Oi | NICE-26L-OI11 | 2026-08-08 - 2027-04-18 | AGRI,MANU | Age: 18 - 70

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. This village has been welcoming ohenro (pilgrims) who visit 88 temples in Shikoku since long time ago. Also, Sudachi, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, is now facing a serious risk of disappearing due to the aging of its producers. This project involves working in sudachi farming to help revitalize the local production area, while also promoting international exchange with the few children living in the region and giving them opportunities to experience different cultures. Since more and more people from overseas visit for the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage, locals are trying to find new ways for omotenashi (hospitality). We aim to restore and beautify the old, charming village scenery together with volunteers, and make it a place where many people will want to visit.

Work: 1)Harvesting and shipping the Japanese star anise (shikimi).[Aug/Sep/Dec], 2) Supporting for harvesting and picking up sudachi (Japanese citrus fruit) [Apr/Aug/Sep/Oct], 3) Plantings Sudachi in new fields to maintain the declining sudachi production due to the aging farmer s population[Mar/Apr], 4)organize and hold a “Language Café” once a week, where local children and adults can enjoy cultural and language exchange with people from around the world, 5) Cleaning of vacant houses, support for carrying out furniture, and help repair vacant houses

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 - Visiting &Hiking around Kakurin-ji temple./Joining Local festival

Airport: KIX

Train/Bus station: The nearest airport is Osaka (KIX). it takes 3 hours by highway bus to the project location. However, volunteers need to join On Arrival and Evaluation Seminars in Osaka, so volunteers are advised to arrive at KIX one day before the starting date for on-arrival Seminar and can leave KIX after 18:00 on the ending day.

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

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 72000 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 - 36,000 JPY (200 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) for MTV (30-182 days participation) and 72,000 JPY (400 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) for LTV (over 182 days participation) of NICE Volunteers fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation and 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. Other - The first and last 2 days are On Arrival and Evaluation Seminars in Osaka. Follow the Oi Workcamp Instagram(@ooi_workcamp) to see the volunteers’ daily activities.