Mikitochi

CODE: JP-NIC W10.23

Work
Assisting with the harvesting of minor grains (kokibi, takakibi, millet, hadaka barley, etc.), a symbolic crop of the region, grown on sloping fields recognised as a World Agricultural Heritage Site as part of the 'Nishi-Awa Sloping Land Farming System'. Work on other needs in the area of activity.

Accomodation and food
Volunteers will stay in a guest house. Meals will be provided. Sleeping bag is NO need. Depends on the amount of work and consideration for the environment.

Location and leisure
Tsurugi Town is located in the north-west of Tokushima Pre., at the foot of the second highest mountain in western Japan, Mt.Tsurugi. The town is surrounded by greenery and waterside space and the clearest river in Japan, the Sadamitsu River, which flows into the Yoshino River. Mikitochi village is one of the settlements operating the World Agricultural Heritage Site 'Nishi-Awa Sloping Land Farming System'.

Project hosted by

NICE was founded on the 4th of February 1990 by 7 youths who had participated in volunteer workcamps abroad. In September 1990, the first international workcamp was held in Japan at the foot of the Mt. Fuji. NICE has been growing rapidly as we rise to the challenge of meeting the ever-increasing needs from communities for targeted projects and motivated volunteers.

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustanable City and Community), organized together with " Tsurugi Minor Grain Production and Sales Association."
Tsurugi Town has been internationally recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage Site for its "Sloping Land Farming System of Nishi Awa." In particular, the Mikitochi settlement is home to many growers and sellers of minor grains — the symbolic crops of the Nishi Awa region — and these grains are actively cultivated throughout the area.
A variety of minor grains are grown here, including kokibi (foxtail millet), takakibi (sorghum), millet, buckwheat, pearl millet, and glutinous millet. However, this mountainous village faces a serious shortage of labor due to its declining and aging population.
One major challenge is the takakibi plant, which can grow taller than 2.5 meters at harvest time, making it especially difficult for elderly residents to harvest on their own.
To help preserve the village and maintain its traditional landscape, the community is seeking support from individuals interested in agriculture — even those with only a little experience — to assist with the cultivation of these traditional minor grains.

Additional comments
Study theme: About Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, Inheritance of traditional culture.
Other activities: Hiking, communicate with local people, etc.

Requirements

• Strong motivation and physical strength are highly needed.
• Intermediate level of Japanese

Extra Fee: 18,000 JPY (98 EUR by the rate on 2026 June. 25) 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!).