers will be accommodated in the facility. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a small kitchen, and a shower room. Internet 

access is available in the office. Public phone, a small shop, and Internet café are nearby. 

Meals: 

Three meals will be provided. 

What to bring: 

Please bring indoor shoes, toiletries, clothing suitable for the work, towels and sanitary 

goods. Volunteers are requested to introduce their own countries by showing photos and 

maps, introducing recipes, and teaching children’s songs and plays that the elderly people 

would enjoy. 

Note: 

Basic Japanese skill would be helpful to enjoy this project, but it is not required. 

Location: 

Takatsuki-shi is located in Osaka prefecture. It is easily accessible from downtown Osaka, 

the second largest city in Japan. It is also close to Kyoto, the most famous ancient capital in 

Japan. Volunteers will enjoy visiting those cities and their landmarks on their day-offs. 

URL: Takatsuki Keiyukai(JAPANESE): http://www.keiyukai.org/ 

Remarks: 

Volunteers are expected to act kindly with consideration, and talk friendly. Those who value 

the communication with the elderly are welcome. If you can practice singing a song in 

Japanese songs, the elderly people will love it! 

CIEEJ1304 Amanohashidate/KYOTO CULT/YOUTH 

Length: 12 th July – 25 th July 

Volunteers: 3 

Age: over 18 


Sponsor: Kyoto Youth Hostel Association, AMANOHASHIDATE Youth Hostel 

Airport: Kansai International Airport 

Terminal: Amanohashidate station run by Kitakinki Tango Railway 

Background: 

Kyoto Youth Hostel Association was established in 1968 and since then it has played a 

significant role in the field of international exchange activities in Kyoto, which is one of the 

most historic cities in Japan. In order to help establishing better understanding over the 

foreign cultures between people who live in Kyoto, and people who visit the city, Kyoto 

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Youth Hostel Association hereby welcomes the volunteers from all over the world. 

Work: 

Volunteers will be in charge of various duties in routine work such as taking care of guests, 

cleaning and organizing guest rooms and the hostel, and giving information to the guests 

in the mornings and early to late evenings. (Around lunch time and holidays will be free of 

duties.) 

Volunteers will be expected to join the preparation for and carrying over the events which 

will be held in hostel and to accompany guests to local traditional events as a guide. 

Volunteers will visit local elementary school and give presentation about their countries. 

They are also encouraged to write about his/her volunteer experience on the Youth Hostel’s 

website. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the hostel. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. Internet 

access is available. A small shop is located within 10-minute walk. 

Meals: 

Breakfast and Dinner will be served every day. (When you go out, it will be cancelled.) 

Lunch (of approx. 500 JPY) will be provided as well. 


Toiletries, casual clothing and sandals are necessary. Please bring home countries’ recipes 

and ingredients. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring something to introduce their 

culture and life, as you have a chance to show them to local children at the elementary 

schools. The beautiful ocean is nearby. Bring a swimsuit if you like swimming. 

Note: 

Participants need English skill to communicate with international guests staying at the 

hostel. 

Also basic Japanese skill is required in order to work with Japanese staff. Volunteers are 

expected to be physically strong and adaptable to cultural diversity. 

Location: 

Amanohashidate, one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan, located in 

northeastern Kyoto, has been attracting people for hundreds of years with its unique 

landscape. It is also known as one of the top-three best views in Japan. “Amanohashidate” 

means “The place where heaven, ground and the sea meet”. The base town Miyazu faces 

Miyazu Bay with its eastern side, and has the various classical architectural heritages from 

the 16 th century scattered all over the town, being surrounded by abundant nature as well. 

The Youth Hostel is located in the mountains which faces Amanohashidate station over the 

bay. By way of Amanohashidate, the bridge, it will take an hour on foot to the hostel from 

the station. 

It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get to Miyazu from Kansai International Airport by train. 

From Kyoto station, it will be roughly 2 hours. 

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URL: 

Amanohashidate Youth Hostel(ENGLISH): http://www.hashidate-yh.jp/english.html 

Kitakinki Tango Railway (ENGLISH): http://ktr-tetsudo.jp/english/ 

Amanohashidate Tourist Information Center (JAPANESE): http://www.amanohashidate.jp/ 

Remarks 

Volunteers who love nature and traditional Japanese culture are most welcome. The host 

organizers may take you to hot spring or landmarks on weekend. 

CIEEJ1305 Mimasaka MIEA+Nagi machi /OKAYAMA CULT/ENVI 

Length: 

17 th July – 4 nd August 

Volunteers: 6 

Age: over 18 


Sponsor: Mimasaka International Exchange Association 

Terminal: Kansai International Airport 

Station: 

JR Hayashino Station 

Background: 

Local sponsor, Mimasaka International Exchange Association(MIEA) was founded in 1998 

as an activity group of Mimasaka citizens. The primary aim of MIEA is to contribute to the 

grobalization of Mimasaka city. So far they accepted hundreds of volunteers from over 20 

countries. 

Work: 

There will be many events and works such as follows: 

Welcome party, orientation meeting, river survey, river cleaning , street cleaning (with local 

residents aged from 30s to 60s), Japanese traditional culture experience, International 

Exchange Meeting, temple cleaning, farewell party and so on. 

Volunteers will also participate in a local festival. 

Volunteers are going to interact with local high school (15-18 y.o) and elementary school 

students (7-10 y.o.) and mothers with young children or babies (20-30s), when visiting local 

schools. 

Volunteers are expected to work cooperatively in a group, and work well. 


Each volunteer will be accommodated in a house of local host families. 

Volunteers should expect and respect some house rules in each family. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. Internet 

is not available. 

Please always ask your host family when you use, a washer or a kitchen, etc. You may need 

to do the laundry by yourself or your laundry will be washed together with family’s and be 

asked to help with it. Please be flexible and helpful. 

Meals: 

All three meals will be provided. 

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Anything you can display on an international exchange event. Pictures, CD, books, 

magazines, toys, games or snacks of your country are suggested. You can have your own 

booth, display them and give presentation about your country at this event. 

Clothes suitable for activities, such as T-shirts, pants, and sneakers. Long-sleeved shirts 

and a hat/cap are a must. In addition to clothing, please bring toiletries, towels and other 

things you need for your daily life. 

Note 

During the program, you will be frequently asked to introduce yourself to local people 

especially in cultural exchanges settings. Please be prepared and enjoy that exposure. 

