Oi 7

CODE:  NICE-27V-0218A

Study theme: 

- Revitalizing Rural Japan through Bamboo Work, Cultural Exchange and Farming Experience!

- Finding ways for sustainability of a depopulated village, Pass down the "osettai" culture to the next generation, Helping senior citizens to host foreigners.

Work:

- Floor renovation work in a former vacant house, and grass cutting around the house.
- Planning and organizing weekly Sunday events for cultural exchange with local residents.
- Supporting sudachi farming and restoring abandoned farmland.
- Promoting the charms of Oi and volunteer activities through the Oi Instagram account.
- Participating in local events and activities depending on the season, such as school visits and shrine cleaning.

Accommodation and food

Traditional Japanese volunteer house (formerly vacant). Volunteers take turns preparing and cooking meals. Sleeping bag is NOT necessary.

Location and leisure

Oi-cho, Anan city, Tokushima pref.

Other activities - Visiting Kakurin-ji temple. Cycling and nature walks.

Background

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. Oi Village once flourished as a post town along the Shikoku Pilgrimage route. Today, however, the community faces serious challenges due to depopulation and an aging population. One of its biggest challenges is finding ways to build a sustainable future for the village.The village began welcoming international volunteers nine years ago. Looking ahead, we hope to create a system in which volunteers from diverse countries and backgrounds continue to visit, work together with local residents, support the community, and build meaningful connections.Through this project, volunteers will take part in a wide range of community activities. Activities include cleaning pilgrimage trails, interacting with local children, renovating vacant houses, and helping local farmers restore abandoned farmland and maintain sudachi farming. Through these activities, volunteers will help preserve local culture and traditions, connect with the community, and work together to build a sustainable future for Oi.

Terminal
The nearest airport is Tokushima Airport. Alternatively, you can take a highway bus from Kansai International Airport to Tokushima City. From Tokushima City, it takes about 2 hours to reach the project site by bus and train. On the first day, volunteers need to arrive in Tokushima City by 12:00 noon. On the last day, volunteers will arrive at Anan Station at around 11:30 AM.

Participation fee

9,000 JPY (50 EUR by the rate on 2026 Nov. 6th) 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!).