Hands On Tokyo is a bilingual and multi-cultural volunteer organization that provides meaningful volunteering opportunities to those who want to give back to the community. Their vision is to create a society where each individual is respected and valued, and where people proactively support each other.

In Japan, there are approximately 45,000 children who are unable to live with their families, for reasons such as domestic violence, mental disabilities and financial difficulties. There are approximately 11 million people with disabilities and 7 million people who suffer from rare diseases.  And with the aging population, more than 30% of people in Japan will be over 65 by the year 2030. Although Japan’s total greenhouse gas emissions have been declining, issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the transition to a circular economy also remain serious challenges.

That is why, every small step we take as volunteers matters. Volunteers can learn the underlying problems in Japan through hands-on projects, and by connecting the people in vulnerable situations with companies, community organizations, schools, government offices and other institutions, we can slowly but surely make an impact in our society. The power of volunteering is immeasurable. Volunteering brings understanding, communication and respect among people. Through this presentation, Ms. Aya Higa will share with the audience on how volunteering is changing the mindset of people and the Japanese society.