Japan

My experience has been terrific! I feel immense satisfaction to have been a part of this Quest. - Varun Mehta, United Planet Quest Volunteer

The Japan Quest offers a unique opportunity to experience Japan from the inside out by becoming part of the society, if only for a limited time, and immersing in voluntary work which is essential to the welfare of the local people.

By living with a Japanese family, learning the language, immersing in cultural activities, and working on a supportive team on important local causes, such as environmental education and assistance for the disabled, volunteers will gain a tremendous new perspective while supporting the local community.

Japan is a fascinating land of contrasts. At one moment, you can lose yourself in the garden of an ancient temple. At another, you can enter the most complex metro system in the world and surround yourself in the bustling lights of one of the world’s greatest cosmopolitan centers. The United Planet Quest is based in the Chiba prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. Located closer to the seaside, volunteers will enjoy more rural surroundings while still maintaining access to the heart of Tokyo.

United Planet’s unique Quest program provides an unprecedented opportunity to gaze beyond cultural boundaries to support, learn from, and befriend the warm and gracious people of Japan.

Location
Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,873 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined or slightly smaller than California. Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands.

Volunteer Opportunities in Japan
Volunteer opportunities in Japan include working with Non Profit Organizations which provide services for the local community. Currently, United Planet offers two volunteer opportunities. The first option involves volunteering at a community center for the handicapped. The second option involves work at a factory that produces environmentally-friendly soaps, primarily employing disabled people. These volunteer opportunities will open your eyes to the various sides of Japanese society, beyond the public consumer & economic culture.
United Planet offers volunteer Quest opportunities in Japan that each begins on the first and third Sunday of each month, open to volunteers of all ages.

Program Descriptions

1)Supporting mentally disabled persons
Chiba (one hour from Tokyo by Train)

It is said that there are 120,000 mentally disabled people living in Japan. However, many feel that the current government support structure does not enable such people to live a full life. Usually, they cannot attend traditional schools and it is rare for them to find work at a company. Post-graduation, they typically spend their time at welfare facilities for the rest of their lives.

We work with our partner, a Non Profit Organization which owns a recycling shop in Sakura, Chiba (one hour from Tokyo). The organization is run by mothers with mentally disabled children. They began in 1994 by opening a community center for the disabled on Thursday’s to make a place for their children to spend time, outside of a welfare facility where the mentally disabled are separated from the general life of society.

The community center increased in popularity and they expanded their services from Tuesday to Friday. In 2001, the organization also opened a recycle shop to employ mentally disabled people. United Planet volunteers will work from Tuesday to Friday alongside a supervisor to help the mentally disabled employees wait on customers and display goods. Sometimes they work off-site, doing such things as cleaning the local park or making Braille name cards at a local office. Volunteers will accompany the employees on these outings with a supervisor.
This volunteer opportunity requires no language or other skills. Staff speak English. The objective of the organization is for volunteers to become aware of the challenges facing the mentally disabled in Japan.

2) Making environmentally-friendly soap with people with disabilities

Chiba
Japan, as a whole, is a country dedicated to improving environmental issues. Recently, the awareness of and dedication to improving the environment has grown stronger. United Planet volunteers can work at a long established, environmentally-friendly, soap-making factory.

The factory was established in 1980 in Kashiwa, Chiba (half an hour from Tokyo). First, they began by questioning the effects of synthetic detergent on the human body. Next, they started making environmentally-friendly soap. Eventually the soaps of “Sekken no machi” became well-known and are now very popular throughout Japan. In 2004, the factory also started a new project making biofuel. This project is also attracting attention in Japan because of the potential to become a significant alternative energy to petroleum.

United Planet volunteers will work at the factory making environmentally-friendly soap Monday through Friday, 10am to 3pm alongside the handicapped and a supervisor. Volunteers will also work off-site with the supervisor, collecting used household oil to make the soap. The supervisor can understand but cannot speak English; therefore volunteers are required to have a basic level of Japanese listening comprehension. Volunteers are also required to bring with them, or purchase in Japan, an apron, mask, and gloves to work at the soap factory.

3) Working at an orphanage *WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS PROJECT*

Saitama City, part of the Tokyo metropolitan area

Based on the Children's Welfare law in Japan, our partner organization, a Child Welfare and Nursing Institution, was established in August 2004. The purpose of the institution is to support children who do not have parents or who were abused or neglected by their parents.

The orphanage is located in the Saitama prefecture. The facility is new and clean. There are children ranging from infants to teenagers at the institution. Many of the students study in local elementary and high schools. Volunteers usually teach English to the children as well as organize play groups with them.

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!