2012/01/16

We are recruiting volunteers for Trailwalker Japan 2012.

Please fill in the application form here.

Please see the detail here.

2012/01/12

Poverty: From India to Japan

Think of poverty in India. Now think of poverty in Japan. What's different?

In this workshop (jointly hosted by AISEC and the IVG) we'll be discussing the reality of living in poverty in the rich, developed country we live in and contrasting that with poverty in the emerging power of India.

Come and discover a side to these places that you do not see in the movies or tourist guide books!

Saturday, 21st January, 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 500 yen (all proceeds go to Oxfam Japan)
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 106
Directions: Sangubashi station - 7 mins, Harajuku station - 15 mins
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
Reservations: Please fill in the booking form here - http://bit.ly/AwUUy6
Facilitators: Joe Pournovin & Ralph Chambers

Come & join us for a coffee afterwards! A reservation is required for all workshops.

Please note that the views expressed by volunteer facilitators in workshops represent their own opinion and not necessarily those of Oxfam Japan or AISEC.

2011/12/24

More than 1,000 people have been killed by flash floods and landslides in the Philippines.

On the ground
Flash floods caused by Typhoon Washi have badly affected the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines where more than 1,000 people are thought to have lost their lives.

The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were worst hit when the storm, known locally as Sendong, made landfall late on Friday and early on Saturday 17 December. Around 26,000 families have been forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in crowded evacuation centres where the potential for disease to spread is high.

There is an acute shortage of water supply, containers, and trucking capacity. Sanitation facilities in evacuation centres are extremely limited; a serious disease outbreak is waiting to happen.

Snehal Soneji, Country Director of Oxfam in the Philippines:
Oxfam has many years experience working in Mindanao where we run a number of development projects. We are currently assessing the situation with our local partners and planning the best way to respond to the disaster.

We have already distributed water bottles to around 4,000 families in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and are planning to provide assistance to at least 5,000 more families.

By Oxfam Japan
From 2009 to 2010, Oxfam Japan supported Mindanao area to build local schools. (thanks to the donation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan NGOs and Oxfam Japan supporters)
The beauriful island (the size is similar to Hokkaido) which has good land and diverse culture is the poorest area in the country. Oxfam staffs' restless aid activities are supported by Oxfam Japan supportes and we thank you for your assistance.

* It has ben reported that the schools supported by Oxfam Japan are situated in the middle of Mindanao and they are not damaged by the floods.

2011/12/20

Oxfam Japan office will be closed between Friday, 23rd December, 2011 and Tuesday, 3rd January, 2012.
Enquiries received by E-mail during this time will be dealt with in turn from Wednesday, 4th January, 2012.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding.

2011/12/05

We will hold a trial walk of Trailwalker 2012 on December 18th (Sunday).
Let’s walk together from Shiroyama Track & Field (Start Point) to Hakone Ashinoyu Flower Center
(via Amidaji)

Total distance to walk will be approx 18 kilometers.

○Date and Time: Sunday, 18th December, from 9:00 to around 16:30
○Meeting Place: Please gather by 8:45 at the gate of Shiroyama Track & Field.
2-29-1, Shiroyama, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa (15 minutes of walk from Odawara Station West Gate)
(http://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/field/sports/sport-f/shiroyama-stadium/)

○Course: Shiroyama Track & Field〜Amidaji（Check Point 1）
〜Hakone Ashinoyu Flower Center（Check Point 2）
○Who can join?: Those who are thinking to participate in the Trailwalker Japan 2012
and those who have already applied.
○Fee: Free (Transportation expenses are at your own expense)
○To be canceld in case of heavy rain.
○What to bring:
・Route map of Start-CP1-CP2（Can be downloaded from here）
・Lunch
・Rain wear for hiking (also useful for cold weather)
・Boots for hiking
・Nutritional supplement
・Backpack
・Sunglasses, cap or hat
・Mobile phone (with spare battery)
・Watch
・Compass
・First aid kit（including insect repellent spray and suntan lotion）
・Water (Bottle)

○Note:
・Toilet is available only at Ashinoyu Flower Center on the course. Therefore please use toilet at Odawara Station beforehand. (Toilet will be prepared at some places on the course by May 11th,2012)
・Oxfam Japan Staff will hike with participants, however please act on your own responsibility.
・At the end of hiking, we will use a local bus from Ashinoyu to Odawara Station.

○How to apply:
If you wish to participate, please contact us at (trailwalker@oxfam.jp) by December 13th,
and let us know about: 1. How many people will participate 2. Mobile phone number of the representative of your team.

2011/11/16

Oxfam Japan to open charity shops in Tokyo in December 2011

The international non-governmental organisation Oxfam Japan, based in Ueno, Tokyo, will open “charity shops” in Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji in early December 2011 for a period of two months.

Oxfam Shop is aimed at broadly offering people to make contributions to the international cooperation through donations of goods to be sold in the shops. The shops will sell not only the commodities of daily use donated by the public and fair-trade products but also the original items (e.g. T-shirts and bags) produced by Oxfam Japan. All the profits made at the shop will be used for poverty-alleviation activities supported by Oxfam. Eco-bags manufactured by the

women in Fukushima Prefecture where the nuclear power plants were severely damaged by East Japan earthquake and Tsunami last March will also be sold at the shop to support them.

Oxfam Shops were started in the U.K. in 1948 by Oxfam Great Britain (GB) and there are now in Australia, Belgium, France, and Germany, among others. Oxfam GB runs various types of Oxfam Shops: general shops specialised in clothes and daily commodities; CD and Books shops; and Boutiques that sell high value items. There are over 700 Oxfam Shops in the U.K.

One of the characteristics of Oxfam Shop is that a large number of volunteers are taking part in their operations. In the U.K., for example, approximately 20,000 volunteers work at the shop. Oxfam Shop in Japan will also be supported by many volunteers.

Through the operation of the shops, Oxfam Japan is hoping to raise funds for the aid to developing countriesand enhancing public awareness for the support of development aid, as well as facilitating the opportunity for the formation of community groups for international cooperation, the vocational training for volunteers through their work experience in the shops and the sale of locally-made products in the Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji areas.

Details of the shops]

Oxfam Shop in Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku

Address: Toyo Hyakkaten (25-8 Kitazawa 2-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Opening period: 3 December 2011 – 29 January 2012
Shop’s Web site: http://www.k-toyo.jp

Oxfam Shop in Kichijoji, Musashino-shi

Address: Coppice Kichijouji, 2nd floor, Building A (1-11-5 Kichijyouji Honmachi, Musashino-shi, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Opening period: 10 December 2011 – 12 February 2012
Shop’s Web site: http://www.coppice.jp

Image of the Kichijoji shop

The above image can be downloded at http://oxfam.jp/media/oxfamshop_kichijoji_image.jpg

[Donation of goods for sale in the shops]

Oxfam Japan is accepting donations of items for sale in the shops. Items lying idle in homes can produce profits when they are sold in the shops. These profits will be used in Oxfam’s activities to alleviate poverty.

Place of donation:
At the shops during opening hours
or
Oxfam Japan office at 20-6 Higashi-Ueno 1-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Tel 03-3834-1556 during office hours (10:00 – 17:00). If you are to bring the goods to the Oxfam Japan office, please phone beforehand.

For further inquiry, please contact: Maki Yajima maki@oxfam.jp +81-(0)3-3834-1556 Tomoko Koga tomoko@oxfam.jp +81-(0)3-3834-1556

2011/11/11

E-waste: Where does your phone go to die?

We can all agree that most of us rely on at least one electronic gadget in our modern daily lives. Cell phones, computers, televisions etc. Where would we be without them? While these gadgets make our lives easier, it can also makes some peoples' lives more miserable. Electronic waste (E-waste) is a fast growing problem and the numbers involved are alarming. Only a small fraction is fully recycled and to add to the problem, a number of developing countries are willing to help the rich clean their mess. Several tons of discarded electronic goods are shipped to poor countries everyday for the purpose of "recycling". Join our Awareness Workshop as we learn and discover the sad and surprising fate of all our fancy gadgets. We'll also look at what steps we can take to reduce the problem and learn how to be a smarter consumer. Disposing of E-waste isn’t as easy as pressing the delete button.

Saturday, 3rd December, 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen (all proceeds go to Oxfam Japan)
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 303
Directions: Sangubashi station - 7 mins, Harajuku station - 15 mins
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
Reservations: Please fill in the booking form here - http://bit.ly/tplopZ
Facilitators: Wan Kok Hong & Shigehiro Ueno

Photo credit: flickr user crazybobbles

The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a nearby coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. A reservation is required for all workshops. Please note that the views expressed by volunteer facilitators in workshops represent their own opinion and not necessarily those of Oxfam Japan.

2011/11/09 The registration deadline for the Tokyo Yamathon 2011 has been extended until Monday 14th November.
Sign up here (http://www.tokyo-yamathon.com/register-now.html) for what will be one of the best days of your Tokyo life!

If you are looking for a team or extra team mates, please contact our team match-maker Ben on our queries page queries page(http://www.tokyo-yamathon.com/contact-us.html) as soon as you can.

10 days to go...

Tokyo Yamathon 2011. Coming to a train station near you...

For details, please click here! (www.tokyo-yamathon.com)

2011/10/28

■Topic -Plenty of Fish in the Sea?

Who doesn't love fish? Whether it's eating them, watching them, keeping them or catching them, one thing's for sure - we all owe a lot to fish. But the world's oceans are changing - and not for the better. Fishing on an industrial scale and damage to marine environments means that fish numbers are in decline worldwide. Our very ability to feed ourselves from the sea is under threat.

Join our Awareness Workshop as we explore the issues surrounding fishing, sustainability, and the links to global poverty and inequality through interactive activities. Can you match the fish in the sea to the sushi on your plate? Come and learn about the current predicament and how small changes to eating habits can help.

Date: Saturday, 5th November
Time: 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 514
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
Reservations: Please fill in the booking form here - http://bit.ly/smkTdd
Instructors: Ralph Chambers & Andy Hancock



The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops.

This English workshop is organized by Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG). Please note that the views expressed by volunteer facilitators in workshops represent their own opinion and not necessarily those of Oxfam Japan.

2011/10/26

We will be recruiting volunteers to work with our staff, mainly for sale and service in our shops. We look forward to receiving your application!

For Oxfam Shops, please click here.

【 Oxfam Shop Volunteer】
■Working hours:
10th December 2011 – 29th February 2012 (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays included)
Within the period above, from 4 hours /day between 10am-9pm, one day a week

■Required volunteers: 30 people

■Job specifications: Sales, Reception, Stock management

■Condition: Volunteer (unpaid), travel expense provided (up to 500 yen per day)

■Requirements: 　
- You need to work at least once a week for more than 4 hours
- You need to be over 18 (high school students not accepted) from December 2011 to
February 2012.
- You need to understand and support Oxfam and Oxfam’s activities.
- You need to have good communications skills in Japanese.
- Sales/Shop assistant experience would be preferable.
- We welcome people who can work at weekends and public holidays.

■Location: Kichijoji (Musashino-shi, Tokyo) or Shimokitazawa (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
* For details, please read 【Shop information】below.

■How to Apply:
Please e-mail us your application form.
Application by fax or post is also acceptable. CV is not required.
Only those who passed the application form selection will be contacted for interview.

■End date: No closing date, however we will close the application when we have sufficient number of volunteers.

【Shop infomation】

◆Oxfam Shop SHIMOKITAZAWA◆
Location: Toyo Hyakkaten (2-25-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 11am-8pm
3 December 2011- late January 2012(closing date TBA)
Store Website: http://www.k-toyo.jp/

◆Oxfam Shop KICHIJOUJI◆
Location: coppice Kichijouji 2nd floor, Building A (1-11-5 Kichijyouji Honmachi, Musashino-shi, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10am-9pm
3 December 2011- late January 2012(closing date TBA)
Store Website: http://www.coppice.jp/

【Inquiries】
Non-profit organization Oxfam Japan (Contact: Koga)
E-mail: oxfaminfo@oxfam.jp
2nd floor Maruko Building, 1-20-6, Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0015
Tel:03-3834-1556, URL: www.oxfam.jp
OXFAM is an international organization working in 98 nations around the world.

2011/10/26

Please support our brand-new Oxfam Shops by donating your items. Any unwanted gifts or bric-a-brac at home could help people in need. All profit made in our shops will be used efficiently by Oxfam to help those in poverty or suffering around the world.

