Oi 36

CODE: NICE-26V-0806A

Work:

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

Accomodation and food

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

Location and leisure

Oi-town, Anan city, Tokushima pref. Other activities - From 8/12-15, participants will have the opportunity to watch Awa Odori, Tokushima’s largest traditional dance festival

Project hosted by

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 for young people. They also organize events to promote international understanding for children and adults who have few opportunities to experience different cultures.

Directions to meeting point

Additional comments

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.