1. Summary: Let's be of help for the local eldery farmers in a beautiful country side in Japan! After working,
you can also enjoy a relaxing time in natural hot spring.
2. Background: Organized together with Ono Agriculture Union in Nishiwaga(OAUN), since 2014. Nishiwaga is a
rural town surrounded by the beautiful nature such as forests and lake. On the other side, it has
been facing serious aging and depopulation problems. Over 45% of villagers are over age of 65,
and the number of retired farmers are incleasing. OAUN has been trying to revive the
abandoned cultivated lands and organizing some projects for interaction between urban and
rural areas for activating the community. We will work on the community revitalization
activities such as supporting elderly farmers.
3. Work: We will mainly support elderly local farmers to work on their farm such as cutting glasses or
harvesting. We also work in a facility for the disabled people. The schedule of work will be
changed due to weather condition, so we need to be flexible!
4. Accommodation: : Shared room in a old house (newly-renovated). Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.
Sleeing bag is NOT necessary.
5. Study theme. Volunteers will get knowledge of history and culture of Nishiwaga, and have time for sharing
ideas how to activate the depopulated area.
6. Other activities: Hot spring!! Cultural exchange parties with locals, and activity with nursery school kids.
7. Location: Nishiwaga town, center of Tohoku area (north part of Japan), and located in border between
Iwate and Akita prefecture. It surrounded by beautiful mountains, and famous for hot spring
(there is one even in a train station)!
8. Terminal. Tokyo. From Tokyo to the meeting point in Nishiwaga, it takes 5 hours by bullet train or 9 hours
by bus. You need to arrive at the airport in Tokyo(Narita/Haneda) by 19:00 on Aug. 22nd and can
leave there after 09:00 on Sep. 2nd.
9. Requirement: Interest in community development, cultural exchange with a local community, and agricultural
works.
10. Participation fee: No fee
11. Language: English (Japanese is also welcomed!)
12. Other: None