A few years back, I started engaging in local voluntary work. My involvement covers a range of voluntary work in the community, from offering tourist information to counselling and supporting foreign residents. I was motivating myself to volunteer as I had spent my college years in the US and was engaged in various voluntary work during that time. The majority of participants comprised university students and young businessmen, with few elderly attendees. Hence, I had the preconceived notion that volunteering was a young person’s gesture of goodwill. Upon my return to Japan, I sought to partake in voluntary activities; however, they predominately took place on weekdays, rendering them inapplicable with my work schedule. By virtue of my persisting presence in the community, despite spending most of my day working, I desired to gain a better understanding of the same. Later, as I became a freelance worker and gained more control over my schedule, I promptly enrolled in volunteer work.
I was slightly taken aback when I signed up as a volunteer in various wards, as most of the participants were elderly, aged 60 and above. However, they were capable of working on weekdays. As opposed to British volunteers, American volunteers collaborate through their church communities, which allows them to establish their own community with members. Consequently, I believe that the majority of activities were carried out on weekends, accommodating everyone’s schedules. In Japan, when “volunteers wanted” is publicised to an unspecified number of people, it is crucial for those interested in volunteering to find a date that aligns with the activity’s schedule. A common statement in Japanese volunteerism is, “we want the younger generation to participate.” However, the reality is that many young people work during the week and can only volunteer on weekends, which limits their options. This raises the question of whether or not volunteers genuinely desire to involve young people in Japan.
I volunteered as an interpreter between a lawyer and an immigrant residing in a particular ward, assisting him with his daily activities. The immigrant’s inquiry was appropriate for referral to the consumer affairs centre, hence I directed him there. Nonetheless, he appeared dissatisfied. Essentially, Japan lacks a conducive living atmosphere for foreigners. Additionally, the intricate Japanese language and distinctive communication approach further compound the situation. Therefore, it is quite challenging to make people comprehend the content at the first attempt. This is particularly applicable when you are a specialist.
I am not particularly hospitable, but if I can assist those in need, I believe it benefits both parties. I don’t want to exceed my role, but if it brings happiness to someone else, it also brings me satisfaction. Volunteer work need not be glorified, although some might find it daunting due to the idea of undertaking something significant. If volunteering were made more accessible to a wider audience, the limitations on volunteer days would be removed, and many individuals could receive assistance.