We can only accept certain items so please read our “Guidelines for Donating Goods” before you donate anything.

Guidelines for Donating Goods

Where?

We accept donated goods at: ・Oxfam Shop Kichijouji Shop front counter (10am-9pm open hours only) ・ Oxfam Shop Shimokitazawa Shop front (11am-8pm open hours only) ・ Oxfam Japan office (between 10am and 5pm Mon-Fri appointment only) 1-20-6, Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo.

What items?

- Kitchen items
Dishes, glasses, kitchen accessories (chopsticks, spoon, fork etc.), cookware (pots, pans, cutting board etc)
Please ensure there are no damage/cracks/stains/marks (except antiques)
Donations of individual items is fine (it does not have to be a set)
Kitchen accessories, pans, and cookware must be unused.

* Please note that the following cannot be accepted:
Plastic items, prize/individualised gifts (e.g. goods with an individual’s name/photo/logo)

-Accessories
Rings, necklaces, bracelets etc
* Please ensure they are not broken or damaged.

-Household items
Cotton blankets, towels, handkerchiefs, hand towels (unused items only)
* Please note that the following cannot be accepted:
Souvenirs and commemorative gifts or goods with an individual’s name/photo/logo

-Interior accessories
Vases, ornaments, clocks (in working order), mirrors, tablecloths etc
Please ensure there are no damage/cracks/stains
* Please note that the following cannot be accepted:
Plastic items, prize/individualised gift (e.g. goods with an individual’s name/photo/logo)

-Furniture (small items only)
Jewelry cabinets, small drawers, mini tables, accessory stands etc
* Only portable items that can be carried by one person.
*Please ensure there are no damage/cracks/stains
* Please note that the following cannot be accepted:
Plywood furniture / Furniture requiring assembly

-Toys
Toy blocks, puzzles, toy cars, dolls, doll houses etc
Toys for babies must be unused.
* Please note the following cannot be accepted:
Toys with heavy damage or stains, card games, board games, stuffed toys

-Children books (non-Japanese only)
Please make sure they are not damaged or stained.

・Other goods which cannot be accepted are:
Clothing, bags, food or drink, large furniture, sport goods, musical instruments, video games, electronic products, books (except children books from outside Japan), CD/DVDs

Others

- Oxfam shops are not licensed antique or recycling centres. We cannot offer you any cash for your donated items. We regard all goods as a donation to Oxfam Japan.
- We sell donated items at reasonable, affordable prices to our customers. However, if for any reason donated items cannot be sold (e.g. due to severe damage), we reserve the right to use the goods for a purpose other than selling. Therefore, please read the guidelines carefully to avoid any disappointment when donating your goods.
- Please contact Oxfam Japan Tel. 03 3834 1556 if you are uncertain about your donation.
- Please also contact us in advance if you have a large amount of goods to donate or a large item for donation as we have limited storage space.

2011/10/26

This winter, not one but two brand-new Oxfam Shops will open in Japan for a limited period. Following Oxfam tradition, good quality donated items will be on sale alongside fair trade goods and our original Oxfam Japan branded products.

Every yen spent in our shop will support Oxfam’s activities to eliminate poverty and suffering around the world. Oxfam Shops are famous for great bargains and we look forward to providing shoppers in Japan with the same treasure-hunting experience!

【Shop Info】

◆Oxfam Shop SHIMOKITAZAWA◆
Location: Toyo Hyakkaten (2-25-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 11am-8pm
Open: 3 December 2011- 29 January 2012
Store Website: http://www.k-toyo.jp/

◆Oxfam Shop KICHIJOUJI◆
Location: ‘coppice Kichijouji’ 2nd floor, Building A (1-11-5 Kichijyouji Honmachi, Musashino-shi, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10am-9pm
Open: Open: 10 December 2011- 12 February 2012
Store Website: http://www.coppice.jp/

* You can support our new shops by donating your used goods. However, we are only able to accept certain items. Please read “Guidelines for Donating Goods” before you donate anything.

* We are recruiting volunteers to staff our shops.

For more details, please read “Shop Volunteer Recruitment”.

We look forward to having your support, participation and cooperation.

See you in our shops!

　
　
Oxfam Shops in the foreign countries（From top left France, Australia, England with two lower）

2011/10/19

IVG THE TOKYO YAMATHON 2011 information session

Join us for our information session and talk to the organisers to get clearer ideas of what this amazing event 'Yamathon' (19th November 2011) is all about!

◆Date: Thursday 27th October, 2010 19:00 - 20:00 *Reservation required*
(Please ensure you are in your seats before 18:45)
◆Venue: Symantec Corporation Tokyo
　　　　　9th Floor Akasaka Intercity Building, 1-11-44, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. 107-0052
　　　　 map→ http://www.symantec.com/ja/jp/about/profile/locations/directions.jsp
*If you have time, please join us for a drink after the briefing session, which will be held close to Symantec's offices. RSVP!*

What exactly is the 'Tokyo Yamathon'? How many kilometres is it ? Where does all the money raised go to? If you are considering participating, or are still deciding whether or not to join, this information session is for you! Join us for an interactive presentation, explaining the event and giving you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like in our Q&A session.
Bring your friends and colleagues who may be interested in joining the event as your team members!

To make a reservation, simply inform us by email (oxfamjp.ivg.events@gmail.com) one day before the session (26th October 2011).

We very much look forward to seeing you!
*We only have 40 seats available, so please be prompt in making a reservation.
*Presentations will be in English.
*If you need information and explanations in Japanese,, please let us know in advance.

TOKYO YAMATHON website www.tokyo-yamathon.com

This event is organized by Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG).

2011/10/04

IVG picnic in Yoyogi Park to Stand Up and Take Action

Join us for drinks, games, chatting and, most importantly, to tell our governments that the Millenium Development Goals are important.

Bring your friends, bring your smiles, bring your musical instruments!
On the day we will photograph each other Standing Up to say that we care about world poverty and hunger.

When: Saturday, 15th October, 12pm - 6pm
Where: Yoyogi Park near the fountain
How much: FREE!

This event is organized by Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG).

2011/09/28

■Topic -The Importance of Education

According to Oxfam, 72 million children around the world are out of school, most of whom have no access to any education at all. Half of these children live in just 15 of the world's poorest countries. In the year 2000, the United Nations set a target that all children should be in primary education by the year 2015. Now, four years in advance of that target year, it is clear that we are not going to meet this goal.

Why is this happening? Why should we care? What is being done about it? And more importantly, what can we do? Join our Awareness Workshop as we explore the importance of education in the struggle against poverty through interactive activities, discussion and debate.

Date: Saturday, 22nd October
Time: 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 109
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
Reservations: Please fill in the booking form here - http://bit.ly/qt5nW0
Instructors: Linden Wint & Canna Chen



The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops.

This English workshop is organized by Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG). Please note that the views expressed by volunteer facilitators in workshops represent their own opinion and not necessarily those of Oxfam Japan.

2011/09/09 In April nearly 400 of us raised a million yen for Oxfam. The Yamathon is back, and this time it's going to be even bigger & better!

THE TOKYO YAMATHON. THE ULTIMATE URBAN CHALLENGE 2011

*Kindly supported by Symantec & VeriSign*
Q. When, where and how much?
A. When: Saturday 19th November 2011
Meeting Time: 06:15
Starting time: 07:00
Meeting point: At the entrance of Yoyogi Park (2mins walk from Harajuku Station)
Registration fee: 7,000yen per team (6,000yen will be donated to Oxfam Japan. 1,000yen will cover your insurance and transaction fee of PayPal.)

Q. What is it?
A. The Yamathon is a physical endurance & navigational challenge where teams of three or four people WALK or RUN around the Yamanote line in under 12 hours.
Starting out in the dew-kissed surroundings of Yoyogi Park in the morning and venturing through the neon lights of Shinjuku and Akihabara before arriving back at Harajuku at night.
Race,challenge yourself, saunter around, or stop for booze breaks. It's up to you!

Q. Why should I get involved in this?
A. This is a physical challenge in which, you will start together, stick together, and finish together. This is also a fundraising event. 6,000YEN may not seem much to you. But it will mean a lot more to those who live in poverty around the world. Your donation will be given directly to Oxfam Japan: http://www.oxfam.jp/en/

Q. How do I register a team?
A. Simply visit http://www.tokyo-yamathon.com/register-now.html and enter your details!
For any other queries please email Ben Nazer on yamathon.queries@gmail.com

Sign up or find out more at http://www.tokyo-yamathon.com/

*THE TOKYO YAMATHON is organized by Oxfam Japan IVG (International Volunteer Group).

2011/09/01

■Topic -Do As We Say, Not As We Do: Future Energy Choices for the Developing World

The developed countries of the world got rich on the back of cheap, fossil fuel based energy. The CO2 we pumped into the atmosphere has changed the world's climate. To avoid disastrous global warming the Third World must not follow our example. But, how can people in the developing world achieve the dual goals of pulling their people out of poverty, while also protecting the environment?

We invite you to join us in our interactive workshop as we look at the energy dilemma faced by developing countries and discuss what some of the possible solutions might be.

Date:Saturday, 10th September
Time: 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 308
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
Reservations:Please fill in the online form here - http://bit.ly/rdBURq
Instructors: Miho Sugihara & Andy Hancock


Photo credit: flickr users sektordua and amagill.

The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops.

This English workshop is organized by Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG). The contents of this workshop do not always reflect Oxfam's activities or opinions.

2011/08/22
Oxfam IVG (International Volunteer Group) are holding a live gig to support Oxfam and raise money for the crisis in East Africa.

When: Saturday 10th September starting at 7pm
Where: The Pink Cow (1-3-18 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku)
　　　　　Map: http://gmap.jp/shop-912.html?&uid=197621

Who's playing: Marting Leroux, As Dusk Fades, The Keep Togethers plus MORE!
How much: 1000 yen (500 yen donation to Oxfam plus 500 yen drink ticket)

Bring your friends, your dancing feet and your hungry bellies!

2011/08/15


Come along to our monthly pub quiz in Shimokitazawa for a fun night of drinking and thinking!

■Date: Sunday, 28th August
■Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm
■Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa

Quiz masters will be Linden Wint and Nicci Stillwell.
Five fun rounds including a section on food and drink.
Prizes include alcohol shots and literary treats!

1000 yen entrance fee goes straight to Oxfam Japan.
Come along as a group, or as an individual. We'll find a team for you to play with!

2011/08/15

■Topic - Tax Havens and Global Poverty

To most people place names like the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and the Maldives conjure up images of celebrities and sun-kissed beaches. Think of Macao, Switzerland, and Monaco and it's mysterious banks, casinos and James Bond. But did you know that these and other tax havens have helped enable the largest ever shift of global wealth from poor to rich?

We invite you to join our interactive workshop and learn more about the often overlooked issues surrounding tax havens and global poverty. We will learn how secrecy in the financial world helps multinational corporations avoid paying tax, as well as allowing corrupt individuals to steal billions from the world's poorest countries - and what together we can do about it.

Date: Saturday, 20th August
Time: 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 511
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
Reservations: Reservations: Please fill in the online form here - http://bit.ly/mXw7kc
Instructors: Andy Hancock


Photo credit: flickr users sektordua and amagill.

The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops.

2011/07/18

“Two successive poor rains, entrenched poverty and lack of investment in affected areas have pushed 12 million people into a fight for survival.”

Large parts of East Africa are facing the world's worst food crisis. Across the region Oxfam's humanitarian response is aiming to reach approximately three million people.

The situation
Drought is worsening across the Horn of Africa, following successive failed rains. The late 2010 rainy season failed completely in many parts of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, and now the April-May rains have also performed well below average. Parts of northeast Kenya have received just 10% of the usual level of rainfall.

The price of staple foods has risen to unaffordable levels for many people, and weak animals and the collapse of livestock markets have reduced people's income and ability to buy essentials. Hundreds of thousands of animals – people's main assets – have reportedly died.

Donate
Please consider helping fund our emergency work in East Africa. These Oxfam affiliates are running direct appeals for this food crisis:
Oxfam America
Oxfam Australia
Oxfam-in-Belgium
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam GB
Oxfam Germany
Oxfam Hong Kong
Intermon Oxfam (Spain)
Oxfam Ireland
Oxfam Italy
Oxfam New Zealand
Oxfam Quebec

Oxfam's response
Oxfam's response to the drought includes programs in Somaliland, Ethiopia and Kenya with a mixture of emergency aid, long-term development and prevention, and advocacy to address the root causes of chronic drought.

