For those who are interested in volunteering whilst on the JET Program, here are some opportunities for you! The organisations or initiatives currently listed are friendly for English Speaking people, so don’t be afraid to participate! If you would like to feature a particular volunteer initiative in Hyogo/Kansai – please comment or contact us!
Charity
While you may not see much news about homeless people in Japan, they definitely do exist and are in need of support!
Soup Kitchen
When: July – Event info is usely posted in Hyogo AJET’s Facebook group
Where: Kobe (exact location will be announced closer to event date)
Who: Anyone! (not just JET participants)
Hyogo Smile Kids Japan!
When: all year round, roughly once every 1-2 months
Where: Kobe
Who: JET participants
Volunteers tasks include: playing games and running crafts activities for mostly elementary school aged students (but there are some Junior High school students t00). There are usually 10-20 students at each session.
More info (English facebook group): Website
Animal Welfare
If you’re a lover of animal of all shapes and sizes you may be interested in volunteering for these non-profit organisations!
ARK – Animal Refuge Kansai
When: all year round
Where: Osaka
Who: Anyone! (not just JET participants)
Volunteers tasks include: Animal Socializing, Kennel Cleaning, Dog Walking, Animal Care, Grooming and Fundraising.
More info (in English): Website
Heart Tokushima
When: all year round
Where: Tokushima
Who: Anyone! (not just JET participants)
Animal care volunteers main responsibilities will be dog walking and socializing with the animals at the shelter.
More info (in English): Website
Your local area
Many cities will have a international organisation or a friendship association. They will often tell you about local events but will sometimes ask for volunteers for events such as farming and cleaning the local area, English chat rooms and stalls at community fairs. Make sure to let your local organisation/association know you are interested!
National AJET
AJET represents JET participants at a national level.
When: all year round, elections for the executive council happen in March-April
Where: Anywhere!
Who: JET participants
There are a wide range of responsibilities and opportunities depending on your skills or what you want to learn!
More info (in English): Website