Location: 

MIEA is located in Mimasaka-city in Okayama prefecture. It is famous for beautiful 

landscapes and hot springs. The most notable sightseeing spot is the birthplace of Musashi 

Miyamoto (1584~1645), the strongest swords man handling two swords at the same time. 

Hayashino Station is located about one and half hours by train (JR Kishin line) from Himeji 

city in Hyogo prefecture. Himeji Castle is one of the oldest and most beautiful castles in 

Japan. 

URL: MIEA (Japanese) http://analogman.ne.jp/MIEA/ 

(English) http://www10.plala.or.jp/COOLMOON/miea/index.htm 

Remarks: 

Every participant must be able to ride on a bicycle!! We cannot accept a volunteer who do 

not know how to ride on it. 

Home stay: 

Build a good relationship with your host family. Help your host family with housework as a 

member of the family. Please tell your host family in advance what you can eat and what you 

cannot. Keep phone numbers (home and mobile phones) of your host family with you all the 

time. Avoid going out at night. 

For the schedules on Saturdays and Sundays, please ask your host family if they have any 

plan made for the day before you make your own schedules. Please keep in mind that you 

are strongly expected to spend time with your host family on those days. Be advised if they 

have any plan made, theirs has priority. Please do not make any plan with your friends on 

weekends without talking to your host family first. 

CIEEJ1306/1316 Kusatsu TENKI-MURA #1,2/SHIGA 

KIDS/CULT 

Length: 

1306 (22 nd July - 4 th August) 1316 (20 th August – 1 st September) 

Volunteers: 3 

Age: over 18 

Language: 

English / Japanese 

Host organization: NPO Children Network Center “Tenki-mura” 

Terminal: 


Station: 

JR Kusatsu Station 

Background: 

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In Japan, children are having fewer chances to talk with elder people in the neighborhood 

and also they tend to stay home playing video games. TENKIMURA was established in 1987 

to reconsider and improve the situation that children are put, and to help their healthier 

growth. This organization has many programs and organizes events related to nature 

activities for children, aiming to create a better local community and offer supports to 

parents in their child-rearing. The slogan is “The earth is a playground!” Lots of local 

people are involved in the events as supporters and TENKIMURA provides children with 

chances to explore the nature, and hopefully, the event will stay in their minds as a precious 

memory for the rest of their life. 

Work: 

This program consists of two sections. 1: Camping with children, 2: Repair work on old, 

traditional Japanese-style houses. 

As for 1: The summer camp is a program for elementary school children (6 to 12 years old). 

Volunteers will be expected to act as their leaders. You will cook, play in the river and do 

other activities with children while making sure they are all safe. 

As for 2: Volunteers will stay at Japanese-style old thatched house and participate in repair 

work on those houses. You can experience Japanese old life-style and see how nature was 

close to the life of people in the past. Volunteers will have opportunities to visit the facility 

for the elderly. 


Volunteers will be staying at the camping site for the first half of the program and will be 

accommodated in the office, an old house, for the second. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be limited, and may need a sleeping bag in some part of the stay. There are a 

washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. A small shop, public phone, Internet café are 

available nearby. 

Meals: 

Volunteers are expected to cook by themselves, sometimes with children. Foodstuffs (of 

approx. 500 JPY per meal) will be provided. 

During the camp, cooking is done in the camping site, and after the camp, a kitchen in the 

office is available. 


Volunteers need to bring a sleeping bag, swimwear, work clothes and something to 

introduce 

your country with, such as a game. Need Clothing suitable for activities, such as T-shirts, 

pants, 

and sneakers. Long-sleeved shirts and a hat/cap are a must. In addition to clothing, please 

bring 

toiletries, towels and other things you need for your daily life. 

Location: 

Shiga prefecture is in the central part of Japan and is famous for Lake Biwa, the biggest lake 

in the country, which occupies one sixth of the total area of the prefecture. Kusatsu City lies 

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to the south of the lake and has over 110,000 residents. The city served as one of “Sekisho”, 

ancient checkpoints on Five Main Highways in Edo period (1615-1867) and used to be a 

busy place with many tourists. It takes about 20 minutes by train to get to Kyoto, the 

ancient capital of Japan with lots of historical sites, and about 2 hours by express trains to 

get to Kansai International Airport. 

URL: 

NPO Children Network Center Tenkimura: http://www.biwako.ne.jp/~nt-tenki/ 

Remarks: 

Japanese skill (intermediate level) is preferable for communication with kids. This camp is 

recommended to those who enjoy being around the nature and taking care of children. 

Volunteer work involved with repairing old traditional houses, it would be great if a 

volunteer is physically tough. 

CIEEJ1307 Peace program 2013/HIROSHIMA PEACE/CULT 

27 th July - 7 th August 

Volunteers: 4 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Organization: Yomogi no atorie and others 

Airport: 

Kansai International Airport or Hiroshima airport 

Terminal: 

JR Hiroshima station 

Background: 

This camp is organized by a non-profit organization “Yomogi no atelier” which offers many 

kinds of domestic services to the aged or physically/socially handicapped people, and 

another is an artists’ group called “NPO Project Now” with their activities based in 

Hiroshima, and their object is to organize an event aimed for atomic-bombed day this year, 

showing the productions worked out on a concept “Atomic weapons and I”. The first half of 

the camp will be dedicated to the work of Yomogi no atelier, and the latter half will be with 

the artists’ group. 

Work: 

・Agricultural work and making lunch boxes 

・Assisting English teaching class for teenagers 

・Experiencing Japanese culture 

・Preparation for an event on 06/08 

・Preparing the venue for the event of Peace Camp, pitching up tents, and cleaning the venue 

when the event is over. 

・Participating in the Peace Memorial Service and other related services. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the house or tents on the campus of Hiroshima City 

University. We will make more detailed announcements later on. 

Meals: 

All meals will be provided. Breakfast and supper will be cooked by volunteers with the 

15

foodstuff supplied, and the lunch will be provided at the work places. 


Please bring clothes which are suitable for activities such as T-shirts, pants, and sneakers. 

Also bring toiletries, towels and other items for daily life. For outdoor activities, you may 

need a hat/cap and rainwear. A sleeping bag may be needed as well. Volunteers are 

requested to introduce their own countries by showing photos and maps, teaching 

children’s songs and plays, or introducing recipes. 

Note: 

We strongly recommend you to study about the history of Hiroshima, before coming to 

Japan. 