Ethiopia
3.2 million Ethiopians are affected by the crisis – and over 2 million of them are in the Somali region in the southeast of the country, where Oxfam GB is responding and assisting about 150,000 people. Other Oxfam affiliates are working in drought-hit parts of Tigray and Oromia. We are scaling up our response in Ethiopia to reach 700,000 people.

We are helping communities look for more sustainable sources of water, by drilling boreholes, developing motorized water schemes and improving traditional water harvesting systems. In the driest and worst affected areas we have been trucking in emergency water supplies to over 32,000 people. The water is treated and used for drinking, cooking, washing and keeping animals alive. Each person gets at least 5 liters of water per day – the bare minimum that people need. Community health workers also conduct public campaigns to help stop the spread of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea.

Kenya
2.4 million Kenyans are affected by the crisis – mainly in the southern agricultural areas and the northern pastoralist regions, such as Turkana and Wajir where Oxfam is working.

People in these areas rely on their livestock as their main source of income and nutrition, but the drought has left the animals weak, dying and hard to sell. Oxfam's “de-stocking” program buys up some of the weakest goats and, sheep – ensuring that their owners get an income and some vital cash before their assets die – and we then slaughter the animals to provide meat to the community.

About 900,000 vulnerable animals – belonging to 18,000 families – are also benefiting from Oxfam's veterinarian and de-worming programs.

Somalia
2.4 million people are currently affected as the drought worsens across Somalia and Somaliland.

In the worst hit areas of Somaliland, Oxfam and our local partners are providing emergency water trucks, bringing clean water to villages where all other sources have dried up. 65,000 people in more than 50 villages are benefiting, and this is the only way they can get water free of charge. Oxfam engineers also repair boreholes and shallow wells in areas where there is some available water.

*For more information, please see here
http://www.oxfam.org/eastafrica

2011/06/29
Single Mother's Forum which Oxfam Japan supports provides assistance for affected people and operates following activities.

1. Objective

Relieve single parent family from mental and physical stresses after three months from the earthquake by supporting for their livelihood rehabilitation, counseling, consultation and advocating to the government.

2. Targets

- Single parent households
- Children in single parent households
- Others that stop by for consultation

3. Location

Tokyo Fukushima

4. Activities

1. Setting up a hotline for single parent households
Tokyo Tuesday 10:00-21:00
　 Thursday 10:00-17:00
※Lawyer hotline Thursday 13:00-16:00
Fukushima　Saturday & Sunday　10:00-17:00

2. Providing goods and information at the shelters
Tohoku region(Kouriyam, Iwaki, Soma, Sendai, Morioka etc)
Tokyo（Nihon-Budokan, Akasaka Prince Hotel, Apartment house for government workers）
Fukushima

3. Individual and Group counseling（Tokyo, Fukushima）
-Individual support via hotline and counseling in regards to housing, employment, medical care, child care, access to social services.
-Open café at the shelters for those who have been evacuated from outside of Tokyo
-Open Booth for woman at Big Pallet and Chatting party in Fukushima

4. Support activities
May:　The National Women's Education Center (NWEC)
July:　Nagano

2011/06/15

■Topic - Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is often described as modern day slavery. Individuals are coerced to work in unpleasant, unpopular, service industries such as prostitution or forced labour.

Considered to be one of the largest, and fastest growing criminal activities in the world, human trafficking generates billions of dollars of revenue by victimizing millions of people. While anyone could be a potential target for exploitation, sadly the most common victims are women and children, often from already vulnerable communities.

In this workshop we will explore some of the issues, ideas and questions surrounding this difficult topic:

・What is human trafficking?
・What is being done to combat the problem?
・What does it have to do with me?
・How can I help?

Date： Saturday, 25th June, 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee： 1000 yen
Location： National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (near Yoyogi Park) Central Building, Room 307
Directions： Sangubashi station - 7 mins, Harajuku station - 15 mins
Reservations： oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Facilitators： Ben & Dalynna
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan



The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops.

2011/06/10

Right after the disaster, Oxfam Japan has been responding ｔo ensure that the needs of marginalized people affected by earthquake and Tsunami are met by addressing gaps in provision of assistance, information and services, in partnership with Japanese national NGOs.

The area of Activities

Oxfam Japan supports affected people, particularly women and small children, single mothers, immigrants, women facing domestic violence and sexual abuse with following activities.

Please click here for more details about our activities.

1. Emergency Assistance

Oxfam and partners provide assistance specific to the needs of women, children and immigrants.　The assistance includes hygiene items, radio and cash grants.


Distributed radio　©Oxfam Japan


Delivery of relief supplies (31st March, Tagajo city, Piyagi prefecture)　©Miki Tokairin / JOICFP

2. Providing information and counseling, support organizing self-help groups

Oxfam and partners provide telephone, face to face counseling services, individual support for vulnerable women and immigrants to provide information and psychological support. We also help immigrants to organize self-help groups.


FM station (Natori city, Miyagi prefecture)　©FACIL

3. Advocacy

Oxfam and partners address the needs and rights of affected people, especially women to the major stakeholders of assistance and reconstruction, namely, Japanese government, local government and other aid agencies.

Partner Organizations

FACIL (Multilanguage Centre; http://www.tcc117.org/facil/index.html) was established immediately after the 1995 earthquake in Kobe to provide information to non-Japanese speaking people living in Japan. They are expanding their activities to support non-Japanese people affected by the disaster of March 11, 2011 by providing them with information, counseling, access to services and support in self organizing.

JOICFP (Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning; http://www.joicfp.or.jp/eng) works on population, reproductive health (RH), family planning (FP), and maternal and child health (MCH). Together with the Japanese Midwives' Association and local obstetrics and gynecologists, they will support pregnant women, new mothers, and babies.

Japan Women's Shelter Network (Japanese website http://nwsnet.or.jp/shelter/index.html) runs a network of shelters for women victims of sexual or domestic violence and a 24-hour hotline. Their shelters in the affected region and elsewhere in Japan have been providing those vulnerable women with accommodation, assistance in accessing services, and counseling.

Single Mother's Forum (Japanese website http://www.single-mama.com/) was established in 1980 to provide support, counseling, and advice to vulnerable single mothers and their children. They have a hotline lawyer. In this crisis they will focus on counseling, assistance in accessing services, relocation, childcare and emergency livelihoods support.

Rise Together (http://www.risetogetherjp.org/)– is network of organizations working on women's issues who got together to work on raising awareness, conducting research, disseminating information, providing training and support and advocating for the rights of women in emergencies.

How to donate

◆Donation by CreditCard 　You can make donation on our website. 　https://oxfam.jp/forms/en/donate_form.php 　* Please choose Japan Earthquake at the column "programs". ◆Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account 　　Account Number: 00140-6-53804 　　Account Holder: OxfamJapan 　* Please ensure you indicate : 　　　1) donation for Japan Earthquake 　　　2) whether you need a receipt or not

　

Our activities

Oxfam Japan will be working with partners in Japan on providing support to those on the margins of society who might otherwise have difficulty accessing emergency relief.

◆Assisting mothers and babies

a) Providing diapers and other products
b) Support formothers and babies at home
c) Counseling to women under high stress

For more details,
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (April 2) by Giles Murray（6th April）
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (April 1) by Giles Murray（6th April）
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (March 30, 31) by Giles Murray（5th April）
Report from Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture (March 31)（5th April）
Deliveries of Support Materials to Pregnant Women and Babies（31st March）
The first shipment from Oxfam has arrived in Iwate（31st March）
Shipment sanitary products & diapers（23rd March）
Support for mothers, babies and women（19th March）

◆Regional information support

a) Distribution of radios
b) Providing disaster information (on the website and on site)
c) Support for "The multilingual support center for the Tohoku Earthquake out at ocean"

For more details,
Disribution of radios（23rd March）

2011/06/09

Thank you for your interest in the Sea to Summit 2011. Participants who have already received a confirmation email and number, we are looking forward to seeing you on the day of the event. However, unfortunately we have exceeded our limit for the Sea to Summit challenge. We have completed the registration and are now not able to accept new entries for the Sea to Summit Challenge. We do sincerely apologise but hope you can join us next year for an even bigger event. The IVG team.

Oxfam Japan IVG presents...
Sea to the Summit: The Ultimate Fuji Climb 2011

This endurance event is only for the fittest. If you have what it takes come and join us for the challenge of your life. The IVG is at it again with the next Sea-to-Summit Fuji Challenge set for 23rd July 2011!

Have you ever climbed Mount Fuji from the 5th Station and didn’t feel satisfied? Have you ever thought about pushing yourself to your absolute limit? The Sea-to-Summit will provide all this and more…

This is a charity challenge offering you the chance to climb one of world’s most famous mountains from the sea metres in under 24 hours. This is a pilgrimage giving you an opportunity to truly test yourself amidst extreme heat and steep ascents. This is a symbolic journey full of highs and lows, one which will test your strength, stamina, and character.

IF you prevail, we guarantee that you will never look at Fuji again in the same way.
IF you cannot commit to the sea-to-the-summit, why not climb with us from the 5th station?!

See Mount Fuji from a new perspective and achieve a personal goal while contributing to a brighter tomorrow!


■Date: Saturday, 23rd July 2011
■Where: Tagonoura beach (0m) - summit of Mount Fuji (3776m)
■Meeting time: 05:50
■Meeting point: JR Higashi-Tagonoura Station, Shizuoka
■Starting time: 06:30
■Participation fee:
You have three options:
a). Climb from Sea-to-Summit (2,000JPY)
b). Climb from 5th Station to Summit (1,000JPY)
c). A team of 3 or 4 people from Sea-to-Summit (5,000JPY)

To register or for more info, please check out our brand new Sea-to-Summit website
www.sea-to-summit.org


FAQ's

Q. Can you tell me more about Sea-to-Summit?
A. Meeting at Higashi-Tagonoura Station in Shizuoka Prefecture at 5:50am, we will make our way to the beach for the opening ceremony. In another symbolic act of respect we will fill our PET bottles with sea-water and you will carry that water to the summit of Fuji-san. At the top we will symbolically pour it out letting it run back down to its source.

Starting from the sea at 6:30am we will hike all day in extreme heat slowly making your way to the 5th Station, hiking a total of 47km and climbing in excess of 2,400m. The hike from the sea to the 5th station will take approximately 12 – 14 hours and will be arguably the most difficult aspect of this challenge. Once reaching the 5th station we will rest and recover before leaving at 9:30pm to continue the ascent to the summit of the mountain. The aim is reach the summit to see the sunrise.

Q. How can I register?
A. Please go to the following weblink
http://www.sea-to-summit.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=8&Itemid=4
After registering your team you will receive a confirmation email.

Q. How difficult is this challenge?
A. The constant ascent and the extreme heat makes this challenge one of the most difficult endurance challenges in Japan. If you are familiar with or have participated in Oxfam Trailwalker, please be aware that this challenge has been said to be even more difficult.

Q. I am not confident in my abilities to climb from the sea. May I join you at the 5th station?
A. We warmly welcome participants or other teams who would like to join us at the 5th station. For bus times to the 5th station please see the following link
http://www.fujikyu.co.jp/shizuokabus/time_fujinomiya/time_fujinomiya_17_1.html

Q. Is there a fee?
A. Sea-to-summit: 2,000yen
5th Station to summit: 1,000yen
A team of 3 or 4 people from Sea-to-Summit: 5,000JPY

100% of your money will go directly to Oxfam Japan - an international charity organisation which helps to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice whilst campaigning for a better world.

Q. How and when can I pay?
A. You can pay on the day of the event.

Q. How will we attempt to climb from the sea?
A. We owe a big thank you to Christian Parkes who last year attempted and succeeded this majestic climb. He very kindly mapped out the route. You can see the route here
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108002727387019555014.00044f4c012ddefb89926&ll=35.334173%2C138.852081&spn=0.449807%2C0.660553&t=h&z=11
We will also be providing printed copies of maps on the morning of the event.

Q. It will be difficult to carry all of my gear during the sea-to-summit hike. Will you be providing any support crew service?
A. You can participate in the Sea-to-Summit challenge without a support crew, but they are important to your success and your safety. We strongly advise you to have a Support Crew. For those who cannot organise a support crew, you will able to place extra bags/supplies for your team in our van.
On the morning of the event you will have an opportunity to place some of your gear in our van. Our volunteers will be driving this van to the 5th station where you will be able to collect your gear for the night hike up Mount Fuji.

