Corporate Volunteer Program
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Hands On Tokyo, we are committed to helping corporate volunteers engage in meaningful service that enriches the lives of others and strengthens the community. Whether it's supporting children’s education, helping vulnerable youth, assisting individuals with disabilities and rare diseases, contributing to environmental conservation, or improving the quality of life for seniors, your company can make a lasting impact.
If you are interested in partnering with us or learning more about how your company can contribute, please contact us at info@handsontokyo.org
■Corporate Volunteer Activities
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Hands On Tokyo has continuously adapted to new challenges, first by pivoting to virtual activities and events to ensure we could still support our community. As the world has finally moved into the post-pandemic era, we were able to fully return to more in-person engagements in 2024. At the same time, we expanded our virtual programs to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community, ensuring we could offer flexible opportunities for both remote and in-person volunteerism.
We are pleased to introduce some of the programs that we held in 2024 with our corporate partners, including AbbVie, Bank of America, Braze, Inc., Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan K.K., Hilton, Hilton Tokyo, Natixis CIB, SAP Japan Co., Ltd., Standard Chartered, Visa Worldwide Japan, Zendesk and others.
In 2024, we carried out a wide range of activities, including Life Skills programs for children in children’s homes and individuals with disabilities, river cleanups, craft making, blind jogging, cooking, language classes, and many more.
We would like to thank all companies that supported us with their donations and volunteer activities.
1. Children’s Homes & Child Welfare Facilities
Life Skills Support
Corporate volunteers helped children develop essential life skills by facilitating activities such as cooking classes, English lessons, and arts and STEM. These sessions are designed to give children the tools they need for future success.
Just as importantly, the volunteers serve as positive role models, offering encouragement, guidance, and a glimpse of new possibilities for the children’s futures.
Cooking and Serving Meals, Sorting and Delivering Pantry Food
Our corporate partners helped prepare and serve meals at children’s cafeterias, sort pantry items, and deliver food packages to families with children experiencing difficult circumstances, including many single-parent households.
Some of the families we support are led by single parents living with mental health conditions, which can make it hard to maintain steady employment and often leads to financial challenges. Through these efforts, we aim to provide not only meals, but also a sense of care and connection from the community.
2. Youth in Need
English/ Japanese Language Lessons
Corporate volunteers led online language lessons to support international students and foreign mothers living in care facilities. Focused on everyday communication, the sessions helped participants build confidence to navigate life in Japan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many international students faced job loss and severe financial stress. While lessons offer not only language skills, but also a meaningful sense of connection and encouragement.
Care Packages & Gift Packages for Vulnerable Youth
In response to the economic challenges, Hands On Tokyo organized care packages for youth, including those who had aged out of children's homes. Volunteers packed essential items like food and toiletries, offering both material support and a message of hope to these young individuals facing difficult circumstances.
3. Special Needs
Fun with English!
This program aimed to make learning English enjoyable for individuals with disabilities, from elementary school students to adults. Corporate volunteers facilitated online lessons featuring fun activities such as drawing games, songs, and discussions about favorite foods, hobbies, and seasonal events. It was an excellent way to engage participants in intercultural communication.
Blind Jogging
In collaboration with Achilles International Japan, corporate volunteers assisted visually impaired participants in a jogging program at Yoyogi Park. Volunteers helped guide runners along the course, ensuring their safety and encouraging a sense of accomplishment. The program turned exercise into an enjoyable and social experience.
Diversity Recreation
In collaboration with the Nogizaka Knights Sports Club for the Visually Impaired, this volunteer activity offers participants the chance to experience a variety of recreational challenges while blindfolded. By relying on communication and teamwork instead of sight, volunteers will gain a deeper understanding of how trust, collaboration, and clear communication can overcome obstacles and create meaningful connections.
4. Environmental Initiatives
Japan Agricultural Awareness-Raising Activities
In 2022, Hands On Tokyo introduced several environmental programs, including an agricultural initiative at a farm in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. Corporate volunteers participated in harvesting while learning about issues such as farmland abandonment and Japan’s aging population. The program also provided rare opportunities for individuals with disabilities and children from children’s homes to engage in hands-on farm experiences, promoting inclusion and showing how companies can help bridge social and environmental gaps.
Forest Conservation
Forest regeneration is an essential activity for conserving forests and protecting the diverse wildlife that inhabits them. In addition to tree planting, we collaborated with NPO The Lifestyle Research Institute of Forests, corporate volunteers participated in tree cutting activities aimed at restoring Japan’s native forests. This initiative not only contributed to environmental conservation but also helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Arakawa River Cleanup
Corporate volunteers conducted 17 cleanups along the Arakawa River in 2024, removing over 580 bags of trash, including recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Volunteers also attended seminars on environmental issues, gaining deeper insights into the impact of urban waste on the environment.
Beach Cleaning
Hands On Tokyo organizes cleanup efforts at Enoshima Beach, focusing on collecting plastic waste. Volunteers also have the opportunity to create art pieces using the collected plastic, including their company logos.
Flower Planting
In this activity, volunteers will contribute to revitalizing the community by planting seasonal flowers in 12-13 planters at Yoyogi Park. Parks are gathering spots for people of all ages, and by keeping them clean and vibrant with colorful flowers, we can enhance the well-being and mental health of visitors from all walks of life.
Tree Planting
Volunteers to help plant over 1,300 tree seedlings as part of a larger effort to protect the environment and support local communities. By planting trees, volunteers will help reduce carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, stop waste from reaching the ocean, and protect nearby farmland from salt damage. This hands-on activity allows participants to make a visible, lasting impact on both the climate and the local ecosystem.
5. Senior Homes
Facility Cleaning & Gardening
Corporate volunteers helped maintain cleanliness and create comfortable environments in senior homes. From cleaning common areas to organizing gardens and playgrounds, these activities ensured that residents lived in safe and welcoming spaces. Volunteers also supported elderly individuals with daily tasks and helped improve their quality of life.
Craft Making & Decoration and Interaction with the Elders
Corporate volunteers visited senior homes to create crafts with residents and help decorate the space, adding warmth and color to their surroundings. They also had the meaningful opportunity to assist with wheelchair support and engage in conversations, fostering connection and helping to brighten the day for the elderly residents.