Location: 

NPO Yomogi no atelier and Project NOW! are located in Hiroshima city, which has overcome 

and recovered from the tragedy of atomic bombing and now is the biggest city in 

Chugoku-Shikoku Region. 

URL: 

NPO Yomogi no atelier (JAPANESE): http://yomoginoatorie.com/ 

Project NOW! (ENGLISH) http://www.p-now.com/?lang=en 

Remarks: 

Volunteers have to bear transportation cost both between JR Hiroshima station (Meeting 

point) and Kumano-cho (where you stay), and between JR Hiroshima station and Hiroshima 

City University (the venue of Peace camp). The cost will be approximately 2,500 JPY. 

CIEEJ1308 MSSP (Meisei Summer School Project)/ TOKYO LANG/YOUTH 

Length: 

21 st July – 5 th August 

Volunteers: 6 

Age: over 18 

Language: 

English 

Host Organization: Meisei University 

Terminal: 

Narita International Airport 

Background: 

MSSP stands for Meisei Summer School Project, which offers free English classes to junior 

high school students and elementary or/and junior high school pupils (age 6 to 15) in the 

neighborhood of Hino city. Volunteer students of Meisei University who are interested in 

teaching English and planning to be English teachers run this project. Based on the 

theoretical assumption, they prioritize activity-based teaching rather than the traditional 

cramming style. Its philosophy is that English teaching and learning are fun and its aim is to 

develop communication ability in English of the participants. 

Work: 

Volunteers will participate in MSSP. 

- Teach English to junior high school students and elementary school pupils together with 

Meisei University students. 

16

- Create syllabi and teaching materials for the summer school. 

- Participate in setting of the sites/classrooms, organize opening and closing ceremonies, 

and perform other duties to run the summer school. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in a guest house called Geihinkan located outside of 

Meisei campus. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a bathroom and a lavatory. Internet 

access is available in the office only. Please note that there are roles and curfews in the 

accommodation. Volunteers are strongly required to abide by these rules during the work 

camp. 

Meals: 

Breakfast and dinner are self-catering. Cooking materials will be provided by the University. 

You may be asked to go to a store to get grocery done. Volunteers take turns in groceries. 

Vouchers which you can use at University cafeteria will be provided for lunch. 


Each volunteer is encouraged to bring photos and something to introduce the culture of 

home country. You are encouraged to show and introduce them at the booth in the 

international exchange event. 

Note: 

You do not have to be a native English speaker to participate in this work camp, but 

experiences in teaching English as a second language are very much appreciated. You can 

enjoy field trip on weekend. 

Location: 

Hino city is located in the western part of Tokyo and it is a quiet peaceful town surrounded 

by abundant nature. It will take less than one hour to get to the central Tokyo. 

URL: 

Meisei University: http://www.meisei-u.ac.jp/ 

Meisei Summer School Project (ENGLISH): 

http://homepage2.nifty.com/meisei_summerschool/ 

Remarks: 

Volunteers who are interested in teaching English, learning Japanese culture are welcome. 

Volunteers are expected to work together with students of Meisei University and other 

international volunteers in order to carry the project successfully. 

CIEEJ1309 Rita no hanasaku villege/HYOGO (NEW in 2013) (TBD) 

Length: 

Early August 

Volunteers: 5 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Organizer: Yoshinobu Sakagami (MR) 

ENVI/AGRI 

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Airport: 

Terminal: 


JR Kouzi Station 

Background: 

A retired couple has moved into the village after long working as a professional tax 

accountant. 

They built the house in that area but they were very surprised to see the area has been so 

depopulated. Instead of spending an affluent second life, they decided to revitalize the area 

by making a village more attractive for urban citizens so that many people can come and 

visit the area on holidays. They reconstructed the roadway for 3 km and begin to host a 

musical recital for younger generations. 

Work: 

Environmental/Agricultural activities needed for the community. You may get involved with 

some reconstruction work for the old Japanese-style housings. 

Details will be announced later on. 

CIEEJ1310 HIGASHI SHIRAKAWA-MURA/GIFU CULT/YOUTH 

Length: 

2 nd – 15 th August 

Volunteers: 15 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host organization: Higashi Shirakawa-mura Board of Education 

Airport : 

Central Japan International Airport 

Station: 

JR Higashi Shirakawaguchi station 

Background: 

Higashi Shirakawa-Mura Board of Education offers this program in cooperation with Nagoya 

University of Commerce & Business Administration. They are celebrating 13 th anniversary 

this year. Every summer season, they invite international volunteers to this small village 

which may not be a well-known tourist spot, but nevertheless, has many attractive things 

and places to visit. It is a great opportunity for volunteers to enjoy true traditional pastoral 

scene and life in Japan! 

Work: 

1. Cultural exchange activity with junior high school students: Volunteers will visit a junior 

high school to have cultural exchange with 9 th graders (14-15). For instance, you will learn 

Japanese traditional Origami or Calligraphy and play sports together. Activities are 

designed to help the students their mind and understand the international society. 

2. Helping with kids program for elementary school students: Volunteers will join the 

Canoeing program that canoes along the river nearby. (6 -11). 

3. Helping with events: Volunteers will help local people organizing a summer dance 

festival and other events. 

4. Experiencing the local industry, timber industry: Volunteers will participate in the 

activities such as tree thinning, pruning and land-cleaning. You will work with people in 

their 30s to 60s. 

5. Cleaning cultural facilities: Volunteers will clean up shrines etc. You will work with people 

in 60s to 80s. 

18

6. Helping NPO, Aozora Kenbun Juku: Volunteers will interact with children and staff and 

work on maintenance of hiking trails. Maintenance of roads includes thinning and cleaning 

sidewalks. Volunteers will help organizing a camp for children of 6 to 12 years old. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the office of Kanda Shrine. 

Facilities: 

There is no bed, so a sleeping bag is necessary. There are a washer, a kitchen, and a shower 

room. Library where you can use Internet and also a small shop are located close by. 

Meals: 

Volunteers will be expected to cook by themselves. Food stuff will be provided. 


Please bring a sleeping bag, clothing suitable for activities, such as long sleeved items, 

pants, a hat/cap, cotton gloves, and sneakers durable for outdoor works. Towels and a 

water bottle/canteen are necessary. Sandals and short pants are not appropriate for the 

type of work here. If you love fishing, please bring fishing tackle. 