Q. Why is it better to have a support crew?
A. Support crews can help:
・Carry your luggage by car between checkpoints.
・Provide food and drink.
・Transport you to and from the event.
・Provide support and boost morale.
・Monitor your progress and alert us in case of trouble.

Q. What do I need for this event?
A. Comfortable pair of hiking shoes/trailwalking shoes
Headlight (*Important)
Comfortable clothing (shorts, support tights, t-shirt, thick socks,Rucksack/small backpack, etc)
WATERPROOF clothing (*Important)
Good amount of food (onigiri/sandwiches/bananas/snickers) to give you the energy to keep you going throughout the day (There is only one combini around the course so it would be best to buy your food before we start).
Camera
IT WILL BE VERY COLD AT THE SUMMIT SO MAKE SURE YOU BRING EXTRA LAYERS OF CLOTHING
An empty PET bottle to take part in our opening ceremony

Q. I will be coming from Tokyo. Are there any nearby hotels that we can stay on the night before the event?
A. There are hotels in Numazu city, which is only a 10 minute train journey to our meeting point at Higashi-Tagonoura Station. Please see the below links for hotels in the Numazu area.
http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00144/index.html

2011/05/31

■Topic - Are you an ethical shopper?

Are you aware of how and where the products you use everyday are made? You may not realize it, but your favorite coffee or clothing brand could be made by workers who have terribly low wages, extremely long working hours, and dreadful working conditions. The meat you consume may be from animals that are treated cruelly. Washing liquids and powders, toilet paper, and other household items may be causing severe damage to the environment. Petrol for your car could come from a company that carelessly causes oil spills, and neglects the land rights and livelihoods of the local people. In this workshop, let's learn about what ethical shopping is all about: how can we find out if a product or company is ethical or not, and how can we change our shopping choices to affect a positive change in our world today.

Come and learn through interactive sessions about what tar sands development is, and how people in Japan and elsewhere can help stop climate change before it becomes even more damaging than it already is.

Date: Saturday, 11th June
Time: 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Jamie & Jason

The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere. Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops.

2011/05/20

We are going to the trail for cleaning up on the 21st, and 22nd of May.
Participants, volunteers, and the support curews etc,,, everyone is welcome!
Please join us!

【21st May】
Group1: Start ->CP2
Croup2: CP5->CP6

【22nd May】
Group3:CP2->CP4

Please check here about the courses,

*Other course will be cleaned up on 28th and 29th. We will announce the details later.
*You don't have to apply before hand. Those who want to attend, please come to
JR Odawara Station Gate at 9:00AM. We will leave Odawara Station at 9:00
so please come one time.
*Pleae bring the following items
Gloves, vinyl bag (for rubbish), lunch, drinking water,
Equipment for walking in mountain (prepare for cold weather and rain)

2011/05/10

■Topic - Tar Sands: Oil at what price?

Starting decades ago in Canada, the artificial production of oil from tar sands through an extensive process involving clear cuts, massive mining, and fresh water use is spreading fast around the globe. While the largest ever industrial project is ongoing in Canada, countries such as Madagascar, Palestine, and Trinidad and Tobago also have plans to begin large scale production of their own tar sands. Tar sands development produces three times the carbon emissions as normal oil and are responsible for Canada failing to meet their Kyoto treaty obligations.

Come and learn through interactive sessions about what tar sands development is, and how people in Japan and elsewhere can help stop climate change before it becomes even more damaging than it already is.

Date: Saturday, 28th May 2011
Time: 2 - 4 pm (doors open 1.45pm)
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Macdonald & Shivonne

2011/04/25

IVG Pub Quiz - April 26th @Ebisu

Come along to our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu for a fun night of drinking and thinking!

Date:Tuesday, 26th, April
Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/04/25

IVG Pub Quiz - April 26th @ Three Lionz Pub

Break up the mid-week grind and join us for a fun night of trivia in support of Oxfam Japan!

Date:Tuesday, 26th, April
Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm
Where: Three Lionz Pub, Yokohama

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/04/18

Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report: The multi-language services

Oxfam Japan is working togther with the NPO, the multi-language centre FACIL, who is helping non-Japanese speaking nationals living in the earthquake-affected areas since the beginning of the disater on March 11th.

●The multi-language services
- Collaborating to recuit translator and interpreter volunteers
- Making and distributing fliers and postars of the FACIL
　(working together with the Global Collaborative Center (GLOCOL) of Osaka University)
- Translating the disaster-related information in multi languages
- Oxfam Japan provided 20 computers to the FACIL

●Supporting radiobroad casting
- Oxfam Japan procured and distributed radio receivers

●Visiting the affectted areas on April 7th to 11th
- Visited the following places and requested the distribution of the multi lingual fliers and postars where necessary

Visiting	Activities
Miyagi International Association	Discussed the situation of the foreign national victims in Miyagi Prefecture and future collaboration
Sendai International Relations Association	Discussed the situation of the foreign national victims in Sendai City and future collaboration
The Japan Platform	Discussed the post-disater situation and the outlook of information-sharing among various NPOs and NGOs and future collaboration
Volunteer Center of the Ishinomaki Senshu University and the Council of Social Welfare	The university offers the hub for many volunteers. About 1,500 volunteers, mainly students, are actively helping the victims. These volunteers have brought their tents to sleep in and food to feed themselves without an external help.
Dept. of Broadcasting, Broadcasting Division, the Tohoku Bureau of Telecommunications, the Ministery of Internal Affairs and Communications	Discussed the FM ratio stations in the Tohoku District regarding disaster-related information and future governmental support and collaboration.
Ishinomaki Catholic Church	Providing fliers about the hotline to Philippo women married in Japan
FM Radio Stations that broadcast the disaster-related news	Ishinomaki City: Ishinomaki Community Broadcasting, Radio Ishinomaki (100W), Shiogama City: BAY WAVE（100W） Iwanuma City：Hohoemi（100W） Yamamoto-cho, Watari County：Yamamoto Saigi FM（30W） 　　Chinese and English native speakers have started broadcasting to disserminate disaster-related information Watari-cho, Watari Couty：Watari Saigai FM（30W） Natori City：Natori Saigai FM（50W）

2011/04/06

Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (April 2) by Giles Murray

We met up with a team of four midwives led by Yuko Fukushima, a licensed midwife and associate professor at Iwate Prefectural University at 7.30 A.M. at "Tengu no Sato" on the outskirts of Morioka. The plan was for JOICFP and the midwives to jointly reach out to pregnant women and mothers of young babies in this fishing community. We wanted to provide immediate practical support in the shape of supplies and get a clearer sense of their specific needs in order to support them in the medium and long term. It was a beautiful drive to the coast over snow-covered mountains, but Yamada Town itself was a scene of unimaginable destruction. The only buildings left standing were concrete shells blackened by the fires which had broken out after the tsunami.



Our first stop was the town hall. An official provided Yoshikatsu Kanno, JOICFP mission leader, with a map showing all the local evacuation centers and advised us where the greatest concentrations of women and children were. One room in the town hall was given over to "hyoryubutsu," personal effects, often photograph albums, which had been washed away by the water, and were displayed on a huge blue tarpaulin for people to reclaim.



The first place on the list was the Sakura Kindergarten. On our way there we passed Yamada Town railway station. It was completely wrecked.



At the Sakura Kindergarten we spoke to Keiko Sakodate. She told us that there were currently 99 people at the center (the number fluctuated daily) the youngest of whom was a nine month old baby. Many of the people there went out in the daytime to try and retrieve what they could from their destroyed homes, so we asked Ms. Sakodate to select the items she knew the women in the center needed and give them to them when they got back that afternoon.



The next evacuation center we went to was the Orikasa Kindergarten. It stood at the bottom of a steep slope at the far end of Yamada Town. Everything between it and the sea had been destroyed. One could see how the line between life and death was literally a matter of a few meters. Kyoko Kawabata, who was in charge, invited us in and even offered us coffee. She had spent the night after the tsunami in the kindergarten with 33 children, no one knowing if their parents were alive or dead, as the fire came closer and closer.



Kosuke Nishimura, a boy who was quietly doing his sums at the end of the table while we were there, had lost his uncle in the tsunami, while his one-and-a-half-year-old brother had been brought back to life by CPA after his heart had stopped.

According to Ms. Kawabata, people were starting to return to work and focusing on recovery and rebuilding. She said she knew a local pregnant woman who was due to give birth at the end of April, but that she had moved to Miyako, a less badly damaged town further up the coast, to stay with relatives. As the day went on, we found that many pregnant women or women with very young children had done the same thing: moved away, often inland where they felt safer, to stay with relatives.

At the Yamada Town Funabashi Disaster Prevention Center we met Etsuko Otsuki, a volunteer who was running the place. She was concerned that there was too much of a focus on the plight of people in the evacuation centers, while people who were still living in home, but having to make do without adequate food, heat or financial resources, tended to be overlooked. We provided her with supplies to distribute to people in her neighborhood, as she knew, as only a resident could, who needed what but was too self-reliant to ask anyone for a handout.



On Ms. Otsuki's advice we visited a family in which the mother was in the late stages of pregnancy. This kind of direct outreach is something midwives are uniquely able to provide.



"In Miyagi on March 30 we distributed supplies to women from a single distribution hub, but here we have adopted a mixed model," said Yoshikatsu Kanno, summing up the day. "In Iwate we are using the Morioka Women's Center as a large-scale hub, but we're also working with the local midwives to deliver goods to small groups or individuals with pinpoint accuracy. Today's fact-finding mission taught us that many pregnant women or women with young children on the Iwate coast have moved inland. The midwives can now act on that knowledge to provide them with expert support, and JOICFP in turn will do everything it can to support them.

Giles Murray, Writer
（information from JOICFP, all photos copyright©JOICFP）

2011/04/06

Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (April 1) by Giles Murray

Today the team drove north from Sendai up to Morioka in Iwate prefecture, a three-hour journey. We had an appointment at 2.00 at the Morioka Women's Center. The head of the center, Yaeko Tabata, was hosting a meeting on how to best address the needs of local women affected by the disaster. As well as JOICFP staff, representatives of the Japan Association for Refugees and lawyers associations and licensed midwives teaching at the Faculty of Nursing of Iwate Prefectural University took part.



One of the four JOICFP trucks that had set out from Tokyo on March 29 had delivered its cargo to the Morioka Womens Center on the 30th. Everything had been divided up by category and neatly stacked in a room on the third floor. JOICFP had chosen the Morioka Women's Center as its distribution hub for Iwate, knowing that 1. the Center was keenly aware of women's needs, and 2. that it was well positioned to get supplies out fast, without any red tape or other delays.

While we there, several boxes of goods were being wheeled out to a van for delivery to Ofunato, a coastal community severely damaged by the tsunami which had phoned in a request for specific items.

JOICFP staff and the local midwives agreed to go to Yamada Town another devastated coastal community, for a combined fact-finding and supply delivery mission the next day. After the meeting, we sorted out what to take and loaded it into our van in preparation for tomorrow.



Giles Murray, Writer
（information from JOICFP, all photos copyright©JOICFP）

2011/04/05

Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (March 30, 31)
by Giles Murray

On the morning of March 30, four 4-tonne trucks left the JOICFP warehouse in Yokohama.
Loaded with goods donated by Japanese and multinational companies, they were heading for Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate and Ibaraki, the four prefectures hardest hit by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of March 11.



Their cargoes―everything from Wacoal maternity pajamas and P&G diapers to Unilever shampoo and Akachan Honpo baby food―targeted the needs of pregnant women, mothers and babies in the affected areas. JOICFP has decades of experience addressing the needs of pregnant women, mothers and babies in the developing world, but this is the first time it has brought its expertise to bear in Japan.



"The need was there right in front of our eyes," explains Mariko Homma, senior program officer. "We couldn't ignore it." Women confront a unique set of problems after natural disasters, she says, and these are too often overlooked. Shock can cause breastfeeding mothers to stop lactating, or induce periods in young girls. Having to deal with problems like these in a crowded evacuation center with no privacy, few toilets and things like sanitary napkins in short supply can make an already stressful situation even more uncomfortable.

Three JOICFP staff accompanied the trucks in a minivan. "We don't just want to send the goods and have other people take care of the distribution. We want to deliver them to the right people and talk to them to get a clear idea of their needs," explains mission leader Yoshikatsu Kanno. To make sure the goods get to the people who need them JOICFP teamed up with the Japan Midwives' Association, a national body with unparalleled access to pregnant women and young mothers.



