Ozuchi 2 | NICE-25S-0325A | 2025-03-07 - 2025-03-13 | AGRI,MANU | Age: 16 - 99

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with Shizentaiken Ozuchi Mura (SOM) since 2013. There were 140 inhabitants with 20 houses in 1916, but This village had become abandoned and one of the former villagers (Founder of SOM) was maintaining the terraced rice fields alone from his home in the town. 10 houses are still remained and the area was designated as Nation s Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. SOM tries to improve this situation by young voluntary power. *Outcome of this workcamp: Vols. have been greatly contributing to maintain the fields and the forest path, to organize the culture exchange events for local children and to exchange ideas for improvement regional development. But such workcamps working together, the founder of SOM has got so empowered that he started living there again with his old mother since 2018! Please see the presentation made by the volunteer for the IVS contest in Japan; https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/2017e2 (only Japanese for the moment, but you can at least enjoy the pictures!)

Work: Main work is farming, forest road maintenance and clean up the traditional renovated house. And also discuss and plan events to promote the attractions of this village! We possibly also support agriculture and do some other work for the community. Work may be changed due to weather and snow conditions, so flexible attitude is necessary.

Accomodation and food: Renovated house (traditional house!). Simple shower room. Clean toilet. Winter Sleeping bag is needed! Cooked by volunteers. Wi-Fi and internet are fine. There is a cat.

Location: Ishikawa

Location and Leisure: The southwest part of Ishikawa prefecture. Ozuchi village is far from 30 minute from Kaga-onsen station. And surrounded by mountains, you can enjoy rich nature. Other activities - Enjoy Japanese hot spring, enjoy drum baths under the stars.

Train/Bus station: The nearest airport is Komatsu for domestic and Osaka (KIX), Nagoya (NGO) or Tokyo (HND/ NRT) for international flights. It takes 4 hours by express train from Osaka or Nagoya and 5 hours by express train/ 8 hours by highway night bus from Tokyo. Vols. need to arrive at Japan by the end of Mar. 6 .On last day, you can leave campsite around noon.

Requirements: High motivation to work hard, simple life in the isolated mountain area and respect to the local culture. Language - English (Japanese is also welcomed!)

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 0 JPY

Study theme - Best practice to revive depopulated areas in each country and their networking Participation fee - 9,000 JPY (54 EUR by the rate on 2024 Nov. 2nd) of NICE Volunteers fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the camp leaders while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free. Other - None