Note: 

Basic Japanese knowledge would be helpful for communicating with local people. Get 

yourself ready for experience the unique culture and customs in Higashi Shirakawa-Mura. 

Location: 

Higashi Shirakawa-Mura is located in the central part of Japan, near the Hida Mountains 

which are very famous for its beautiful scenery among climbers and tourists. Also, 

volunteers may have a 

chance to visit "Shirakawago", a newly registered “World Heritage”. 

URL:Higashi Shirakawa-Mura Town Office: http://www.vill.higashishirakawa.lg.jp/ 

Remarks: 

Works planned in this program consist of a lot of outdoor activities in the forest. Please be 

prepared for the outdoor work in terms of clothing and belongings. 

Occasionally, volunteers have to work under the sun with extreme heat of the summer. A 

hat/cap, water bottle and a bug repellent are useful. Please put the volunteer work on your 

highest priority. Five hours a day, five days a week. Please be reminded also, that the 

villagers are not used to seeing people from overseas and they may look at you with 

curiosity, but no offence. Schedule is fixed including sight-seeing, free-time and day-offs. 

CIEEJ1311 Shimane Manyo Park/SHIMANE CULT/ENVI 

Length: 

3 rd – 19 th August 

Volunteers: 2 (Female only) 

Age: over 18 


Sponsor: 

Shimane prefecture 

Terminal: 


Station: 

Masuda station on JR San-in line 

19

Background: 

From the ancient times Shimane prefecture consists of three regions namely, Izumo, Iwami 

and Oki. Izumo region appears in Japanese mythology as the birthplace of Japanese culture 

and history. The name Iwami also is much referred to in Man-yo-shu, literally “A Collection 

of a Myriad Leaves”, which is one of the oldest existing anthology of poetry put together in 

the late eighth century in Japan. One of the greatest poets of the time was Kakinomoto 

Hitomaro, who lived in Iwami, and whose verse covered more than half of all 4,400 poems of 

the collection. 

This Manyo-park was opened in 1982 as the third prefectural park of Shimane, to dedicate 

to the purpose of presenting Manyo-romanticism which is so lively and profoundly human, 

in Masuda city where the great poet once lived. 

Park has an accommodation facility, camp site, and open air theater. people visit the park 

for taking a walk, eating lunch and communicating elderly with youth. 

Work: 

1. Maintenance on the park/camp site, such as collecting garbage, cleaning the area and 

watering flower beds. 

2. Helping the kid’s event (Age 7 - 12) for a day. Details are undecided but most likely a 

barbeque at the camp site. 

3. Translating Park's pamphlet from A) Japanese to English B) English to other European 

Language (French, German and so on) for attracting/informing more tourists. 

Accommodation: Guest house/Old style Japanese houses/camp site 

Facilities: A kitchen, bathroom, a bathtub with shower and washing machine are available. 

The internet is accessible in internet café, and convenience store, super market are also in 

the vicinity of the site. However, no public phone is available. 

Meals: Volunteers will prepare their breakfasts and dinners themselves. Lunches are 

provided in the style of lunchboxes. 

What to bring: Working clothes (T-shirt, jeans and sneakers - long-sleeved are preferable as 

mornings and evenings get so chilly.) A cap, spare clothes for change, toiletry, soaps, and 

anything you think would be needed in a camp life. Something that shows your country, 

games, songs, etc. 

Note: We welcome volunteers who can smile to visitors with a smile any time, and 

volunteers who can willingly work and stay peacefully with others. Last but not least, we 

welcome volunteers who are not against to be interviewed, taken photos, and their images 

to be released in printed materials, on TV broadcast, HP and other medium for PR or 

advertisement purposes of the park, Masuda city and Shimane prefecture. 

During day-offs, an English-speaking guide will take you to Hagi or Tsuwano for 

sightseeing. You will enjoy some Japanese cultural experience (such as Japanese flower 

arrangement called KADO, and tea ceremony called SADO). 

We hope you enjoy Iwami-Kagura. Kagura was used to be traditional sacred service dance 

20

performed in Shinto shrines during festivals. After Meiji era (1869-1912), it became rather a 

type of folk entertainment. You will have a chance to peep into the Japanese mythology in 

watching this performance. 

Location: Masuda-shi is a city located in Shimane prefecture, Japan. The city has a 

population of 51,118 and the density of 69.7 person persons per square km². The total area 

is 733.16 km². 

URL: 

Manyo Park (JAPANESE): http://ohata.jp/manyou/ 

Masudashi Kankou Kyokai (JAPANESE): http://www.masudashi.com 

VISIT MASUDA (ENGLISH): http://visit-masuda.main.jp/ 

CIEEJ1312 Zao Ikoino Villege /YAMAGATA (NEW in 2013) AGRI/ENVI 

Length: 

5 th – 16 th August 

Volunteers: 5 

Age: over 18 

Language: 

Japanese/ English 

Host organization: Zao Ikoino Villege 

Terminal: 

Narita International Airport (Domestic: Yamagata Airport) 

Station: 

Kaminoyama Onsen station on JR Yamagata shinkansen 

Background: 

Work: 

1. Maintenance of the farm/ rice field. Harvest summer vegetables. 

2. Cut the firewood 

3. Paint the rooftop for protecting them from rust. 

4. Build a dog house 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the facilities. 

Facilities: 

A kitchen, bathroom, laboratory. Internet access is limited but can borrow at the office. 

Meals: 

All meals are provided by the host organization. you can enjoy truly fresh vegetables from 

the farm. 


A sleeping bag, working gloves, boots, insect spray, sunblock cream, bath towel, toiletries, 

hat,. 

Note: 

Cannot accept who are allergic to dogs/rabbits and hay favor. On day-offs, volunteers can 

enjoy hot springs and sightseeing. 

CIEEJ1314 Fureai no mori /YAMAGUCHI CULT /KIDS 

21

Length: 

22 nd – 31 st August 

Volunteers: 6 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Organization: Interaction Forest “Nandemo Kobo” 

Airport: 

Yamaguchi Ube Airport 

Terminal: 

JR Tokuyama Station 

Background: 

Host organization offers outdoor activities for both adults and children, which include 

making woodwork, basket wares, building wooden houses and painting, etc. in an 

environment abundant in nature. 

All staff in organization are volunteers and they work with a philosophy of “A forest 

sustains people, people sustain a forest”. 

During summer, many children and families visit this place and join the program of various 

outdoor activities. 