That's why that the organizer of the first distribution at Takasaki Junior High School in Tagajo, a town close to the devastated port of Sendai, was midwife Aiko Kasamatsu. Ms. Kasamatsu had assembled some 20 volunteers from the midwife community who unloaded the trucks, sorted and stacked the packages for several hours in the morning of March 31.



By 12 o'clock a line had started to form as local women who had heard about the event through flyers, radio or word-of-mouth arrived at the school. Even though Tagajo was not hit by the tsunami, it has had no electricity, gas or water since the earthquake. As shops are closed, many basic goods remain unavailable.



The distribution started at 1 o'clock, and by 3.30, when everything had gone, over 500 local women had passed through, braving a long cold wait in the sleet. One local company hearing about the event in the morning was kind enough to donate a large number of sanitary napkins that same afternoon.



Some of the women had dramatic stories to tell. Mrs. Masumi Shirahata, currently seven months pregnant, was waiting in line with her six-year-old son, Haruto. She was collecting him from kindergarten when the earthquake and tsunami struck on March 11. The two of them ended up spending the night on the kindergarten's upper floor while the teachers used skipping ropes and poles to rescue parents and children who had been caught up in the tsunami. They themselves were rescued the next day by boat by the Self-Defense Force and were able to get home, where Haruto was reunited with his father.



Members of the foreign community had also heard about the event. Twenty-five-year-old Alia Abdureshit, a Uighur who has been living in Japan for five years, and her husband, Alimjam Abdurahman, thirty-four, were there with their four-year-old daughter and one-and-a-half-year-old son.

All in all, more than 500 mothers turned out. "I was most pleased to get water, diapers and baby wipes," said 29-year-old Chie Suzuki, who dropped by later in the afternoon to say thank you, her baby strapped to her front with the brand-new baby harness she had picked up at the event. "These are things it's almost impossible to get around here."



"The midwives did a fantastic job in promoting and running today's event," concluded JOICFP's Mariko Homma. "We're really lucky to have such a network. They have contacts with pregnant women, mothers and babies throughout Japan, and they know exactly what they need. This is the real grass-roots.
Giles Murray, Writer
（information from JOICFP, all photos copyright©JOICFP）

2011/04/05

Report from Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture (March 31)

Over 500 women, pregnant women, and their family members gathered and received the relief goods arrived at the Takasaki Junior High School, Tagajo City, Miyagaki Prefecture.

The distribution was done very smoothly with the good coordination between the midwives working in the area and the Tagajo Municipal Government Office. A total of 25 midwives, public health nurses, and social workers, assisted the distribution as volunteers, explaining what kinds of items are available to women.


Distribution at Tagajo City©JOICFP
A local midwife (left) assist the distribution, asking a pregnant woman how she has been doing: her needs, and condition.

Voices of Women

（information from JOICFP）

2011/04/03

Oxfam Japan IVG presents...THE TOKYO YAMATHON: THE ULTIMATE URBAN CHALLENGE (April 2011)

The IVG is at it again with the next Tokyo Yamathon set for 9th April 2011!

What's the Tokyo Yamathon you ask? The Tokyo Yamathon is a physical endurance, teamwork and navigational challenge, whereby teams of 3-4 people walk the length of the Yamanote Line in central Tokyo with the aim of completing it in the fastest time possible.

Last time you helped us raise 123,000JPY for Oxfam Japan's project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This event will be bigger and even better! You certainly don't need to be an athlete to participate. People from all backgrounds, ages and fitness levels enjoyed our inaugural event. There is no time limit meaning that each team can walk at their own pace. All you need is a “have a 。go” attitude, and sense of fun and adventure. See Tokyo from a new perspective and achieve a personal goal while contributing to a brighter tomorrow!

■Date: Saturday, 9th April 2011
■Where: JR Harajuku Station - JR Harajuku Station!
■Meeting time: 06:15am
■Meeting point: Entrance to Yoyogi Park (2 mins walk from JR Harajuku Station)
■Starting time: 07:00am
■Participation fee: Y6000 per team of which all proceeds will be donated directly to Oxfam Japan!

To register your team or for more info, please check out our brand new Yamathon website: www.tokyo-yamathon.com

With little publicity, our first ever Tokyo Yamathon in November was a fantastic success. 29 teams and 112 people took part, raising over 126,000YEN for Oxfam Japan. We at Oxfam Japan IVG are very excited about our second urban charity challenge and have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure that this event grows and fulfils its potential.


FAQ's

Q. What is the Yamathon?
A. The Tokyo Yamathon is a fundraising challenge where teams of three or four people will walk on a designated route around the Yamanote line in under 12 hours. The Yamanote line is Japan's busiest and most important commuter rail lines and is famous around the world.

Q. Why should I get involved in this?
A. Ask yourself a question - do you honestly know Tokyo? This will be a fantastic opportunity to see all the sights in one day and to also check out new places, places where normally you would never think of going to. Think of this - early morning in Harajuku. Then think of this - passing the skyscrapers & neon lights at night in Shinjuku before arriving back in Harajuku.

This is a physical challenge in which, you will start together, stick together, and finish together. This is also a fundraising event. 6,000YEN may not seem much to you. But it will mean alot more to those who live in poverty around the world. Your money will go directly to them. We will donate 100% of your money to Oxfam Japan

Q. Can our team run??
A. You can walk or run! Whichever! The faster you walk the quicker you can get to the after-party! All team members must finish together as a team.

Q. I'm 91 years old but I can still walk. Do you think I will be able to complete the event?
A. Yes. With a little training absolutely anyone can complete this event. Whether you're 9 years old or 90 years old, this is a great opportunity for you to achieve something special.

Q. I’m worried that we may not be able to complete the Yamathon in under 12 hours. Will our team be disqualified if we don’t?
A. No you will not be disqualified. The main aim of the challenge will be to complete the whole course. 12 hours is a target time and something to aim for.

Q. Is there a fee?
A. Yes. One team (three or four people) must pay 6,000YEN to Oxfam Japan. Your money will go to help those who need it most in other parts of the world. For more information about where your money will go, click here.

Q. How long will this take?
A. Past attempts from other people have taken them 14 hours. We would like to make it a little more challenging by encouraging participants to complete the course in 12 hours. For a detailed account of the experience of walking the Yamanote line, please visit http://smt.blogs.com/mari_diary/2005/04/urban_challenge.html

Q. Why 3-4 members to a team?
A. We realise that it may be a problem for some people to get a team of four people together. A team of three is acceptable. A team of two is not acceptable. A team of three must still pay a 6,000yen donation.

Q. How can I reserve a team?
-1. You can reserve your team by visiting
http://www.tokyo-yamathon.com/team-registration.html and entering your team’s details

-2. We will confirm your email by sending you your team number.

-3. After receiving your team number, please pay 6000JPY by one of the following methods:
a). Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account

Account Number:00140-6-53804
Account Holder: Oxfam Japan
* Please ensure you indicate "Yamathon" and your team number.
**Please also email us to confirm you have sent the money.

b). Online credit card
https://oxfam.jp/form/en/donate_form.html
*Please choose "General donation" and note "Yamathon" and your team number on comments or questions to complete the form.
* Please ensure you indicate "Yamathon" and your team number.
**Please also email us to confirm you have sent the money.

-4. After receiving payment, your teams place will be officially reserved.

Q. I really want to join the event but cannot find enough people to make a team. What can I do?
A. Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com and we will try to organise a team for you.

Q. More details of the YAMATHON day?
-06:15
Teams of four people will arrive at the entrance to Yoyogi Park to register their teams (2 mins walk from Harajuku Station).
Before the official start, we will hold a short opening ceremony.

-07:00
At Harajuku Station the TEAM LEADER MUST buy a 130YEN train ticket. This will be proof of your start time.

-During the challenge:
At each station, participating teams MUST take a picture of every station sign. 29 stations. 29 pictures. If you forget to take a picture of any of the 29 stations, your team will be disqualified.

-Finishing point:
At Harajuku Station all participants MUST again buy a 130YEN train ticket. This will be proof of your finishing time.
When you have finished, please take a photo of your two tickets with your cell phone, and email either Paul or Joe. We will record the results and announce the winners a few days after the event.

-After-party:
No doubt after the event you will be thirsty, so come and join us for an after-party and meet other finishing participants for a well deserved drink at the Footnik in Osaki.

Final words:
We're a small volunteer group but with big ideas. We just want to build a community here in Tokyo whilst raising a bit of money and awareness. If you're also a thrill-seeking adventurer come and join us on our crazy pilgrimage around one of Tokyo's most iconic symbols. This event will grow only with your help. Tell your friends and come out and join us to celebrate "Sakura" season in a truly unique way.
Hope to hear from you all soon!

Joe, Paul, Shintaro, and the rest of the Oxfam Japan IVG team x

2011/03/31

Earthquake in Japan:
Deliveries of Support Materials to Pregnant Women and Babies

Support materials are arriving at various affected areas to support pregnant and other women and babies.


The distribution of the second shipment in Tagajyo City on March 25th ©JOICFP

【The First Shipment】

Working together with the Iwate Preventive Health Service Association, JOICFP delivered masks, sanitary products, and paper diapers to women in Ofunato, Kamaishi, and Miyako on 23rd March.

・ 877 paper baby diapers
・ 1,548 sanitary napkins
・ 120 masks

【The Second Shipment】

JOICFP distributed the shipment of underwear for women and children and thermal underwear “Heattech” at the Shiogama Gymnasium and the Tagajyo City Hall, in partnership with the local midwives on 25th March.

・ 10,900 women’s long-sleeve T-shirts, camisoles, and tank-top underwear etc.
・ 2,000 children’s pull-ups, long-sleeve T-shirts, fleece pajamas, and fleece jackets etc.

【The Third Shipment】

The shipment of sanitary napkins, paper diapers, shampoo, and hair conditioner arrived at the Women’s Center in Iwate and was distributed to the local women on 26th March.

・ 60 boxes or 144 packages of baby diapers
・ 400 shampoo bottles
・ 263 hair conditioner bottles
・ 12,000 sanitary napkins

【The Fourth Shipment】

Sanitary napkins, paper diapers, shampoo and hair conditioner bottles were shipped to the Miyagi Chapter of the Japanese Midwives Association on 28th March.

・ 60 boxes or 144 packages of baby diapers
・ 383 shampoo bottles
・ 250 hair conditioner bottles
・ 12,000 sanitary napkins

【The Fifth Shipment】

The shipment of pre-natal care products, baby products, and sanitary napkins was dispatched from a warehouse in Yokohama for Iwate (1 location), Miyagi (3), Fukushima (3), and Ibaraki (1) on 30th March.
You can see the volunteers sorting the support materials in the following photo.

（information from JOICFP）

2011/03/31

Earthquake in Japan:
the first shipment from Oxfam has arrived in Iwate

The following materials arrived at the Women’s Center in Iwate in the afternoon of 26th March.



Oxfam has been listening to the needs of women and been working closely with the Women’s Center as well as with the Iwate Chapter of the Japanese Midwives’ Association. Oxfam’s partner, the Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning (JOICFP) is working around the clock to respond to various requests by delivering much-needed support to these women.

The midwives in the area will directly deliver the materials shipped to the Women’s Center in Morioka, and hand it to pregnant women and local support groups in this disaster area. At the same time, the midwives will provide the women with necessary pre-natal and post-natal care.

（information from JOICFP）

2011/03/31
FMYY

Oxfam Japan works through local accountable organizations to cover areas that are not well covered by existing supports. Oxfam Japan wishes to extend its heartfelt prayers and condolences to the victims of the March 11 Tohoku-Pacific Earthquake. We also pray for the swift and safe return of the many people still missing in the disaster area. In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, medical staff, corporations, the government and the local people affected by the disaster themselves continue to provide aid on a large scale. Particularly in the event of humanitarian crises within developing countries, where the domestic infrastructure is often insufficient to address these emergency needs, Oxfam provides broad support in areas such as fresh water provision and the maintenance of sanitary conditions. In the case of this earthquake, the Japanese Government is gradually ramping-up aid in these areas, so we have instead looked at where we as an NGO might be of most assistance. We have begun to provide support to address difficult areas such as the care of pregnant women, infants, as well as in the support of residents with limited Japanese language skills. By partnering with local and regional midwife associations, preventive health care associations, and Multilanguage Center FACIL who best understand the immediate needs on the ground, we are most effectively able to identify and provide direct support to those most in need. At this point, this is the manner in which Oxfam is best positioned to help the victims of the Tsunami. Oxfam Japan has received many messages of support as well as financial contributions on behalf of those Japanese in need from Oxfam chapters in Asia, Africa Europe, South and North America and other areas across the globe. Just as the Japanese people have helped so many people in the developing world get back on their feet in the face of poverty, natural disasters and conflicts, the same spirit of support extends back from across the world to the Japanese people. During this time of crisis and until full recovery is achieved, we will continue to do our utmost to help. 30th March, 2011 Oxfam Japan

◆Donation by CreditCard 　You can make donation on our website. 　https://oxfam.jp/forms/en/donate_form.php 　* Please choose Japan Earthquake at the column "programs". ◆Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account 　　Account Number: 00140-6-53804 　　Account Holder: OxfamJapan 　* Please ensure you indicate : 　　　1) donation for Japan Earthquake 　　　2) whether you need a receipt or not

Our activities

16th March, 2011

Oxfam Japan will be working with partners in Japan on providing support to those on the margins of society who might otherwise have difficulty accessing emergency relief.

