For those who want to become Otonari-san (Japanese volunteers)

Currently, nearly 4 million foreigners live in Japan.How will Japanese society coexist with its new residents? This is a new challenge that we face in this era.
Foreign residents understand the culture and lifestyle of Japanese society, integrating into the community, while society deepens its understanding of the new residents.
Embrace and enjoy the culture as a part of it.
We dream of a society that embraces diversity, including foreign residents like these.
We have launched the Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP).

Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP)
System

While supporting foreign residents in adapting to life in Japan, they can also engage directly with foreigners, make friends, and enjoy their time together.

Volunteer Activities – Direct Interaction and Support for Foreign Residents

Interaction and Support with Foreign Residents
・Can secure approximately 2 hours per week for activities involving interaction (including chat, face-to-face, etc.)
・Providing information about Japan's customs, culture, and society
・Assist with learning Japanese and serve as a conversation partner
・Providing information about local life and events
・Enjoy spending time together
・Be supportive as a friend and provide emotional support, among other things

Brush Up
・Share activity status regularly (about once a month) through surveys
・Actively participate in training sessions and sharing meetings

Participation Requirements
・Living in Japan (Tokyo 23 wards + surrounding areas)
・Individuals aged 18 and over (adults)
・I want to support, engage with, and interact with foreign residents.
・I want to build trust with foreign residents and become a good neighbor and friend.
・Follow the activity management rules
・Follow the activity guidelines and do not engage in actions that go against the program's objectives
(Engaging in activities that violate the law, commercial, religious or political solicitation, dating, marriage hunting, sexual relationships, or causing disadvantage, inequality, or physical and mental burdens to others.)
Activity Guidelines

Free Application
Notice of the information session has arrived. *Attendance at the information session is mandatory.

Free Participation in Information Session
After the information session, those who wish to participate can register officially (Registration fee: 1,000 yen/person)
After registration, you can participate in activities for OFP members.

Potential matches are introduced based on your registration details
Pairing established with mutual agreements from both parties after they meet
After pairing, membership fee payment (3,000 yen per person)

6 Months of Partner Activities
Support from coordinators during the period
Expert support available as needed

OFP is not just about creating encounters with foreigners.
To easily build outstanding, lasting relationships
we meticulously pair participants based on various factors.
90% of participants* wish to continue their interactions as friends even after the activities have ended.
*Based on the survey responses after the activity

Participation Fee (Registration Fee, Membership Fee)

●　Registration and participation in the information session are free
Register officially after gaining an understanding of our activities during the information session.

● Registration Fee (One-time upon registration)
・A registration fee of $10 per person is required upon formal registration after understanding the activities.
・After registration, you can participate in activities for OFP members (e.g., various networking events, refugee support, operational support, etc.)
- Members can enjoy exclusive benefits during events

● Membership Fee (Upon Pair Formation)
・If both parties agree, the pair is formed and the membership fee (3,000 yen per person) is paid
During the pair activity period (6 months), support is available from dedicated coordinators and experts.
- Share the status of regular activities through a monthly survey to receive support for interaction.
・Payment methods: Credit card, bank transfer, etc.

Why are registration fees and membership dues necessary?

Participation Fee Waiver System

To encourage participation from a diverse group, we can apply a reduction system for those with special circumstances.
Examples of Application
– Refugees and Displaced Persons: Exemption from registration and participation fees
– Due to circumstances such as disabilities, illnesses, single-parent households, low-income households, and unstable employment, there is a significant financial burden: registration fees are waived, and membership fees are half off.
– Students with significant tuition burdens, such as those using scholarships: Registration fees and membership dues are half price
–Other reasonable accommodations needed: Individual consultation

Apply to be an Otonari-san (Volunteer)
Support Us with a Donation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q
What can you learn by participating in the Otonari-san volunteer program?
A

As Otonari-san volunteers interact with foreign residents, many express that encountering cultures and values different from Japan has broadened their perspectives. Additionally, understanding the anxieties and challenges faced by foreigners living in Japan provides an opportunity to empathize and see things from their point of view. Through everyday interactions, volunteers can learn the importance of cross-cultural understanding and communication while enjoying new discoveries and connections.

Q
What activities can I participate in after registering?
A

Registered members can participate not only in OFP but also in various activities such as member networking events, club activities, Japanese language learning support, refugee assistance, and operational support roles.

Q
How long does it take for the pairing-up to be confirmed?
A

OFP is not just about introducing foreign residents; we carefully facilitate pairing-up by considering various factors such as the needs and conditions of both parties to build trust and foster ongoing communication. Since introductions are made only when conditions match, we cannot guarantee the timing of successful pairings or the certainty of introductions. Please understand this in advance. The actual waiting period can vary widely, ranging from a few days to several months.

Q
What kind of foreign residents will you be paired with?
A

During the hearing, we will discuss your language skills, expectations, participation requirements, and preferences in detail. We will introduce candidates based on each individual's specific situation. We do not assign candidates randomly.

Q
Why are registration and membership fees required even though it's volunteer work?
A

Operating OFP activities involves significant costs for managing a secure system for personal information, as well as organizing and overseeing orientation sessions, pairing-up, and follow-up support. Currently, funding mainly depends on one-time private grants and donations, and stable financial support has not yet been established. To continue OFP activities, the support of all participants is essential. At present, about 13% of the operating costs are covered by registration fees and membership dues from participants.

Q
How much time is needed for the activities?
A

As a guideline, if you can allocate about 2-3 hours a week, including chat and video calls, you can engage in activities. Additionally, if you can arrange to meet in person every 2-3 weeks, it will be easier to build trust. If you feel any difficulties regarding the frequency, timing, or duration of communication, it's possible to discuss and adjust with your partner.

Q
What types of foreign participants are common?
A

Currently, foreign residents from over 40 countries and regions are participating. The largest group, about 40%, consists of foreign families raising children, followed by working adults and students (including those in Japanese language schools and universities/graduate schools), among others.

Q
Can I participate if I only speak Japanese?
A

You don’t need to speak a foreign language. We consider the language abilities of both parties when pairing-up. Also, many foreign participants prefer to communicate in Japanese, so sometimes the interaction will be conducted entirely in Japanese.

Q
I don't have much experience interacting with foreigners. Is that okay?
A

It's okay. As long as you have respect for others and a desire to build good relationships, you can participate. We offer many opportunities to learn, such as training sessions for volunteers and social gatherings among volunteers. During activities, coordinators are always available to support you, so you can consult with them anytime if you have any problems or questions.

Q
How do you interact with foreign residents during the activity period?
A

The method of interaction will be decided through consultation between the two paired participants. Therefore, the forms of interaction vary. To facilitate building trust, we generally recommend face-to-face meetings; however, depending on mutual convenience, a combination of online and in-person interactions is also possible.

Q
What kind of troubles have you experienced so far?
A

During the six months of pair activities, a dedicated coordinator provides ongoing support. By filling out a monthly activity status survey, the coordinator can monitor progress and step in to assist when needed. This support system helps prevent potential issues before they arise. While there may be cancellations or changes in pairs due to health problems, moving, or mismatched activity frequency, there have been no conflicts between participants so far, ensuring everyone can participate safely and with peace of mind.

Experience Interview

Apply to be an Otonari-san (Volunteer)
Support Us with a Donation

This activity is supported by the grants listed below.