Work: 

1: Activities to help children, families and elders with cooking (pizza, udon and somen 

noodles etc), making crafts, and so on. Age of participants will range from 5 to 80 years old. 

2: International exchange with local elementary school students: Please introduce your 

country. The local students will give you the introduction of the area and of its traditional 

culture. Volunteers will participate in Japanese traditional summer festival called”Matsuri”, 

together with local students. 

3: Maintenance of Fureai-no-Mori (mori means forest in Japanese): Volunteers will help with 

maintenance work of forest park and some facilities. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the facilities. 

Facilities: 

A sleeping bag is necessary. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. 

Public phone and a small shop are nearby. 

Meals: 

Volunteers will cook by themselves. Volunteers are asked to go to the store and buy 

groceries. 


Clothing need to be suitable for outdoor activities. Slippers and sandals are prohibited 

during outdoor work. Please bring swimwear or something you can play in the river. 

Location: 

Shunan-city is located in south-eastern part of Yamaguchi Pref., between the beautiful Seto 

Inland Sea and hillside. It takes four and a half hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen or one and 

a half from Yamaguchi Ube Airport by train. 

URL: Fureai-no-Mori Nandemo Kobo (JAPANESE): 

http://www.kanko-shunan.com/saihakken/fureaikobo/fureaikobo.html 

22

Remarks: 

Volunteers need to be a self starter. Those who are open-minded and eager to learn Japan 

by helping people and interacting with local people are most welcome! 

CIEEJ1315 Kembuchi/ HOKKAIDO DISA/ART 

Length: 

19 th -29 th August 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Volunteers: 

3 (Female only) 

Host Organization: Kembuchi Nishihara Gakuen 

Airport: 

Shin-Chitose Airport 

Station: 

JR Kembuchi station 

Background: 

Kembuchi Nishihara Gakuen is a school for mentally challenged people founded in 1980 as 

"a place where everyone gets together". The school has workshops for productive or 

creative activities such as processing agricultural products, ceramic art, woodwork, and 

fabric craft and so on, so that the mentally challenged people would have better links with 

the local society through the skills they learned. 

Work: 

- Volunteers will help mentally challenged people in their productive activities of 

woodwork, ceramic art and fabric crafts. 

- Volunteers will join creative and recreational activities, such as painting, craft, playing 

music, and etc. 

- Volunteers will also help the school staff in various duties to carry on daily routines such 

as serving meals and cleaning school items 


Volunteers will stay in the guesthouse. 

Facilities: 

There are a washer, a shared kitchen, a lavatory and a shower room in the building. Internet 

access is available only in the main office. A small post office, shop(s) are nearby. The area 

is surrounded by great nature. 

Meals: 

All meals will be provided. Volunteers will eat with the students. 


Participants are encouraged to bring work clothes that can get dirty. Outfits should be 

warm since the weather can be cold in the mornings and evenings even during the summer 

time. 

Location: 

Hokkaido, where the town of Kembuchi is located, is the biggest and northernmost part of 

four main islands in Japan. It is also known as the 21 st largest island in the world with 

23

abundant nature and a number of national parks. Hokkaido attracts millions of tourists 

from other regions in Japan with its vast wilderness, and its breezy, dry air is another 

attraction in summer. Kembuchi is a small town with the population of 4000, located in 

north central part of Hokkaido. The nearest airport is Shin-Chitose, and it roughly takes 2 

hour and a half to get to the town by train. Volunteers may fly there either via Narita or 

Kansai International Airport. Direct flights from Korea to Sin-Chitose are also available. 

Remarks: 

You may find it difficult to talk with students because they are not good at oral 

communication. Please plan activities everyone can enjoy without using actively using 

oral-communication such as music tapes, CDs, paintings, exercises, dance and game are 

appreciated. 

Volunteers with strong motivation and interests in Japanese culture and social welfare are 

welcome. 

URL: Kembuchi town (JAPANESE) http://www.town.kembuchi.hokkaido.jp/ 

The important point is you enjoy yourselves doing the work or creative activities with the 

students, and do together in the friendly manner. 

CIEEJ1317 Izu-oshima/TOKYO DISA/SOCI 

Length: 

20 th August -3 rd September 

Volunteers: 4 

Age: over 18 


Host Institution: Musashino-kai Oshima Meguminosono 

Airport: 


Terminal: Takeshiba Passenger Boat Terminal (JR Hamamatsu-cho Station) 

Background: 

The host institution, "Musashino-Kai" runs many facilities for the retarded, and/or elderly 

people, and orphans. They accept people who are physically or mentally handicapped and 

are in need of help in their daily lives. For example, the people can take a bath and have 

meals with help of care workers. Rehabilitation and recreation programs are also offered. 

The staff is also engaged in visiting-home helper service, helping people take a bath, 

cooking their meals and doing other general help in their daily lives. There are 2 facilities, 

Oshima Megumi-no-Sono and Oshima Megumi-no-Sono#2 in Oshima Island, and 

approximately 80 mentally retarded people are living with support in each facility . 

Work: 

Volunteers will be engaged in maintenance of the facilities, such as changing sheets 

making beddings and folding clothes. You will also help people living in the facility (Age 

from 20-60) with their daily routines, such as taking a bath, eating meals and doing exercise. 

Volunteers will also join activities such as ceramic arts and crafts and be encouraged to 

interact with the people at the facility. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the dormitory. 

24

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. A TV, an 

air conditioner and a refrigerator furnished. 

Meals: 

All meals will be provided in the dormitory. 


Volunteers are encouraged to bring work clothes (long sleeved shirts and long pants), 

indoor shoes, a hat/cap and a swimwear to use when helping with the resident’s bath time. 

Note: 

Volunteers who are broad-minded, friendly and always smile when talking to the people are 

most welcome. Basic Japanese skill would be helpful to communicate with them. 

You can go swimming, hiking on a mountain nearby, taking a walk, riding a horse during 

day-offs. 

Location: 

Oshima is 1 hour and 45 minutes away by high speed boat from Takeshiba or 30 minutes 

flight from Haneda Airport. The sea around the island is so beautiful that it is most popular 

among snorkelers and divers. 

URL: 

Izu Oshima Turist Information: http://www.town.oshima.tokyo.jp/english/index.html 

Oshima meguminosono: http://www.oshima-megumi.jp/ 

Tokai Kisen Co. Ltd.: http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/ 

Remarks 

PLEASE be aware: it is the facility for MENTALY RETARDED PEOPLE. 

