From May 15, volunteer information sessions and orientations are being held in cities throughout Japan, as well as the regular sessions in Tokyo.

The situation in the affected areas remains extremely serious. In Ishinomaki alone, there is a need of provision of 20,000 meals each day, and even at the current rate it will take two years to fully clear the homes of mud brought by the tsunami. The number of volunteers reached a peak during the Golden Week holidays, and has drastically reduced since.

Peace Boat is therefore holding information sessions to call for disaster relief volunteers not only in Tokyo but nationwide throughout Japan. These sessions will include an explanation of the relief efforts and progress to date, as well as information about how to participate.

At this stage, English language support is only available for sessions in Tokyo. As sessions in other cities are only offered in Japanese language at this time, if you are a non-Japanese speaker and would like to attend, please contact the Peace Boat office in advance. We encourage you to attend together with someone who can interpret from Japanese for you. If booked in advance, English written materials will be available on the day.

The dates are as follows:

Tokyo:
May 14 (Sat), 6 pm
May 22 (Sun), 2 pm
May 28 (Sat), 2 pm

Kobe:
May 15 (Sun), 2 pm

Nagoya:
May 15 (Sun), 6:30 pm

Osaka
May 22 (Sun), 2 pm

Fukuoka
Orientation for June 17 departure – June 25 return / June 24 departure – July 2 return:
June 11 (sat), 2pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Nakamura Culinary School, 2-1-21 Hirao, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

Full information on schedule, location and reservations is available in Japanese here (updated regularly).