Hiwasa

CODE: NICE-25V-1009A

Work
Volunteers will help with the entire process of participating in a traditional autumn festival, from its preparations, carrying the chosa (portable shrine), to cleaning up afterward. Be ready to work for a quite long time during two days of the festival (6:00-22:00 with some breaks) and hard!
Accomodation and food
Shared house in the community center. Sleeping bag is not needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.
Location and leisure
Location: Minami Town, located on the Pacific Ocean in the southern part of Tokushima Prefecture, is a small town with a population of just under 6,000. The town has No.23rd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Yakoji Temple, and the Ohama Beach, which is designed as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles(national natural monument) Leisure: Take a guided tour with a volunteer guide to explore Yakouji Temple, Ohama Beach, and more.
Project hosted by
This project is actively working for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), newly organized together with the local group, “Hiwasa tourist volunteer association”. The Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine Festival, held since the ancient times, is a celebration for prayers of abundant catch, good harvests, maritime safety, and the prosperity of the five grains. During the festival, eight Chosa (taiko drum stand) parade through the Hiwasa area. The climax of the festival is when participants carry the Chosa and enter the sea. Although it is a historic festival, there has been a shortage of young people to carry the Chosa due to the region's declining population. The goal is for young people from around the world and Japan to learn about the Hiwasa festival, help preserve its culture and promote its charm. Former NICE volunteers have moved to the area as part of the regional revitalization program and plan to host this first international workcamp to energize the community.
Additional comments
Study theme: You can get the knowledge about Japanese traditional festivals and be a part of the community!
Participation fee: 9,000 JPY (57 EUR by the rate on 2025 Feb. 14th) 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 camp leaders while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for your meals and accommodation!). Other: Festival Info in Japanese→ https://hiwasahachiman.com/akimatsuri
Requirements
Male only. Those who can respect, understand and actively participate in the local shrine festival and those who are confident in their physical strength to carry heavy 'Chosa'!