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
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 lettersOrganize eventsSpread 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 interpretPlan eventsDisseminate informationAccompany 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 eventsRaise fundsHelp 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 houseworkBe a teacher or mentorOrganize events Kids Earth Fund Kids Earth Fund provides art supplies and instruction to children for their emotional and mental well-being. Become a workshop leaderOrganize eventsDrive 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 animalsClean animals’ living spacesWalk dogsOrganize eventsHelp groom an animal HEART Tokushima HEART runs an animal shelter for hundreds of cats and dogs. Socialize with animalsWalk 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 catsMonitor cats’ healthSocialize 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 WorkerOrganize eventsHelp 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 clothingAccompany 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 reliefAssist senior citizensHand out information ShineOn! Kids ShineOn! Kids gives support to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through social support and activities. Organize and participate in eventsMake phone calls for donations and supportUse 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 donationsPrepare donation boxesHand out food in personOrganize the pantry Hands On Tokyo Hands On Tokyo connects volunteers with initiatives supporting children, seniors and people with special needs. Make craftsParticipate in eventsProvide English conversation Tokyo Spring Homeless Patrol Tokyo Spring Homeless Patrol walks through Tokyo neighborhoods and provides essentials to homeless people. Participate in a walkCollect 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 peopleSupport performers during eventsOrganize 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 riversOrganize eventsHelp maintain schools and local infrastructureWork with children, families and individuals with special needs
Have you ever tried volunteering in Japan? We can’t wait to hear about your experiences below!
