Akame

Name: Akame
Start: 2018-10-26
End: 2027-10-07
Location: Japan

Code: 20251107-75af-4815-a261-a8979b78069a Copied

Japan Farming People with disabilities Environment Children Farming People with disabilities +2 Fixed dates

About the project

Akame

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

This project is actively working for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with Akame no SATOYAMA wo Sodateru kai, a local environmental organization for conservation of SATOYAMA forest working in Nabari city since 1999. Because this area is relatively close to the big cities between Osaka and Nagoya, there were plans to build a golf field and a disposal center. However, the local people stopped those plans by collecting donations and buying the land. SATOYAMA needs to be maintained by humans for its biodiversity and water adjustment function. Our ancestors had protected and utilized the forest in an ecological and sustainable way, which has been neglected by modernization at many places in Japan.

💼 What the programme involves

Your work will be varied and directly impactful, focusing on ecological conservation and community engagement. Key tasks include:
Forest Conservation: Your main task will be to help maintain the SATOYAMA forest. This involves carefully cutting and clearing trees to allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, which is essential for promoting healthy growth and preserving biodiversity.
Community Engagement: You will have the opportunity to support a 'Satoyama Kids' weekend camp, sharing environmental awareness with the younger generation. You may also work alongside local community members with physical or mental disabilities who contribute to the project, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Sustainable Farming: Depending on the season, activities may include caring for free-range chickens and harvesting edible mushrooms, giving you hands-on experience with sustainable local agriculture.

🏠 Accommodation on site

You will be staying in a traditional Japanese house, offering an authentic glimpse into local life. Sleeping bags are not necessary. A unique cultural experience awaits you with the traditional bath, which you will help heat using firewood. Meals are a communal affair, with volunteers taking turns to cook for the group. This is a fantastic opportunity to share recipes from your home country and learn to prepare Japanese dishes.

🍲 Food

While basic ingredients will be provided, you might enjoy exploring local specialties from the Mie Prefecture on your days off. Be sure to try regional delicacies like Ise Udon (thick, soft noodles in a rich broth) or Tekone-zushi (marinated raw tuna over vinegared rice).

📍 About the location

The project is located in the scenic Kami-mitani area of Nabari, a city in the Mie Prefecture, approximately 60 kilometres from the vibrant metropolis of Osaka. The region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the famous Akame 48 Waterfalls, a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

During your free time, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore. You can go hiking on the numerous local trails or take a day trip to the historic city of Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. There, you can visit the Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant bronze Buddha statue, and meet the friendly, free-roaming deer in Nara Park. The region is also the birthplace of Iga-ryu ninjutsu, and a visit to the local ninja museum can be a fun and unique cultural experience.

⚠️ Requirements

A strong motivation to contribute to environmental conservation and a good level of physical fitness are essential, as the work can be demanding. A motivation letter is required as part of your application.

ℹ️ Additional information

Study theme - Volunteers will acquire the knowledge of conservation work in SATOYAMA forest. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) 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 - None

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.