1) Assisting mothers and babies

Oxfam Japan will channel funds to the Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning (JOICFP). Together with the Japanese Midwives’ Association and local doctors, the groups with help breast-feeding mothers by providing them with privacy and their babies with diapers and other products. They are offering counseling to women under high stress.

a) Providing diapers and other products
b) Support formothers and babies at home
c) Counseling to women under high stress

For more details,
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (April 2) by Giles Murray（6th April）
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (April 1) by Giles Murray（6th April）
Tohoku Earthquake Relief Mission Report (March 30, 31) by Giles Murray（5th April）
Report from Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture (March 31)（5th April）
Deliveries of Support Materials to Pregnant Women and Babies（31st March）
The first shipment from Oxfam has arrived in Iwate（31st March）
Shipment sanitary products & diapers（23rd March）
Support for mothers, babies and women（19th March）

2) Regional information support

Another partner – the multi-language centre FACIL (http://www.tcc117.org/facil) – is helping non-Japanese speaking nationals living in affected areas. FACIL was set up as a response to the Kobe earthquake in 1995. It has set up a hotline for people to get information and is translating and re-publishing information put out by local authorities.

a) Distribution of radios
b) Providing disaster information (on the website and on site)
c) Support for "The multilingual support center for the Tohoku Earthquake out at ocean"

For more details,
Disribution of radios（23rd March）

2011/03/23
Oxfam Japan is preparing to distribute 15,000 compact, light and solar-powered radio equipped with cell phone charger to the people in disaster area in the beginning of April.

These portable radios are useful for displaced survivors to access information, they are light and can be used to charge cell phones.

Information and communications around the disaster are as important as the distribution of food or blankets.

◆Donation by CreditCard 　You can make donation on our website. 　https://oxfam.jp/forms/en/donate_form.php 　* Please choose Japan Earthquake at the column "programs". ◆Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account 　　Account Number: 00140-6-53804 　　Account Holder: OxfamJapan 　* Please ensure you indicate : 　　　1) donation for Japan Earthquake 　　　2) whether you need a receipt or not

2011/03/23
Oxfam is working together with people in 98 countries around the world to end poverty and injustice. Oxfam Japan is working in partnership with the Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning (JOICFP) to aid women and babies that have been affected by the earthquake and the tsunami in some of the devastated areas. Particularly pregnant women remain vulnerable after the disaster, and Oxfam’s partner is helping to deliver the necessary support to them.

Under the current difficult conditions, we managed to make the first shipment including sanitary products, diapers, and masks to Iwate Prefecture on 19th March .

Local networks are getting organized to deliver support materials to those in need. For example, Oxfam Japan will deliver the first shipment, together with the Iwate Chapter of the Japanese Midwives’ Association and the Iwate Health Service Association. We will also ship baby food and clothes for children and women to the devastated city of Tagajyo, in Miyagi Prefecture.

◆Donation by CreditCard 　You can make donation on our website. 　https://oxfam.jp/forms/en/donate_form.php 　* Please choose Japan Earthquake at the column "programs". ◆Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account 　　Account Number: 00140-6-53804 　　Account Holder: OxfamJapan 　* Please ensure you indicate : 　　　1) donation for Japan Earthquake 　　　2) whether you need a receipt or not

2011/03/19
Oxfam Japan would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your kind assistance.

Oxfam Japan is working with JOICFP (Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning) and members of the White Ribbon Japan, JMA (Japanese Midwives’ Association) and JFPA (Japan Family Planning Association), to provide assistance in 6 prefectures, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Hokkaido and Ibaraki.

The assistance will be coordinated through each prefecture’s Midwives’ Association. We aim to provide necessary support to women, especially pregnant women and nursing mothers, and babies, with the help of practicing midwives who are working closely with the residents in the affected area.

We ask have asked practicing midwives in the affected area to kindly assist in taking care of, and distribute necessary supplies to, women experiencing acute anxiety, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and babies. We thank you for your continued support in relieving stress and suffering of women, pregnant women and nursing mothers in the affected area.

◆Donation by CreditCard 　You can make donation on our website. 　https://oxfam.jp/forms/en/donate_form.php 　* Please choose Japan Earthquake at the column "programs". ◆Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account 　　Account Number: 00140-6-53804 　　Account Holder: OxfamJapan 　* Please ensure you indicate : 　　　1) donation for Japan Earthquake 　　　2) whether you need a receipt or not

2011/03/17 Dear Volunteers,

Please be advised that given the current extenuating circumstances in Japan, the IVG Monthly Meeting & Board Elections scheduled for Friday, 18 March 2011, and the Awareness Workshop scheduled for Saturday, 19 March 2011, have been postponed until further notice.

The pub quizzes scheduled for the 22 March in Ebisu, 23 March in Yokohama and 27 March in Shimokitazawa will be going ahead at this stage. If you are able to join us to raise urgently needed funds for Oxfam Japan's current relief operations we would love to see you. Please see the following link for all current event info:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=18137796609&v=app_2344061033&vm=all

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to Oxfam Japan's current emergency appeal, please see here for info on how to donate.

We will keep you updated as the situation develops. In the meantime, please take care.

--
Jessica Korteman
Promotions Coordinator
Oxfam Japan
International Volunteer Group
www.oxfam.jp/en/

2011/03/15

Tsunami appeal: Oxfam Japan to fund two partners
helping mothers and babies, and non-Japanese nationals

Oxfam Japan is appealing for public donations for two partner organizations, one that is assisting mothers and babies and the other providing information to non-Japanese speakers living in Japan.

Japan is one of the most advanced nations in the world in dealing with natural disasters and has accepted international help in only a few specific areas. It is important that ad-hoc efforts to help do not undermine the coordination of the state’s overall relief efforts, especially now that explosions in a nuclear facility and radiation levels are complicating efforts to assist those affected from the Mar 11 earthquake and tsunami.

“The Japanese state has the means to reach 99% of the population but there will always be some who need more specific assistance,” said Oxfam Japan head Akiko Mera from Tokyo.

Ms Mera said that Oxfam Japan will channel funds to the Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning (JOICFP). Together with the Japanese Midwives’ Association and local doctors, the groups with help breast-feeding mothers by providing them with privacy and their babies with diapers and other products. They are offering counseling to women under high stress.

Another partner – the multi-language centre FACIL (http://www.tcc117.org/facil) – is helping non-Japanese speaking nationals living in affected areas. FACIL was set up as a response to the Kobe earthquake in 1995. It has set up a hotline for people to get information and is translating and re-publishing information put out by local authorities. There are an estimated 40,000 non-Japanese speakers in affected areas.

Most international NGOs like Oxfam are standing-by to assist on the invitation of leading local authorities, and are otherwise providing specialist help as described here.

National Oxfam affiliates will forward public donations received in their own markets into Oxfam Japan, which will disburse to its two partners. Oxfam Japan will also explore work with other partners in the future. Oxfam Japan is primarily an advocacy organization. Its Tokyo offices were damaged in the quake but none of its staff were hurt.

For press enquiry:

Louis Belanger (US) +1-917-224-0834, louis.belanger@oxfaminternational.org
Matthew Grainger (UK) +44(0)7730-680837, matt.grainger@oxfaminternational.org

Donate now

Donate directly to Oxfam Japan

You can also donate via these Oxfam 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami Emergency Appeals.
All donations to Oxfam will go toward Oxfam Japan's 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami Emergency Appeal.:

Oxfam America
Oxfam Canada / Oxfam Quebec - joint appeal with other Canadian organizations (donations collected by Oxfam Canada and Oxfam Quebec will go to Oxfam Japan)
Oxfam GB
Oxfam India

2011/03/12
Oxfam Japan stands ready to assist the Japanese government and local authorities in any way necessary.

We are 100% confident that Japan has all the physical and economic resources and expertise necessary to do the best possible job in rescue and in the long road to clean-up, recovery and rebuilding that is still to come.

The Oxfam confederation continues to monitor the effects of the tsunami in some of the poor and developing countries in south-east Asia and the Pacific region, where we work running development programs and with local partners.
Thankfully and to the best of our knowledge, the tsunami has not seemed to caused the great damage as had been threatened by the scale of the original earthquake.

2011/03/03 Please be advised that given the current extenuating circumstances in Japan, the IVG Awareness Workshop scheduled for Saturday, 19 March 2011, has been postponed until further notice.

■Topic - Human Trafficking: What Is Being Done?

Human trafficking is one of the largest criminal industries in the world,
and it is continually growing at a rapid rate. Come join us as we examine
the intricacies of this difficult topic, and the actions that are being taken to put a stop to it.

■Date: Saturday, March 19th
■Time: 2 - 4 pm (sign-in will commence at 1:50 for a 2pm start)
■Participation fee: \1000
■Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park/Sangubashi
■Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 109
■Reservations: Email, oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
■Instructors: Dalynna & Ben
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

The workshop will be followed by a casual get-together at a local coffee
shop to give everyone the chance to get to know one another and discuss the
workshop in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Please note that a reservation is required for all workshops. To do so,
please send an email to our Awareness Coordinator, Joe, on the above email
address to confirm your place. If you register but can no longer attend,
please inform us as soon as possible so your place may be offered to others.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!


Come and join us for a workshop at our new location! The National Olympics
Memorial Youth Center will now be the permanent home of our IVG Awareness
Workshops. Our new location has spacious rooms and boasts a variety of
modern equipment. Being only a 10 minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3
minutes by train from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Line), it is close to
all major JR lines.

2011/02/28

Oxfam Japan IVG Pub Quiz at Heaven's Door

Put your thinking caps on and join us for our fun monthly pub quiz in Shimokitazawa!

■Date: Sunday, March 27th
■Time: 7.30pm - 10pm
■Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa

Y1000 to play.
Prizes and free shots for all you quiz gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/02/28

Oxfam Japan IVG Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK

Come along to our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu for a fun night of drinking and thinking!

Date:Tuesday, 15th, March
Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/02/18

■Topic: " Food: What Are You Really Eating?”

For many of us food is plentiful and nutritious but do you know what really goes into the food on your plate? The distances it has travelled, the ingredients, the production processes or even if it is safe.
This workshop aims to:
Help understand the food labels we see everyday.
Promote understanding of the human and environmental costs of food production processes.
Give advice and ideas about what we as consumers can do to change things.

■Date: Saturday, March 5th
■Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
■Participation fee: Y1000 (All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan)
■Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park/Sangubashi
■Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 307
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
■Reservations: Email, oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
■Instructors: Ralph & Joe

The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in a spacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment. Being only a 10 minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes from Shinjuku Station with the Odakyu train), it is close to all major JR lines.

2011/02/03

Oxfam Japan IVG Pub Quiz at Heaven's Door

Put your thinking caps on and join us for our fun monthly pub quiz in Shimokitazawa!

■Date: Sunday, February 27th
■Time: 7.30pm - 10pm
■Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa

Y1000 to play.
Prizes and free shots for all you quiz gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/02/03

■Topic: "Endangered Aboriginal Cultures of Argentina & South America: The Plight of Pre-Columbian Peoples Today”

With the arrival of Columbus 500 years ago, the original inhabitants of America have faced what can be likened to the Holocaust: victims of relentless genocide, persecution and slavery that saw their property stolen and their cultures banned.
Today, the few survivors of these ancient cultures are fighting for their right to their native identity and place in history. Join us in this effort to shed some understanding on their plight and the justice they have long been fighting for.

