Ogi

1. Summary: Making Japanese noodle and maintaining the forest!
2. Background: Organized together with “Morito”, a local voluntary group in Sado Island, since 2001. They
maintain the school forest called “Furusato-no-mori Park” in Ogi town, on the southern part of
the island. They make it possible for the community to enjoy the forest in every season. They
are now trying to focus on caring for the forest in a joint effort with the community. They hope
youth and foreign volunteers will mentally and physically help to empower the area. There is
also a famous art festival near the area named “Earth Celebration” where we will join!
3. Work: We will practice making soba noodle every evening before the festival and then, join it with
making/selling soba with the local people. We will also cut bushes and create the recreation
programs for local youth to have them experience their school forest. We will also help the
small festival “Ogi Matsuri” with playing the Japanese drums. This project is also organized as a
part of the World Tanabata Action.
4. Accommodation: Japanese style cottage. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeing bag is necessary.
5. Study theme: Volunteers get knowledge and skill about making Soba and playing the Japanese drum. Also
the basic knowledge of the Japanese language and local culture.
6. Other activities: Exchange parties, excursion, fishing, etc.
7. Location: 300 km northeast of Tokyo. Sado Island is famous for gold and the Japanese crested ibis. Ogi is in
the southern part beside the beach, where you can enjoy fishing and the hot spring!
8. Terminal: The closest International airport is Tokyo (Haneda/Narita airport). It takes 3.5 hours by express
train/ 8 hours by highway bus. You need to arrive by 9th afternoon/ can leave there after 3rd
noon.
9. Requirement: Interest in nature protection & exchange with a community. Adaptability to enjoy a simple
lifestyle!
10. Participation fee: No fee
11. Language: English (Japanese is also welcomed!)
12. Other None