Oi

CODE: NICE-26L-OI16

Work:

1)Harvesting and shipping the Japanese star anise (shikimi).[Aug/Sep/Dec], 2) Supporting for harvesting and picking up sudachi (Japanese citrus fruit) [Apr/Aug/Sep/Oct], 3) Plantings Sudachi in new fields to maintain the declining sudachi production due to the aging farmer's population[Mar/Apr], 4)organize and hold a “Language Café” once a week, where local children and adults can enjoy cultural and language exchange with people from around the world, 5) Cleaning of vacant houses, support for carrying out furniture, and help repair vacant houses

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-cho, Anan city, Tokushima pref. Other activities - Visiting &Hiking around Kakurin-ji temple./Joining Local 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. This village has been welcoming "ohenro (pilgrims)" who visit 88 temples in Shikoku since long time ago.
Also, Sudachi, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, is now facing a serious risk of disappearing due to the aging of its producers. This project involves working in sudachi farming to help revitalize the local production area, while also promoting international exchange with the few children living in the region and giving them opportunities to experience different cultures.
Since more and more people from overseas visit for the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage, locals are trying to find new ways for "omotenashi (hospitality)".
We aim to restore and beautify the old, charming village scenery together with volunteers, and make it a place where many people will want to visit.

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 - 36,000 JPY (200 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) for MTV (30-182 days participation) and 72,000 JPY (400 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) for LTV (over 182 days participation) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation and 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. Other - The first and last 2 days are On Arrival and Evaluation Seminars in Osaka.
Follow the Oi Workcamp Instagram(@ooi_workcamp) to see the volunteers’ daily activities.