Volunteering in JAPAN

To search for projects currently available in Japan please visit the VFP Open Projects Directory.

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	“I'm so thankful that programs such as VFP exist. It is such an affordable program with so many camps to choose from. I recommend it to everyone i know who has an intrest in traveling. Thank you so much. It was unbelievably fantastic. I can't wait for my next workcamp.” Andrew Weiss ~ 2009
	Cultivating Rice in Japan. Kit Fung / Japan ~ 2008
	Building a house for goats. Michael Sia / Japan ~ 2008
	The first Global Networking Conference of International Voluntary Service was held in Japan in October, hosted by the Coordinating Committee on International Voluntary Service and NICE Japan. Twenty-three leaders of seven regional voluntary service networks and international NGOs met at the first CCIVS Executive Committee meeting to be hosted in Asia. Peter Coldwell / Japan ~ 2006
	Work at a local Shinto festival. "I will not forget the great kindness that was shown to me and fellow volunteers no matter where we went and who we met. The generosity of the Japanese is world famous, and now I know why. A beautiful people they are indeed." Roger Persad / Japan ~ 2004
	A forest project...stripping bark off of cleared trees. "I'm convinced that if more people took the time and energy to learn about the rest of the world, there would be more peace and less votes for those who enjoy keeping the war engine going." Jeremy Benhammou / Japan ~ 2003

“Overall, my trip to Japan as a volunteer was extremely successful. I had a lot of fun, made many new friends, and learned plenty of things about Japanese culture and other foreign cultures. Thank you so much for making it possible!” Valerie Peng ~ 2009

“I had a TERRIFIC time at this camp and hope that my next projects could be just as fun and rewarding as this one. Since I've been back home I've been telling everyone how great of a time I had and all of the new friends I met. I actually have some of work camps friends making plans to visit me at my home here in the US (San Francisco) next year which is awesome. Thank you very much for organizing these type of projects!!” Albert Alvarado ~ 2009

“At the end our time together we prepared a series of games to have all the workers, locals and families participate. A fantastic variety of foods were made from all over the world; Korea, France, Spain, Germany, USA and of course Japan. At the end of the dinner my Spanish friend Diego and I grabbed guitar, kazoo’s, flute, harmonica and other instruments and put on a concert of a life time. We had everyone cheering, clapping and banging things together. It was beautiful end to a fantastic experience that I will take brilliant memories with me for a life time. I went on to travel around Japan for the next 2 and half months visiting various people that I worked with in the work camp. I saw further into Japanese culture and made friends that will last a life time. I would like to thank you VFP and N.I.C.E. for organizing a fantastic experience.”Kent Haines ~ 2009

"As for the work involved, what can I say?  It was incredible!  We were basically preparing the rice field for the spring.  Since I got there in the winter, the soil of the ground was hard and we needed to soften it.  This meant that we had to dig the ground and turn it over.  Now the farm itself was meant for city children to visit to learn about farming culture.  We had to prepare this farm for their visit.  There were river pathways that needed to be cleared using chainsaws, and fences to be built to contain the farm animals (goats mainly).  As well there was much cleaning up to do in regards to making it a safe place for children to visit.  We needed to clear out a safe passage through a bamboo forest."  Michael Sia / Japan ~ 2008

“Volunteering in the work camp Showa-Mura was an eye-opener.  It was the first time that I feel so connected with nature.  We, twelve volunteers from five different countries, worded together as a team.  We learned and shared our traditions and cultures.  We put out hearts together to help save one of the common problems in the villages of Japan, which is depopulation …… We started to work at four o’clock every morning.  We helped local farmers with picking potatoes, cutting grass, and bundling flowers.  In addition, we also worked with children in teaching games and preparing food from different countries.  It was a lot of physical work, but it was fun and worthwhile, especially when chatting and sharing our differences with village people.”  Kit Fung / Japan ~ 2008

“…everything went great. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and I want to thank you and VFP for making this happen and helping everything go so smoothly. Thanks again for all your help.” Jordan Langen / Japan ~ 2008

"This workcamp has been fantastic, I have made new friends from all over the world and had the time of my life. Again, I am so thankful for the VFP program. It is affordable and an awesome program. Thanks a lot!!!" Andrew Weiss / Japan - 2004

"I will not forget the great kindness that was shown to me and fellow volunteers no matter where we went and who we met. The generosity of the Japanese is world famous, and now I know why. A beautiful people they are indeed." Roger Persad / Japan - 2004

"I'm convinced that if more people took the time and energy to learn about the rest of the world, there would be more peace and less votes for those who enjoy keeping the war engine going." Jeremy Benhammou / Japan - 2003

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