■Date: Saturday, February 19th
■Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
■Participation fee: Y1000 (All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan)
No. of participants: 20 max.
■Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park/Sangubashi
■Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 503
Map: http://nyc.niye.go.jp/e/02informations/cont05.html
■Reservations: Email, oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
■Instructors: Horacio, Paul & Dalynna

2011/02/03

Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group Monthly Meeting

The Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG) is a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan. We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference.
We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help.

Our next meeting will be held on 18 February 2011 from 7-8:30pm at the Oxfam Japan Office in Ueno (Tokyo). The meeting will be followed by a casual dinner to get to know everyone.
So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun! To confirm your attendance please email, oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com

For more info about the IVG, please see www.oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email,oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com

2011/02/03

Oxfam Japan IVG Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK

Come along to our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu for a fun night of drinking and thinking!

Date:Tuesday, 15th,February
Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/01/19

IVG Board Elections

The IVG will soon be holding elections for the 2011-12 Board and is actively recruiting new volunteers to fill the following positions:

◆President

* Welcomes new and prospective IVG members; guides them to activities that suit their volunteering goals (may require meeting in coffee shops, etc.)
* Moderates monthly meetings
* Maintains mailing list
* Guides and assists the main coordinator of an event during the planning process, as needed
* Creates meeting agenda
* Communicates with Oxfam Japan staff and IVG members
* Fills in for board members as necessary
* Checks and responds to email on a regular basis

◆Vice-President

* Creates and sends survey regarding monthly meetings to the mailing list
* Takes minutes at the meetings and distributes through mailing list
* Organizes social events, such as dinner after the monthly meetings
* Oversees finances and prepares quarterly reports
* Fills in for the President as necessary
* Reports at monthly meetings
* Checks and responds to email on a regular basis
* Reports to the President

◆Promotions Coordinator

* Writes advertisements for IVG events and publicizes them in various print and online publications
* Manages online content and posts regularly on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter
* Liaises with Oxfam Japan and media regarding IVG promotions and events
* Liaises with the Awareness & Fundraising Coordinators to publicize Awareness Workshops and Pub Quizzes
* Writes and disseminates the IVG monthly newsletter
* Reports at monthly meetings
* Checks and responds to email on a regular basis
* Reports to the President

◆Awareness Coordinator

* Organizes Awareness Workshops twice a month (once a month during summer)
* Finds workshop instructors from IVG volunteers
* Coordinates with workshop instructors and Oxfam Japan staff
* Works with Promotions Coordinator to publicize the workshops
* Collects workshop materials and reports
* Reports at monthly meetings
* Checks and responds to email on a regular basis
* Reports to the President

◆Fundraising Coordinator

* Organizes and hosts the monthly Pub Quizzes at The FootNiK and Heaven's Door
* Liaises relationships with IVG sponsors
* Helps organize other fundraising events held by the IVG
* Reports at monthly meetings
* Checks and responds to email on a regular basis
* Reports to the President

◆Website Coordinator

* Initial design and set-up of IVG website
* Provide technical assistance regarding the website as required
* Reports at monthly meetings
* Checks and responds to email on a regular basis
* Reports to the President

If you've ever thought about volunteering and want something great to add to your CV, then now is the time to join us! Being part of the IVG Board is a rewarding experience. Gain professional skills that will look great to any prospective employer while contributing to a great cause and having fun as part of a supportive and passionate team.

Applicants must be able to commit to a one year term (April 2011 - March 2012), attend monthly meetings (3rd Friday of the month) and have a volunteer spirit.

To apply, simply send an email to Dalynna on oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com stating the position you would like to apply for, why you would like to apply and what you can bring to the position. The deadline for applications is Friday, 11th March 2011.

Positions will be decided by vote at the March 18th monthly meeting. Applicants will be given the opportunity to address attendees about what they can bring to the position before the vote.
Should there be only one applicant for any of the above-mentioned positions, that person will automatically get the position. Official handover of duties from the current board to the new one will take place at the following monthly meeting on April 15th.

Should you have any further questions regarding the upcoming IVG Board elections, please do not hesitate to contact our current President, Dalynna, on oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com

2011/01/12

Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group Monthly Meeting

*** Please note: this event requires attendees to RSVP via a link. To do so, please take a few short moments to fill out this confirmation of attendance survey by midnight Monday, January 17th. Thank you. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3YZQ7PS
***

The Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group is a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan. We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference. We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help.

Our next meeting will be held on 21 January 2011 from 7-8:30pm at the Oxfam Japan Office in Ueno (Tokyo). So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun!
See www.oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com for more info.

2011/01/12

Oxfam Japan IVG Pub Quiz

Put your thinking caps on and join us for our fun monthly pub quiz in Shimokitazawa!

Date: Sunday, January 30th
Time: 7.30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com/homepage.html)
Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you quiz gurus!

All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2011/01/12

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK; 18th January

Come along to our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu for a fun night of drinking and thinking!

Date: Tuesday, January 18th
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/12/16 Our office will be closed between Saturday, 25th December, 2010 and Sunday, 2nd January, 2011.
Enquiries received by E-mail during this time will be dealt with in turn from Monday, 3rd January, 2011.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding in advance.

2010/12/16

■Topic: Minamata Disease: Japan's Lesson For The Developing World

In the 1950s the cats in a small coastal town in southern Japan started to "dance". Suffering from strange convulsions, the cats would soon go mad and die. Before long the mysterious condition had spread to local people. So began one of the worst cases of industrial poisoning the world has ever seen - Minamata disease.

Join us as we explore the history surrounding this troubled episode in Japan's development, and discuss what lessons can be learned by today's developing countries trying to balance environmental protection with economic growth.

The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in a spacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment. Being only a 10 minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes from Shinjuku Station with the Odakyu train), it is close to all major JR lines.

Date: Saturday, 22nd January 2011
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 406
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Andy & Joe

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/11/17

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK – - 7th December "Holidays Special"

Already started trimming the tree, decking the halls and stuffing the stockings?
Drafted your holiday messages of good tide and cheer?
Whether this is an important time of year for your faith, spending time with family and friends or represents a fresh start for the New Year, come along and test your knowledge of all things that make the holidays magical at our "Holidays Special"!
Join us for a few drinks and laughs in celebration of the silly season at our last pub quiz at The FooTNiK for the year!

Date: Tuesday, 7th December
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/11/15

Oxfam Japan IVG Pub Quiz: "End of Year Bash"

Put your thinking caps on and join us for our final pub quiz at Heaven's Door for the year!
Join a team, have a few drinks and put your knowledge to the test!

Date: Sunday, November 28th
Time: 7.30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com/homepage.html)
Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you quiz gurus!

All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/11/15 Registration for 'Oxfam Trailwalker Japan 2011' has started!
You can register even if you don't have 4 members yet. Apply early to be one of the 250 'first come first served' registered teams.
Register NOW!
For volunteer, please click here!

2010/11/12

■Topic: "The International Debt Crisis: The Crippling Burden on the Developing World"

Financial loans were once viewed as the answer to lifting the Third World out of poverty. But with developing nations unable to afford even the most basic of necessities, the added burden of loan repayments, not to mention interest, has meant that defaults on these loans have become a regular occurrence. Now the very loans intended to give a helping hand have left the world's most impoverished nations crippled by debt and in a state of absolute financial crisis. How can this cycle of spiralling debt and poverty be broken? Join us as we explore the state of the international debt crisis and what can and should be done to overcome it.

Date: Saturday, 11th December
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/ Small Research Room 4A
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Jessica & Jamie

The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of
our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in a
spacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment. Being only a 3
minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes away from Shinjuku Station),
it is close to all major JR lines.

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/11/12 *** Please note: ***
this event requires attendees to RSVP via a link.
To do so, please take a few short moments to fill out this confirmation of attendance survey by midnight Tuesday, November 16th. Thank you
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2HCQMY2

The International Volunteer Group (IVG) is a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan.
We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference.
We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help.
Our next meeting will be held on Friday, 19 November 2010 from 7-8:30pm at the Oxfam Japan Office in Ueno (Tokyo).

So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun! See www.oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com for more info.

2010/11/12
Dear friends,

The Tokyo Yamathon is now only two weeks away! We already have many teams signed up. But it's not too late! You can reserve your team by emailing oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com with your: -

Full names of all team members
Cellphone email address and phone number of TEAM LEADER
Your team name
Also confirm if any member of your team have access to an I-Phone or Android phone

[ Starting point:]
The starting point will be at the entrance to Yoyogi park, which is approximately a two minute walk from Harajuku Station. For a map of the exact start point, please see the map below.



[ Tokyo Yamathon After-party:]
We are delighted to announce that our Tokyo Yamathon party will be held at the FooTNiK Pub in Ebisu from 7:30pm. The FooTNiK have kindly offered "happy hour" prices to those who complete the Yamathon event. Upon showing your two Harajuku tickets to any bar staff member, you will be given a 200yen discount on all drinks all night! Our after-party starts from 7:30pm, which will give you a chance to shower and get some food. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people at the FooTNiK for kindly hosting our party.

For more information on the location of the FooTNiK please visit http://www.footnik.net/japanese/locations/

[ Shower access:]
No doubt you will be feeling tired and in need of a shower after a long days walking :-) There are many Capsule Hotels within easy reach of Ebisu, Shibuya, and Harajuku. However 90% of these are men-only capsules. So below is are a couple of places with shower access for men & for women.

Men:
Siesta Capsule Hotel: Ebisu

1 minute walk from Ebisu Station
Shower access: 1hour = 1,000yen
More details: http://www.siesta-en.com/

[Men & Women:
Shimizuyu Public Baths: Omotesando

2 minute walk from Omotesando Station
Bath access: 1,200yen includes shampoo, conditioner, soap, & towel
More details: http://shimizuyu.jp/
That is all for now. More updates soon.

Love Joey, Paul, Shintaro, and the rest of the IVG crew x

*For more details, please visit here!

2010/11/09

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK – 16th November - "Comedy Special "

Think of yourself as the 'laugh' of the party?
Known for your classic one-liners?
Revered for your comic genius?
Then join us for a night of laughs at our "Comedy Special"!

Date: Tuesday, November 16th
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/11/05

■20th November (Saturday) :
Improving Agriculture: Breaking The Cycle Of hunger

75% of the world’s people rely on agriculture to feed themselves and their family. However, the agricultural system is failing the people who need it the most, keeping them stuck in poverty.
Come and join our fascinating discussion as we examine the various aspects that compose the agricultural process and how NGOs are working to create a sustainable agricultural system to benefit everyone.

The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in aspacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment.
Being only a 5minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes away from Shinjuku Station), it is close to all major JR lines.

Date: Saturday, 20th November
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 300
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Dalynna & Doran

All proceeds of this workshop will be donated to Oxfam Japan.

2010/10/20

Oxfam Japan IVG presents...THE TOKYO YAMATHON: THE ULTIMATE URBAN CHALLENGE 2010

*This is a charity and environmental challenge, and preparation for Oxfam Trailwalker 2011.
*IVG: International Volunteer Group

In July we organised "From the Sea to the Summit: The Ultimate Fuji Climb 2010".
Now the IVG is back and organizing an equally crazy challenge: -
"THE YAMATHON. THE ULTIMATE URBAN CHALLENGE 2010".

Note: the meeting/starting point and the details about the reservation procedure have been changed!!! (20.10.2010)

When: Saturday 27th November 2010
Meeting Time: 06:30
Starting time: 07:00
Where: Harajuku Station
Donation: 4,000YEN (per team)


Q&A

Q. What is the Yamathon?
A. The Yamathon is a fundraising challenge where teams of three or four people will walk on a designated route around the Yamanote line in under 12 hours. The Yamanote line is Japan''s busiest and most important commuter rail lines and is famous around the world.

Q. Why should I get involved in this?
A. Ask yourself a question…do you honestly know Tokyo? This will be a fantastic opportunity to see all the sights in one day and to also check out new places, places where normally you would never think of going to. Think of this - early morning in Harajuku. Then think of this - arriving to the skyscrapers & neon lights at night in Harajuku. Boom!!!

This is a physical challenge in which, you will start together, stick together, and finish together. This is also a fundraising event.

4,000YEN may not seem much to you. But it will mean alot more to those who live in poverty around the world. Your money will go directly to them.

Q. Can our team run??
A. You can walk or run! Whichever! The faster you walk the quicker you can get to the Hub for the afterparty! All team members must finish together as a team.

Q. I'm 91 years old but I can still walk. Do you think I will be able to complete the event?
A. Yes. With a little training absolutely anyone can complete this event. Whether you're 9 years old or 90 years old, this is a great opportunity for you to achieve something special.