Volunteers who studied the field of welfare or social security or who have experiences of 

similar activities are most desirable. Volunteers need to have some understanding of 

people who are mentally retarded (with autism disorder, Down syndrome etc.) or 

developmentally disabled, and to have basic skills of nursing care. 

* Jargon words editorial supervision by Meguminosono 

CIEEJ1318 Kunimi-en/YAMANASHI DISA/SOCI 

Length: 

1 st – 7 th September 

Volunteers: 

2 (female only) 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Organization: Kunimi-En 

Airport: 


Terminal: 

JR Kajikasawa Station 

Background: 

Kunimi-En is a school and home for mentally challenged people, and was founded in 1996 

as "A big home where everyone cares for everyone". The main aim of this school is to 

provide mentally handicapped people with a comfortable living space, treating them as 

individuals with dignity, so that they feel at home and enjoy their lives while they stay. All 

25

staff are trying to focus on not only to enrich the services they are providing but also to 

introduce their welfare programs and activities to the local people. There are approximately 

40 people staying and 24 staff. 

Kunimi-En calles the week as “International Exchange Week” when they have volunteers, 

and conduct a special program during the week. 

Work: 

Volunteers will help people (from 25 to 75 years old) with both indoor and outdoor 

activities such as farm work, hand craft, art, Sado (Japanese tea ceremony). Volunteers will 

be asked to help those people with their daily routines such as cleaning. Also, work can be 

replaceable if you have alternative. Please tell us your preference in advance. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in a Ryokan (Japanese style hotel) near Kunimi-En. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a lavatory and a shower room. Internet access 

and international phone are available at the facility. A small shop is near the 

accommodation. 

Meals: 

Volunteers will have lunch and dinner with the people at Kunimi-En but need to buy 

breakfast on your own. 


Volunteers need to bring work clothes (short sleeved T shirts, polo shirts, long pants and 

sneakers). No skirt/shirt pants are allowed. 

Note: 

There will be an even to introduce your country (Food, books, CD, maps) in Sep 3rd. Please 

prepare for this event. You can put the date in USB, please bring it with you. 

Basic Japanese skill would be very helpful to enjoy this project. Better bring a Japanese 

dictionary if you happen to have one! It will be so helpful for a better understanding of 

people and other matters. 

Location: 

Kunimi-En is about half an hour by train from Kofu city in Yamanashi prefecture. You can 

see Mt. Fuji, the highest and most sacred mountain in Japan, with the Japan South Alps as 

background. The place is also famous for a rapid Fuji river, and those landscapes are 

depicted in famous Japanese printing "Ukiyoe" by Katsushika Hokusai (1760~1849). Also, 

Pacific Ocean is only 1.5 hours’ drive away. 

Remarks: 

Volunteers who learned about welfare or social security are welcome. Volunteers need to 

understand about developmentally handicapped people (25 – 75 years old, autism disorder, 

down syndrome etc) and to have knowledge of basic nursing care. Volunteers who are 

allergic to cat are not acceptable. 

26

CIEEJ1319 Shizenkan Sahimel/ SHIMANE CULT/FEST 

Length: 

3 rd – 16 st September 

Volunteers: 3 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Organization: The Shimane Nature Museum of Mt.Sanbe ( Sahimel ) 

Airport: 

Kansai International Airport/Iwami Airport 

Terminal: 

JR Oda-shi Station or Oda station 

Background: 

Shimane International Center was established in Shimane prefecture in order to promote 

international exchange and cooperation with many oversea countries. 

This center has conducted many programs, such as giving Japanese guidance to 

non-Japanese residents, accepting foreign students and offering the place for intercultural 

exchanges between citizens and foreign people. Volunteers will work in Nature museum 

which the Center runs. 

Work: 

Volunteers will help indoor and outdoor works in the Nature Museum. 

- Arranging (classifying) insects samples, guiding visitors at the exhibits 

- Translating signs or brochures of the museum. 

- Helping with special exhibits and astronomical observation programs 

- Helping with inter-cultural exchange events for visitors (mainly elementary school 

children and kindergarteners) 


Volunteers will be accommodated in National Sanbe Youth Friendship Center, close to the 

museum. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a bath room and a lavatory. Public phone is 

available nearby. 

Meals: 

Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the dining room. For lunch, lunch box will be 

provided. 


Volunteers need to bring clothes which are suitable for the work such as T shirts, pants, 

sneakers. It will be quite cool in the mornings and evenings. So please bring long sleeved 

shirts. A hat/cap for outdoor work is a must, toiletries and towels are necessary as well. 

Note: 

One night home stay will be planned. 

Location: 

Shimane Pref. is located in the west part of the mainland and faces the Japan Sea. Endowed 

with abundant natural beauty, Shimane changes its seasonal expressions so gracefully 

every time the seasons change from one to another. Oda-shi, where this museum is located, 

has a population of 40,000 people, and lies about 600 meters above sea level, surrounded 

27

y beautiful nature. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a World Heritage site, is about 40 minutes 

away by car. 

From JR Oda-shi station, it takes 60 min by bus to get to the Nature Museum. 

URL: The Shimane Nature Museum of Mt.Sanbe (JAPANESE) http://nature-sanbe.jp/sahimel/ 

National Sambe Youth friendship center (JAPANAESE) http://sanbe.niye.go.jp/ 

Remarks: 

Japanese skill (able to understand daily conversation) would be required. You are expected 

to help visitors showing around the exhibits. 

Since there are various duties in Sahimel, volunteers who have interests in many different 

fields 

and with spirits of challenge are most desirable. Volunteers who love the nature and are 

eager to 

experience country life are also welcome. 

Homestay may be arranged (TBD). Approximately 5,000 YEN will be needed for sightseeing 

a day 

for the transportation fee and some entrance fee for the landmarks. 

CIEEJ1320 Kaleodoscope Museum of Furano/HOKKAIDO CULT/ART 

Length: 

Mid July – Late August 

Volunteers: 2 

Age: over 18 


Sponsor: 

Kaleidoscope Museum of Furano 

Terminal: 

Shin-chitose international airport 

Station: 

Yamabe station on JR Hokkaido Nemuro line 

Background: 

The museum was an elementary school until recently, and then was closed after 98 years of 

history. The school building is now put in reuse as Kaleidoscope Museum. The curator Mr. 

