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

Otonari-san Family-Friend Program (OFP)

As of the end of 2023, there are over 3.22 million foreigners living 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)
・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, a pair will be formed, and a membership fee (3,000 yen per person) will be required.
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, Electronic Money, 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 utilizing scholarships: Membership fee is half
–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 Otonari-san volunteer activities?
A

Volunteers participate in OFP for various reasons. For example, some have lived abroad and understand the challenges of living in a foreign country, so they want to support foreigners in Japan. Others wish to utilize their language skills, help their children make friends with foreigners, develop a global perspective, broaden their horizons, or learn about different values and ways of thinking outside of Japan. Many volunteers continue to maintain relationships with their pairs even after the program ends.

Q
What activities can I participate in after registering?
A

Those who register will be able to participate in various activities, including OFP, as well as various exchange activities for OFP members, circle activities, Japanese language learning support, refugee activities, and operational support.

Q
How long does it take to complete the pairing-up?
A

OFP is not just about introducing foreigners; we carefully facilitate pairing-up based on various factors such as both parties' needs and conditions, while building a trusting relationship and fostering ongoing communication. We only introduce individuals who meet the criteria, so we cannot guarantee the timing of the pairing-up or any assurances regarding introductions. Please understand that the actual waiting period can vary from a few days to several months.

Q
What kind of foreign partner 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 is there a registration fee or membership fee for volunteering?
A

In managing OFP activities, there are significant costs associated with operating and managing various aspects such as a system for securely handling personal information, information sessions, pairing-up, and follow-ups. Currently, our funding primarily relies on one-time private grants and donations, and we are not yet in a stable position to secure ongoing funding. The support of participants is essential for the continuation of OFP activities. At present, registration fees and membership dues from participants cover about 13% of our operational costs.

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 is the minimum age to participate?
A

High school students are welcome. There are many international residents, so young people can connect with each other. If you are a minor, parental consent is required.

Q
What types of foreign participants are common?
A

Currently, foreign residents from over 40 countries and regions are participating. The largest group consists of foreign families with children, making up about 40%, followed by working professionals and students (including those in Japanese language schools and universities).

Q
Can I participate even if I don't speak a foreign language?
A

It's okay if you can't speak a foreign language. We will consider the language situation of both parties when pairing-up. Additionally, there are many foreign participants who want to speak in Japan, so you can join even if you don't speak a foreign language.

Q
I have little experience interacting with foreigners. Is that okay?
A

It's all good. As long as you have a desire to respect others and build friendships, you can participate in our activities. We offer plenty of learning opportunities, such as training sessions for volunteers and networking events among volunteers. During activities, our coordinators are always available to support you, so feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions or need assistance.

Q
Do we need to meet in person?
A

While we generally recommend meeting in person and spending time together, due to the current COVID-19 situation, our interactions are primarily online. Once the situation improves, face-to-face communication can be effective for building trust, but it is not necessary to force it.

Q
What kind of troubles are there?
A

During the six months of paired activities, a dedicated coordinator will provide support. By filling out a monthly activity status survey, the coordinator monitors the progress and steps in to offer assistance when necessary. This support system helps prevent issues before they arise. While there may be cancellations or changes due to health issues, relocations, or mismatched activity frequencies, participants have been able to engage in activities safely and without conflicts.

Experience Interview

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

This activity is supported by the grants listed below.