About

Our partner in Nagi supports many different projects in the community. These include e.g.:

• cultural exchange events with people from different cultures living in the town through cooking and music
• organising farmers’ markets with local organic product.
• promoting traditional food culture and preservation activities
• organising after-school programmes for children and cultural activities
• support for local traditional events

Location

Nagi is a town located in the northern Okayama Prefecture, with Mimasaka to its east, Tsuyama to its west, Sho-o to its south, and the national park Mount Nagi and Mount Taki connecting it with Chizu in Tottori Prefecture to its north.
With the Nagi Museum of Contemporary Art and Yokozen Kabuki, Nagi has developed a unique charm. It is a town that breathes art and culture as if blended with nature.

In 2012, the Nagi Town Declaration for child-rearing support was announced, leading to unique measures for child-rearing and settlement for young people,
resulting in a total fertility rate of 2.95 in 2019, one of the highest in Japan.

Accommodation

You will be staying with a host family in the community.

Child Protection

You are expected to sign ICYE’s policy Care to Engage on Safeguarding Children.

Volunteer Tasks

• Support with the after-school programmes for children
• Assist the farming work of the local farmers and support the vendors in the farmers’ market
• Support with work at temples (visiting each household, assisting with the Buddhist memorial services, administrative support)
• Support with the operation of local festivals and traditional events.
• Please note that the first month is always quite busy as you will be visiting all of the above activities and helping out at many places. During this time, you will be able to explore and find out which activities you want to engage in more deeply.

Volunteer Requirements

• Be open to all kinds of work and willing to expand your possibilities by being actively involved.
• Be prepared to challenge yourself and positively engage in a variety of activities.
• Be willing to introduce your own culture and language while learning more about Japan.
• Enjoy living in the Japanese countryside.
• Love to interact and talk with people.
• Enjoy teaching children.
• Be willing to do physical work such as farming.
• Able to ride a bicycle, as we sometimes use bicycles for transportation.
• Have a willingness to learn Japanese, although language is not a major issue as there are suporting persons who can speak English.
• Not be allergic to animals, as most of the host families have pets.