Ikuya Mitsui says “kaleidoscopes are seen at their best when exhibited in an environment 

old and historical. I looked for the oldest closed school in the area.” The museum shows 

images on the wall projected from penlight style kaleidoscopes. “Kaleidoscope was 

invented 200 years ago. This is a new type of kaleidoscope people can share joy of watching 

beautiful images together. I’d like to spread this new type and hand it down to next 

generations, even for another 100 years” 

Work: 

middle 

1. Maintenance on the museum/school building (cleaning and moving equipment) 

2. A guide for general visitors to the museum 

3. Help to organize the activities involving the group of children (primary and 

schools) from Fukushima prefecture 

4. Assist in the music concert 

5. Harvesting agricultural products 

Accommodation: Staying in the building of the host organization/camp 

Facilities and : A kitchen, bathroom and washing machine are available, and the internet is 

28

accessible. No pay phone, no convenience store is nearby. 

Meals: All meals will be provided. 

What to bring: A sleeping bag, working clothes (T-shirt, jeans and sneakers - long-sleeved 

are preferable as mornings and evenings get so chilly in Hokkaido.) A cap, spare clothes for 

change, toiletry, soaps, and anything you need in your daily life. Something that shows your 

country, games, songs and some toys with which you can play with children together. 

Note: 

It is preferable if volunteers understand basic Japanese. 

Not acceptable if allergic to cats and dogs. 

Location: 8.6km from JR Furano station, 4.5 km from JR Yamabe station 

Furano is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan. The city is well known for its 

lavender fields, which is heavenly in June through August, and its agricultural products 

which come out in far better quality due to the climate of warm days and cool nights in 

summer until Furano claims it is food lovers’ heaven! 

URL: 

Kaleidoscope Museum of Furano (Japanese) http://www.Furabi.net/ 

Furano-Tourism Association(ENGLISH): http://www.furanotourism.com/english/home.htm 

Kaleidoscopes Japan(ENGLISH) : http://kaleidoscopes.jp/eng/artists.htm 

CIEEJ1321 Takatsuki-so/OSAKA ELD/FEST 

Length: 

24 th July – 6 h August 

Volunteers: 3 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Institution: Takatsuki-so, Nursing Home for the aged 

Airport: 


Terminal: 

JR Settsu Tonda Station 

Background: 

The host institution, "Takatsuki-So" is a nursing home for elderly people requiring special 

care, which was founded in 1982 in OSAKA and owned by the local government. There are 

about 100 people of 65 or more years old staying in the facility, who are physically or 

mentally handicapped and in need of help for their daily lives. There is also a day care 

center attached and approximately 130 elderly, and 50 handicapped people come to the 

center to receive the "day care service". For example, they can take a bath and have meals 

with the help of care workers. Rehabilitation and recreation programs are also offered. The 

staff is also engaged in visiting-home helper service, helping the elders take a bath, cooking 

meals and helping with other matters in their daily lives. There are approximately 190 

households that use this visiting service. The institution provides the area with 

comprehensive services and takes a central position in the field of welfare in the 

community. 

Work: 

1. Volunteers will be engaged in helping elderly and physically handicapped people living 

in the facility with their daily routines. 

29

2. Communicating with them, eating meals/helping bath time/assisting the wheelchairs. 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the Takatsuki-So, which used to be a dormitory for the 

staff of the institution and the rooms are all in Japanese style. 

Facilities: 

Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a small kitchen, and a shower room. Internet 

access is available at the office. Public phone and a small shop are available nearby. 

Meals: 

All meals will be provided in the institution and volunteers will have meals with the staff 

and the elders either staying or visiting the facility. 


Please bring indoor shoes and sneakers, toiletries, clothing suitable for the work (T-shirts, 

work pants), towels and sanitary goods. No skirt/short pants are allowed. One-piece is okay 

for day-offs. 

Note: 

Basic Japanese skills would be helpful to enjoy the project but it is not a must. 

Location: 

Takatsuki-So is located in Takatsuki-shi (city) ,Osaka prefecture. It is easily accessible from 

downtown Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, and Kyoto, the most famous ancient 

capital in Japan. Volunteers might enjoy visiting those cities on their day-offs. 

URL: Takatsuki-So (JAPANESE) http://www.tcn.zaq.ne.jp/akbgu100/top.htm 

Remarks: 

Volunteers are expected to act respectfully and with consideration for others, and talk with 

those elderly people in a friendly manner. Those who value communication with the elderly 

people, and can work cooperatively are most desirable. If you can sing Japanese songs, the 

elderly people will love to listen to you. 

CIEEJ1322 Neiraku kyodo gakusya#2/HOKKAIDO(TBD) AGRI/EDU 

※CIEEJ1301 Neiraku kyodo gakusya#1 was already finished in Feb 2013. 

Length: 

Late July 

Volunteers: 3 

Age: over 18 

Language: 


Host Institution: Neiraku Kyodo Gakusha 

Terminal: 

JR Sapporo Station 

Nearest airport: Shin-Chitose airport 

When booking a fight, make sure you arrive in the morning of the meeting date (at the 

latest). Otherwise you will not get to the meeting point on time. The project site is very far 

from the airport. All transportation fees will be on the volunteer when you are late. 

Background: 

30

Obira-cho where the facility stands is a coastal city located in the north part of Hokkaido. 

It’s a small town with about 4,000 residents. The volunteer site is 14 km away from the 

Japan Sea and 25 people are working there. Hokkaido attracts millions of tourists from 

other regions in Japan. The mountain ranges covered by beautiful crystal powder in winter. 

Obira is a quite isolated area and it takes 2.5 hours from Sapporo by bus, and the closest 

station to the camp site is 30 minutes ride from the nearest station. 

Work 

Volunteers will help farm work (including taking care of chickens and pigs) and daily 

routines in the facility. Volunteers are expected to communicate with people at the facility 

and with students visiting an elementary school and a junior high school in the town. They 

will also participate in the town festival (only winter). 


Volunteers will be accommodated in the facility. 

Facilities: 

Beddings will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. 

Meals: 

Meals will be provided 3 times a day including holidays. Bring your home country recipe and 

ingredient. 


Work clothes (which can get dirty), long sleeved T shirts or sweatshirts, a hat/cap for 

outdoor work, toiletries, and towels. Volunteers need to bring clothes for work (which can 

get dirty) and warm outfits in heavy winter. Hokkaido is famous for its extremely cold 

weather. 

