Volunteering
ANIC Volunteer Organization
We are always looking for new volunteers at the Association for Nakano International Communications (ANIC). Volunteers handle various tasks such as teaching Japanese language and helping with events.
In a single year, there are 6,500 people volunteering in various ways at ANIC activities. Through volunteering, everyone says they make new discoveries and the experience leaves a lasting impression on them.
Come join volunteering at ANIC. New friends and experiences a-wait!
Japanese Language Volunteer
Select a Japanese language classfrom the 5 offered with a date and time good for your schedule. Volunteers will teach Japanese language required for daily life in Japan. Through teaching foreign people and children Japanese, everyone will gain a greater understanding of each other’s’ cultures. Every week, approximately 120 people volunteer.
Volunteers begin activitiesafter completing the Practical Course for Japanese Language Volunteers conducted at ANIC (15 classes total).There are many volunteers who have only completed the first Practical Course for Japanese Language Volunteers, but also many volunteers who have been active for more than 20 years.
A volunteer teaching Japanese
A volunteer and student with Ohina-sama in the background
Event Planning and Running Volunteer (Friday volunteer)
Japanese people and foreigners work together to come up with ideas and plan events like the “International Exchange Salon”. Every year the group takes on many different challenges. This is recommended for people who can attend the Friday night meeting and events on Saturdays and Sundays.
On the 2nd Friday of every month from 19:30-21:00, a regular meeting is held in the Nakano ZERO West Building. About 20 Japanese and foreign people generally in their 20’s and 30’s gather for the meeting. Feel free to sit-in and observe the meeting.
Outdoor exchange: Cherry-blossom viewing party at Shinjuku Imperial Garden
A meeting in the 4th floor ANIC meeting room
Event Planning and Running Volunteer (APG: ANIC Planning Group)
Volunteers put together events that introduce traditional Japanese culture such as a New Year’s party and a cool summer night party. They also teach cooking classes. The majority of activities are on weekdays, so most of the volunteers are housewives or people who have retired.
A regular meeting is held on the 1st Thursday of every month from 10:00-12:00 in the Nakano ZERO West Building. About 10 people, Japanese and foreign, are active in this group. Feel free to sit-in and observe the meeting at any time.
Japanese cuisine cooking class at the Nakano City Persons with Disabilities Welfare Center
Volunteers for Nihongo International Exchange Salon
Anyone who can speak Japanese can do it. You will chat in Japanese with foreigners who want to have a natural conversation in Japanese. Topics of conversation include daily life (travel, shopping, food, work habits, etc.) and hobbies. Each group is free to choose its own topic. As a principle, we meet on the second Saturday of every month (except August) at ANIC Meeting Room 1 on the 3rd floor of the Nakano ZERO West Building. Since the activities are held on Saturdays, it is recommended to those who work during the week and are interested in interacting with foreigners. If you are interested, please come and visit us.
Translation and Interpretation Volunteer
Volunteers are active in translating and interpreting whatever is necessary. Examples include cultural exchange with New Zealand children, expert consultation for foreigners, disaster prevention drills, and much more. There are approximately 200 people speaking 15 languages registered.
This is recommended for individuals who want to use their language skills. We will inquire about areas of specialty and other matters, so people who are interested in joining should contact the association. We are especially keen on registering Asian language speakers.
Volunteer interpreting tea-ceremony etiquette (right)
Volunteers translating the disaster prevention drill
Volunteers with Special Skills
There are many individuals who utilize special skills such as koto, tea-ceremony, flower arrangement, and kimono dressing. Contact us to discuss skills and activities to make arrangements.
Preforming “Shinshun no Tsudoi“ on the koto
Instruction on picture postcards
Volunteering
