Events
Festival
By participating in local festivals, you can experience traditional Japanese culture and customs.
No registration is required, so even first-timers can easily join.
Cultural Experience Workshops
By participating in workshops such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, and traditional Japanese sweets making, you can learn about Japan's traditional culture.
There are various opportunities available, including tours and experience sessions for international visitors, as well as cultural workshops for resident foreigners.
Visiting Historical Sites
By visiting old temples, castles, and historical buildings, you can experience Japan's history and culture.
At popular tourist spots, in addition to explanations in Japanese, there are also explanations in English and Chinese.
*International exchange groups and support centers for foreign residents in the area where you live also provide information on events that are easy for foreign students to participate in.
Examples of Volunteer Activities
Volunteer activities where international students can experience Japanese culture are also a great opportunity to engage with Japanese society.
Through volunteering, you can contribute to the local community while experiencing Japanese culture and interacting with Japanese people.
Below are examples of volunteer activities where international students can experience Japanese culture.
Supporting the Organization of Local Festivals and Events
Local traditional events such as summer festivals, autumn festivals, and fireworks displays require many volunteers.
By helping with tasks such as setting up stalls, preparing the portable shrine (mikoshi), and guiding festival-goers, you can directly engage with Japanese traditional culture while interacting with local people.
Japanese Language Class Assistant
Many municipalities and NPOs offer Japanese language classes for foreigners living in Japan.
International students can assist beginners or intermediate learners by utilizing their language skills.
By becoming a teacher's assistant, you can experience Japan's educational style and the process of language acquisition.
Community Cleanup (Beautification Activities)
Participating in community beautification activities is also common.
By joining cleaning activities in parks, beaches, or along rivers, you can learn about Japan's approach to environmental protection and its efforts.
It is also a great opportunity to deepen your interaction with local residents.
Agricultural Experience Volunteer
Volunteering to support farmers is also a great way to learn about Japan's agriculture and rural culture.
By participating in seasonal farming activities such as rice planting, rice harvesting, and vegetable picking, you can deepen your understanding of Japan's rural and food culture.
Especially in rural areas, farmers may even offer homestays.
Support for Traditional Crafts Workshop Operations
There are also volunteer opportunities to support the operation of workshops and exhibitions related to traditional crafts (such as pottery, dyeing, bamboo crafts, etc.).
By assisting artisans, you can gain valuable hands-on experience and learn about the techniques and history of Japanese handicrafts up close.
Volunteer as a Tour Guide
There are volunteer opportunities where international students can use their native language or English to guide foreign tourists to famous sites in Japan.
This is a great chance to learn about the history and culture of tourist spots while sharing Japanese culture with foreign visitors.
Additionally, many programs are hosted by local tourist associations.
Cultural Exchange Activities at Nursing Homes and Welfare Facilities
There are volunteer opportunities where you can engage in cultural exchange activities with residents at nursing homes and welfare facilities.
You can enjoy activities like origami and calligraphy together, or engage in traditional Japanese songs and games, creating intergenerational cultural exchange.
Support for International Exchange Events
Many cities and universities host events to promote international exchange.
By assisting with the organization and planning of these events, you can deepen cultural exchanges between Japan and other countries, together with other international students and locals.
Particularly, you can actively participate in cultural presentations such as cooking, music, and dance demonstrations.
Disaster Relief Volunteer
Japan is a country prone to natural disasters, and there are volunteer opportunities for disaster recovery and support activities.
Through participating in recovery efforts, you can experience Japan's sense of solidarity and support culture, while gaining hands-on experience in rebuilding communities.
Cultural Exchange Volunteer at Schools
There are volunteer opportunities where international students can participate in events or classes at local elementary and junior high schools to introduce their own culture.
While providing students with an intercultural experience, you will also have the opportunity to engage with Japan's educational culture.
Participation in these volunteer activities will not only deepen your understanding of Japanese culture, but also help you improve your Japanese language skills and network with Japanese people.
Check information at local government offices and university international exchange centers in your area, and try to participate in activities that interest you.