Location: 

Hokkaido, where the town of Obira is located, is the biggest and northernmost prefecture in 

Japan. It is also known as the 21 st largest island in the world with abundant nature and a 

number of national parks. Hokkaido attracts millions of tourists from other regions in 

Japan not only by the vast wilderness the island possesses but also by its breezy, dry 

climate in summer and the mountain ranges covered by beautiful crystal powder in winter. 

Obira is a quite isolated area and it takes 2.5 hours from Sapporo by bus. 

URL: 

Neiraiu kyodo gakusya (JAPANESE): http://www.kyodogakusya.or.jp/neiraku/ 

Remarks: 

There are dogs, cats, chickens and pigs. So we can’t accept volunteers who have allergies to 

them. Volunteers need to go to bed early and wake up early!! Work will start around 6:00 am. 

The work pace is slow. Some of users are inadaptable to society, due to physical and mental 

problems and others are enjoying being self-sufficient in a small town. 

CIEEJ1323/1324/1325 Turtles Preservation #1,2,3/KAGOSHIMA 

MANU/ENVI 

Length: 1323 (1 st -15 th August) / 1324 (16 th – 31 th August) / 1325(1 st -15 th September) 

Age: over 18 


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Volunteers: 5 (each) 

Sponsor: NPO Yakushima Umigame kan 

Terminal: Fukuoka Airport, Kansai International Airport (Domestic: Kagoshima Airport) 

Station: Miyano-ura harbor (20 min by bus) 

Background: 

Yakushima Island is known to be one of the first acknowledged natural World Heritages 

Sites in Japan. The island is the northern limit for green sea turtle eggs hatch in wild, and is 

also the biggest area of the kind in Japan. Host organization is the only group which is 

based in Yakushima, among the ones that deal with sea turtle projects. The current staff 

numbers only four. Due to the funding shortage, the organization’s continuous activity in 

future remains unclear, whereas there is no doubt the population of green sea turtle will 

decrease if the activity discontinues. About 50,000 eggs were successfully transplanted by 

the project last year. Around 150,000 eggs or baby turtles were either washed away by 

waves, or crashed to death by walking tourists treading over the nest holes, on the other 

hand. The funding from Japanese government is so slow to come, that the activity is kept 

going by funding from American researchers. But as the economic situation in the USA is no 

better, funding is also decreasing. The project has received many volunteers from abroad - 

UK and Mongol - in the past. Last year Patagonia (a sportswear company) sent their staff 

here as one of the company’s trainings. 

Work: Very challenging physical work. 

We look for a physically strong volunteer for this project! 

・Research work: to watch and guard turtle eggs hatch at night. Duration 18:30 – 22:30. 

・Transplanting eggs: every year around 50,000 eggs are transplanted to avoid damages 

from visiting tourists in the area. 

・Follow-up check. (when needed) Duration 7:00 – 8:00 

・Attending the lectures at Umigame-Kan 


Volunteers will sleep on the floor of the building of the host organization. 

Facilities: 

A washer, a shower, a kitchen, a Japanese-style toilet and air-conditioning are available. The 

internet is only accessible in the office. 

Meals: 

Volunteers are asked to cook for themselves. 


1. A sleeping bag with mattress is a must item. (There is no bedding in Umigame-Kan. To 

sleep direct on the floor would be too uncomfortable) 

2. A wristwatch with clear readability and waterproof 

3. Rain gear with jacket and pants in quiet color, such as grey or blue, with moisture 

permeability and water-proof. 

4. A vest with chest pockets to put a transceiver in. 

5. A backpack of 20 liters capacity with a cover, to accommodate any documents or 

materials needed for the research work. 

32

6. A pair of rubber boots which cover up to below the knees. 

7. Work clothes with long-sleeved shirt and pants (jeans not permitted). As clothes get 

easily dirty in the course of the work such as picking gavages on the beach, mowing, and 

so on, you may need several spare clothes if you prefer to change often. 

8. A cap 

9. Two penlights that hung from the neck 

- Avoid strong LED, or any similar type of light. Penlight with bulb is preferable. 

- Would be better if they are waterproof. 

- A type that uses AA size battery or AAA battery is easy to replace batteries. 

Advisable to prepare a spare bulb. 

10. Insurance policy 

11. Working gloves. 

A swimming wear, sunscreens and toiletries, towels and any other items you think needed 

for your daily life. 

Note: 

Above mentioned items (especially from 1 to 7) are minimum needed items for working on 

this project. If you failed to bring any of those, you won’t be asked to join in the project. 

Please make sure you prepared everything necessary before you arrive at the place. There 

is no shop near in the local site where you can get those items. 

Participation fee: 4500 Japanese YEN 

We decided to collect participation fee especially in this project. The reason behind is, the 

host organization had to spend most of their funding for the protection of the sea turtles 

and there is not much left to receive international volunteers in a proper manner. The 

participation fee will be used to procure food and daily items for the volunteers during their 

stay. The leader will collect this participation fee in JPY. Please prepare exchanging for yen 

before you arrive. We thank you for your understanding in advance. 

Location: 

Yakushima lies to the south of Kyusyu in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is 2-3 hours by high 

speed ferry boat, and 35 minutes by plane from Kagoshima. 

URL: NPO Yakushima Umigame kan (Japanese) http://www.umigame-kan.org/ 

UNESCO World Heritage Center - Yakushima - http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/662 

Remarks: 

The activities to protect sea turtles are regulated under the natural protection law of the 

Ministry of the Environment, and the ordinance of Kagoshima prefecture. Umigame-Kan is 

an authorized entity.It would be advisable if volunteers understand very basic words of 

greetings in Japanese language. 

A leader will meet you at the Kagoshima harbor. You are asked to bear all the transportation 

cost from Kagoshima to the site. From Kagoshima all volunteers together with the leader 

take a boat to Yakushima island (Miyanoura harbor). The boat fare is approximately 7,700 

JPY one way (as of 15/05/2012). It takes 2-3 hours.From MIyanoura harbor to Nagata (the 

local site), you take a bus. The bus fare is 890JPY (as of 15/05/2012) and it takes 0.5 hour. 

33

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) JAPAN 

Cosmos Aoyama, 5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8355, JAPAN 

Tel: +81-3-5467-5503 ( 9 :30~17 :30) FAX: +81-3-5467-7031 E-mail: IVP-in@cieej.or.jp 

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WORKCAMP PROGRAM IN JAPAN 2013

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