Oi 39 | NICE-26V-1001A | 2026-10-01 - 2026-10-06 | AGRI,MANU | Age: 18 - 99

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with the local group since 2019. Known as a town along the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage route, this village welcomes pilgrims who pass through on their way to Kakurin-ji Temple, the 20th of the 88 temples. However, due to depopulation and an aging society, the number of sudachi farmers has been decreasing, and passing on local traditions and resources has become a challenge. The host, originally from Oi, returned to his hometown and hopes that by gathering international volunteers through sudachi farming, they can help create a more attractive rural lifestyle. They also organize events to promote international understanding for children who have few opportunities to experience different cultures. The local events in October are as follows: 1) Oi Town Shrine Autumn Festival (Oct 27th) - Volunteers will help local residents clean the shrine and support the autumn festival together. 2) Kamodani Community Sports Day (Oct 25th)-Volunteers join sports festival held in this community.

Work: 1) Support for agricultural activities to revitalize the Sudachi production area. Oct is still the busiest season for sudachi harvesting 2) International cultural exchange activities with the few children in the community. 3) Cleaning vacant houses, cleaning up local shrines.

Accomodation and food: Home staying at local farmhouses. All meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NOT necessary.

Location: Tokushima

Location and Leisure: Oi-cho, Anan city, Tokushima pref. Other activities - Joining Local autumn festival (Oct 25th&27th)

Train/Bus station: The nearest int l airport is Kansai (Osaka). From Osaka to the meeting point in Tokushima, it takes 3 hours by highway bus. Volunteers are recommended to arrive at Japan by the day before the workcamp starts and leave Japan from the day after the end. Volunteers need to arrive at the meeting point at 15:00 on 1st day (then, take a local train to the campsite about 1h) and can leave project site around noon on the last day.

Requirements: Positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and communicate with local people!

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 9000 JPY

Study theme - Finding ways for sustainability of a depopulated village, Pass down the osettai culture to the next generation, Helping senior citizens to host foreigners Participation fee - 9,000 JPY (50 EUR by the rate on 2026 Feb. 14) 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 staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - Follow the Oi Workcamp Instagram(@ooi_workcamp) to see the volunteers’ daily activities.