Created for expats living in Japan

Where to Volunteer in Tokyo

It's good to do volunteering worldwide and Tokyo is no exception. Volunteerism has grown in popularity in Japan, and there are numerous nonprofit organizations (NPOs) dedicated to a variety of causes that rely on thousands of hours of volunteer assistance to achieve their social missions. The good news for English speakers is that there are numerous opportunities and non-profit organizations that can employ non-Japanese speakers.

For a list of animal shelters and nonprofit organizations around Tokyo, please check this article. To learn about kids cafes supported by volunteers and municipalities, please check "What is Kodomo Shokudo? - Kids Cafes in Japan". We also have articles covering sustainability such as "How to Reduce Food Waste in Japan: Steps to Sustainability", "Food Banks in Japan", and more.

Volunteer Opportunities in Tokyo


Below is a list of organizations, groups, etc. in Tokyo that may offer volunteer opportunities you are looking for. For details, please check the website of the organization, group, you are interested in.

Amnesty International Japan

Founded in 1970, Amnesty International Japan works to promote and protect human rights. There are groups in Tokyo as well as in some other parts of Japan.

https://www.amnesty.or.jp/en/


College Women's Association of Japan (CWAJ)

CWAJ is based in Tokyo and has a long history dating back to 1949. It is an organization of multinational women who are interested in cultural exchange, education and friendship.

https://cwaj.org/


Grama Seva Japan

With the compassion and help of a small group of volunteers, Grama Seva Japan tries their best to provide excellent meals to homeless people in need at Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

http://gramasevajapan.org/en/home


Habitat for Humanity Japan

Habitat for Humanity works with people in your community and throughout the world to help them build or renovate their homes. Habitat for Humanity homeowners collaborate with volunteers to construct their own homes while paying a manageable mortgage. Because of your support, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they require to establish a better life for themselves and their family.

https://habitatjp.org/en/


Hands on Tokyo

Hands on Tokyo is a dedicated portal for bilingual volunteering devoted to connecting individuals and groups with meaningful volunteer service opportunities in and around Tokyo. Once you register on their site, you can sign up for a variety of service projects coordinated by Hands on Tokyo through the website. This includes various disaster relief projects, serving in children’s and senior homes, teaching English classes, running sports camps for people with disabilities, making rice balls, making balloon art to decorate children’s homes, and various other opportunities. All projects are run by volunteer leaders who recruit volunteers, provide orientation, and coordinate all projects so you never have to worry about a project falling apart due to lack of leadership.

https://www.handsontokyo.org/


Japan Association for Refugees (JAR)

Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) was established in 1999 to fulfill its mission by providing refugees and asylum-seekers with relevant legal and social assistance; advocating for the rights of them through government bodies, local authorities and media relations; and advancing policy analysis and information-exchange about them. Most JAR staff speak English and Japanese, so you can sign up for volunteer work in English via email.

https://www.refugee.or.jp/en/


Mirai no Mori

Mirai no Mori is a Japanese non-profit that creates life-changing outdoor activities for mistreated, abandoned, and orphaned children in order to help them grow into happy and successful adults.

https://mirai-no-mori.jp/


Refugee Empowerment International

Refugee Empowerment International is a non-profit organization that generates donations to assist initiatives for individuals who have been forced to from their homes due to violence, war, or persecution. Projects that allow people to give back to their communities and contribute significantly to the local economy while also rebuilding their own future.

https://www.facebook.com/refugeeempowerintl/


Second Harvest Japan

Second Harvest Japan is the local affiliate of the Second Harvest organization and its focus is on poverty and disaster relief through distribution of food and essential supplies to welfare agencies, orphanages, shelters, the homeless, and others in need. Volunteers generally serve 2.5 hour shifts in one of Second Harvest’s numerous operations, including food pick-up and delivery, food preparation, packaging of food for distribution, food drives, food distribution, and various office activities. Specifics of upcoming volunteer activities can be found on their event calendar.

https://2hj.org/english/


Shine On! Kids

Shine On! Kids supports children with cancer / other serious illness in Japan and their families.

https://sokids.org/


TELL Japan

TELL Japan offers counseling services and lifeline support. The volunteer opportunities include helping with events, in an office, or as a lifeline support worker. Please note that in order to become a lifeline support worker, you would need to undergo training.

https://telljp.com/


The Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J)

The Nature Conservation Society of Japan is an independent NPO focused on conservation and advocacy. The organization was established in 1951 and they work through a variety of programs to contribute to the conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity around Japan.

https://www.nacsj.or.jp/english/


Tokyo River Friends

Tokyo River Friends is dedicated to cleaning up rivers in Tokyo. On their website, you can find a list of upcoming events. 

http://www.tokyoriverfriends.org/


Tokyo Voluntary Action Center

Tokyo Voluntary Action Center promotes volunteerism in Tokyo and works with a variety of local community organizations to establish volunteer opportunities.

https://www.tvac.or.jp/en/


YouMeWe

YouMeWe is a Tokyo-based non-profit organization with over 10 years of experience building supporting relationships with local children's homes (orphanages). As they reach the age of 18 and prepare to leave the family - whether for university, technical school, or a new profession - they support children who are growing up in institutionalized homes in becoming totally capable and financially self-sufficient young adults.

https://youmewenpo.org/


In this article, we have introduced you to various organizations, groups, etc. in Tokyo that offer opportunities to volunteer. Through volunteering, you can contribute to the community, make friends. If you would like to explore expat communities, please check "Expat Communities in Japan: Popular Social Fitness Groups, Meetups, & More".