This is an ongoing project. Volunteers can stay for periods of 3 or 6 months.

The host organization is Kikuya Community Group, which local young people formed to think of the future of their small village. Ikata town is famous for oranges and the main industry of the town has been producing oranges. But the town has been facing depopulation, lack of workers and ageing society since most of young people leave the town. So, the number of abandoned orange farms is increasing and the town is losing its tradition, life, custom and scenery. The group is strongly hoping to host volunteers and working together to animate the town and revive orange farms.

Helping orange farms (harvesting, taking care of trees, etc); organizing culture and language classes for local people and kids; supporting old people who live alone (being with them, talking with them); organizing new activities to animate the town (planning and organizing activities).

Single room at the Volunteers House in the town. Self-catering.

Volunteers will receive an amount of pocket money of 25,000 yen per month.

The town is located in Satamisaki Peninsula in Ehime prefecture. It is surrounded by the sea, so fishing is also famous as well as oranges. There are only 30 houses in this community.

Matsuyama. From Matsuyama, about 2 hours by train and bus.

Speaking good Japanese, strong motivation for the host. Respecting local custom and life. Open mind and flexibility is important. There will be a short term international workcamp with 10 volunteers in the first half of March.

Volunteers have to pay the program fee of 10,000 yen per one month stay to NICE on their arrival (either at Preparation Seminar or Special Orientation). Food and accommodation are provided by the hosts. Travel costs to/from the projects have to be paid by volunteers by themselves.