The movie is also very popular! A miracle mountain village that can only be reached on foot, healthy organic farming ☆

International Workcamp  Maki 1(Nagano) 6/30~7/11

Work camp information
Code NICE-21-0630A
Project name Maki 1
Location Nagono,Japan
Periond 6/30~7/11
Type Agriculture,Manual Work
Volunteers 8 menbers (Who live in Japan now.)
Background This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities), organized together with Maki Farm of Kyodo Gakusha (KG) since 2000. KG is a NPO running 5 organic farming communities in Japan where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, those who want to learn farming, etc. in order to change our society from competitive to cooperative. Maki Farm has 5-10 members and is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains), so once it became an abandon village in 1970s. *Outcome of this workcamp: In 2019, 7 vols. from 4 countries greatly contributed to their farming and caring animals that was difficult to finish by the time they needed without volunteers! There was also nice exchange between Community people and vols. Please see https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/e4-54764427 for the long-term goal of this project as Local SDGs at (only Japanese for the moment, but you can at least enjoy the pictures!)
Work We will help their organic farming (weeding in rice and vegetable fields, planting rice and vegetables, taking care of goats and chicken) and also carry the things from the town, renovate the trails, help their house work, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (05:30-18:00 with some brakes) and hard.
Location Very isolated, but beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”. About 900 meters asl. There are something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization.
The nearest international airport is in Tokyo. From Tokyo to the meeting point, It takes 4 hours by express train or 6-8 hours by bus and train. You need to arrive at Narita/Haneda airport by 04:00 a.m. on Jun. 30th and can leave there after 24:00 on Jul. 11th.
Accommodation Building for volunteers in the farm. Very beautiful cultural heritage! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is necessary.
Map
Recruitment information

▼ Recruitment information

Voices of planners and participants Pros: The food is delicious. I was able to meet old Japanese culture. Self-sufficient life and good points: The food is delicious. I was able to meet old Japanese culture. I was interested in self-sufficient life and ancient Japanese architecture. The water from the river was very good. I'm glad I had independence because my job was a candidacy system. I was able to talk from the bottom of my heart around the hearth at night.
Difficulties: Simple work was difficult. The mountain road was tight. Some people wanted to devour. The independence was good, but the work was biased by people.
Other activities  Visit to the elementary school, football and baseball (optional), exchange party, etc.
Other [Maki Farm]
Documentary film closely related here "People of Arayashiki"was screened in various places in 2015 and is very popular! The number of visitors has also increased rapidly.
Click here for the files announced by the 2019 participants at the International Volunteer Awards.
Requirement Good Japanese language is not necessary, but still welcomed. You need to be physically strong and flexible to respect the way of the local host. Motivation letter is needed!
Charm *You can experience a healthy agricultural life!
*You can learn the community and help!
Total cost
What is included in the participation fee

Participation fee (domestic) (Click to see table for details *Japanese only.)

《Free for Accommodation and Food》
The venue usually provides free transportation and equipment necessary for accommodation, meals and work during the participation period. Please do not assume that you will be provided with accommodation and meals for the amount you paid.

What is NOT included in the participation fee
 

Transportation expenses

Due to meeting and breaking up at the venue, you will need to use a train, bus, or plane to reach the meeting place by yourself.
Tickets will be arranged by yourself.

Other personal expenses

○ Free travel expenses before / after participation(Fee for transportation, food, accommodation, admission materials, etc. There is a big difference depending on the person.)
○Expenses for free time during the participation period(Fee for transportation, sweets, alchol drinks, souvenirs, admission, etc. Usually it is about several thousand yen.)