Q. I'm worried that we may not be able to complete the YAMATHON in under 12 hours. Will our team be disqualified if we don't?
A. No you will not be disqualified. The main aim of the challenge will be to complete the whole course. 12 hours is a target time and something to aim for.

Q. Is there a fee?
A. Yes. One team (three or four people) will donate 4,000YEN to Oxfam Japan. Your money will go to help those in other parts of the world.
For more information, please see the following link:
http://www.oxfam.jp/en/

Q. How can I reserve a team?
1. You can reserve your team by emailing
oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com with your: -
Full names of all team members
Cellphone email address and phone number of TEAM LEADER
Your team name
Also confirm if any member of your team have access to an I-Phone or Android phone

Remember it's teams of 3 or 4 people and we require one cellphone number and keitai email address from the Team Captain, and names of the other members.

2. We will confirm your email by sending you your team number.

3. After receiving your team number, please pay 4000JPY by one of the following methods:
a). Payment by transfer to Japan Post Bank account

Account Number:00140-6-53804
Account Holder: Oxfam Japan
* Please ensure you indicate "Yamathon" and your team number.
**Please also email us to confirm you have sent the money.

b). Online credit card

Please pay online from here
*Please choose "General donation" and note "Yamathon" and your team number on comments or questions to complete the form.
* Please ensure you indicate "Yamathon" and your team number.
**Please also email us to confirm you have sent the money.

c). Pay in person directly to one of the Oxfam IVG Board Members.

4. After receiving payment, your teams place will be officially reserved.

**THE DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT IS WEDNESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER. ANY TEAM WHO MISSES THE DEADLINE MUST PAY AN EXTRA 2,000JPY LATE FEE**

Q. How long will this take?
A. Past attempts from other people has taken them 14 hours. We would like to make it a little more challenging by encouraging participants to complete the course in 12 hours.
Please click on the following link for a detailed account of the experience of walking the Yamanote line:
http://smt.blogs.com/mari_diary/2005/04/urban_challenge.html

Q. Why 3/4 members to a team?
A. We realise that it may be a problem for some people to get a team of four people together. A team of three is acceptable. A team of two is not acceptable. A team of three must still pay a 4,000yen donation.

Q. I really want to join the event but cannot find enough people to make a team. What can I do?
A. Check the following Facebook event link for other teams looking for members
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106912602706368&ref=mf
or contact me on
oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
and we will help you find other team members.

Q. More details of the YAMATHON day?
A. 06:30
Teams of four people will arrive at Harajuku Station (exact details of meeting point TBA).
We will then register your teams attendance . We will also give you a detailed map of your 34.5 km adventure. Before the official start, we will hold a short opening ceremony.

07:00
At Harajuku Station all participants MUST buy a 130YEN train ticket. This will be proof of your start time.

During the challenge
At each station, participating teams MUST take a picture of every station sign. 29 stations. 29 pictures. If you forget to take a picture of any of the 29 stations, your team will be disqualified.

Finishing point
At Harajuku Station all participants MUST again buy a 130YEN train ticket. This will be proof of your finishing time.
When you have finished, please take a photo of your two tickets with your keitai and email either Paul or myself. We will record the results and announce the winners a few days after the event.

Afterparty
No doubt after the event you will be thristy, so come and join us for an afterparty and meet other finishing participants for a well deserved drink!!! (Exact location TBA).

Dress code
Anything green. We are hoping to get printed Yamathon T-shirts. More updates will follow soon.

Final words:
We have been talking about this for almost two months now. We are now both very excited that this plan is coming together. If you’re also a thrill-seeking adventurer come and join us on our crazy pilgrimage around one of Tokyo's most iconic symbols.

Love Joey & Paul x
-- Awareness Events Coordinator International Volunteer Group Oxfam Japan

2010/10/20

■6th November (Saturday) :
Staying afloat in a globalized world: The case of Trinidad and Tobago

The world has become a very different place in the last two decades.
In this new era of globalization, we are all connected more than we have ever been in the history of the planet.
For the small Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago (and many other developing countries), this has meant new threats. Economy, environment, culture, health and security have all been affected. How are nations that weren't prepared for globalization coping?
In this workshop, we will explore the experience of one country. In many ways, it reflects what globalization has meant for the majority of the world.

The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in aspacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment.
Being only a 5minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes away from Shinjuku Station), it is close to all major JR lines.

Date: Saturday, 6th November
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 406
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Shivonne and Alecia

All proceeds of this workshop will be donated to Oxfam Japan.

2010/10/14 We would like to invite you Oxfam supporters to join the “Trail Maintenance Walk” as volunteers at Oyama Town, where Trailwalker takes place every year (Check Point 7 and 8). We look forward to the participations of those who are dedicated to keep the trails in a good shape, as well as those mountain lovers who are interested in Trailwalker. Please check the details as it follows.

Date
20th November, 2010 8AM to 3PM

How to Apply
Please send us the following information to the address below by Friday, 5th November
Your: ��Name ��Address ��Date of Birth ��Sex
trailwalker@oxfam.jp
And we will contact you later to confirm and inform where to meet and what to bring

How Much it Costs
It is free to participate, although we ask you to cover your own transportation expenses

Contents of the Activities
・Carry the Signposts for the trail (Carried manually for about 2 to 3 kilo meter)
・Assemble the Signposts
・Establish the Signposts
・Take Photos as Records

Covering Sites
・Subashiri Tachiyama 〜 Myoujin Pass
・Myoujin Pass 〜 Yozuku Pass

To check out the photos from last year -->here

Thank you.

【Information】
Oxfam Japan
Email: trailwalker@oxfam.jp
Tel:03-3834-1940
URL: http://oxfam.jp/en/

2010/10/14

Oxfam Japan IVG Halloween Party!

The goblins are haunting
The monsters will mash
It's time to get ready for
Our Halloween Bash!

Join us from seven
At the doors of Heaven's
500 yen will get you in the door,
And munching on candy and snacks galore!

Come see all the costumes,
It'll be quite a sight!
When we celebrate this spooky season
with a costume contest at our Halloween Night!

There'll be food and drinks and fun festivities too,
The only thing we still need is you!

Tell all your friends if you dare,
And join us in giving them a frightful scare!

Your ghostly hosts,
The IVG


Date: Saturday, October 30th
Time: 7pm - 12am
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
Entry fee: 500 yen (includes Halloween snacks and candy!)
Food and drinks available for purchase (Please eat and drink up!
The more food and drinks sold, the more money will be donated to Oxfam Japan!)

Come in costume to be eligible for our "Best Costume Contest"!

2010/10/12

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 19th October - " Halloween Special "

Already started carving out your jack-o'-lanterns?
Know the oldest tricks in the book? Got the costume and the knowledge to match?
Then join us in celebration of this spooky season at our "Halloween Special"!

Date: Tuesday, October 19th
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/10/06

■Topic: Earthquakes, Tsunami's, Floods - Whose Responsibility?

Natural disasters wreak havoc on the communities they affect. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people are killed and many more are injured. But the sheer number of deaths in the Haiti Earthquake, the Pakistan Floods, and the Asian Tsunami could easily have been avoided.
This workshop discusses the measures that governments, NGOs, private corporations and civil society can and should be taking to prevent the scale of these disasters before looking at a critical question in all our minds here in Japan: 'How well prepared are we for the next big quake?'.

Date: Saturday, 30th October
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 302
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Paul & Patricia

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/10/06

■Topic: Human Rights Protection And Non-Western Values - The Example Of　Religious Freedom

What is the nature of our human rights? How does the legal system protect them? Can every right be restricted? Can religious freedom be restricted?
Join us as Phil and Jason will provide an interactive workshop which will provide discussions and many other activities which will help us understand what we as humans can and can't do.

Date: Saturday, 16th October
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Phil & Jason

This workshop will be held in Oxfam Japan Office in Ueno.


"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/09/15 Trailwaker 2011 will be held from 13th to 15th May.
Registration is to be opened in November 2010 on the Oxfam Japan and the Trailwalker websites.
Come and join the world's greatest team challenge for international cooperation!

2010/09/14

Tokyo Helps, fundraising organisation, is hosting a fabulous charity evening in Minato-ku, Tokyo on 29th September. All proceeds will be donated to Oxfam Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The event features attendance of the Ambassador from Pakistan and the representatives from the WFP, as well as live music performances and raffels with fantiastic prizes.

Date: Wednesday, 29th September
Hosted by: Tokyo Helps
For details, please click here.

2010/09/09

Oxfam Japan IVG Stand Up Take Action Picnic

So you enjoyed our last picnic then?? Then read on because we have another picnic event which will rock your sweaty socks off!!

On Saturday 18th September Oxfam Japan IVG will hold a Stand UpTake Action Picnic at Yoyogi Park and we want you to be there with us! YES YOU!!

Date: Saturday, 18th September
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Food & Drink: BYO (We will be selling cocktails,beers, and soft drinks!)
Participation Fee: 500 yen (includes one drink voucher)
Dresscode: Anything RED!
Location: Yoyogi Park

Additional drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

■What is Stand Up Take Action??

In 2009 more than 173 million people stood up and took action. We at Oxfam Japan IVG will stand up too. Every year for three days across the globe, events are organized of all types to bring attention to the worldwide crisis that we all face -- poverty. In 2000 leaders around the world promised to deliver 8 goals by 2015 known as the Millennium Development Goals: -

* Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
* Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
* Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
* Goal 5: Improve maternal health
* Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
* Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
* Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

On the weekend of 17th - 19th September 2010, events will be held around the world to ensure enough pressure is put on our governments to listen to us. “We will not go quietly into the night” (Independance Day - cracking movie). We want them to deliver what they promised.

This is a fantastic way to get to meet old and new friends while raising awreness and of course money for a great cause! We’ll be there in the shade from 1 - 5pm with cocktails, orange juices, and games!

For any more information or to confirm your attendance please email Joe Pournovin on oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

* PLEASE NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, THE PICNIC WILL BE POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE. PLEASE CHECK YOUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT/EMAIL AFTER 10AM ON THE DAY FOR CONFIRMATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

*MAP*

2010/08/31

■Topic: Social Equality: The Challenges of Latin America

How poor is Latin America? Approximately one in three people is poor.
On the other hand, two of the ten richest men in the world are Latin Americans.
In this workshop, we will discuss what are the causes of this great
disparity and what are the perspectives of Latin America among social
inequality.

Date: Saturday, 25th September
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/ Room 300
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Paloma & Oscar

The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of
our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in a
spacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment. Being only a 3
minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes away from Shinjuku Station),
it is close to all major JR lines.

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/08/27

Volunteers wanted for clean-up hiking on Mt. Fuji

Local mountaineering group in Oyama town “Shuho-Sangakukai”, who is volunteering at Trailwalker every year, will have the Mt. Fuji clean-up hiking. Oxfam Japan will join this event and welcome your participation with us.

◆Date: Sunday, 26th September, 2010
　　　　　7:45AM
◆Place: Meet at Suruga-Oyama Station (JR Gotemba Line)
　　　* Please inquire beforehand if you come by car.
　　　Dissolve around 4 pm at the place
◆Fee: Free (transportation cost by your own)
◆Participation limited up to 10 persons

If you would like to join, please contact at Oxfam Japan Trailwalker Office (trailwalker@oxfam.jp)) with the following information no later than 10th September.
（1）Name
（2）Address
（3）Date of Birth


-Prepare yourself with equipments and belongings which is suitable for hiking on mountains
-Follow the instruction of the Mountaineering group on the day
-Volunteer insurance is applied, but please act with your self-responsibility

*Please contact Oxfam Japan Trailwalker Office for applications and any inquiries.
Email: trailwalker@oxfam.jp
TEL: 03-3834-1940

[Photos from last year event]
　

2010/08/25

■Topic: Sudan: Torn in Two & Tired of Fighting

A nation which only until recently agreed to end a 20 year conflict that saw two million dead and four million displaced from their homes. Though the North & South finally agreed on a trial separation, violence has escalated and the country remains on a knife-edge. The people await with great the fear the results of next year’s referendum. Welcome to Sudan.

We will provide an energetic platform for all attendees to learn, analyse, and discuss the current situation and the worrying future of Sudan and their people. We are determined to bring to life the harsh realities they face in extreme poverty and how they deal with the threat of violence from local tribes and Armies. Come and join us for a brand new workshop in our brand new location!

Date: Saturday, 11th September
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/ Room 300
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Joe & Yoko

Come and join us for a brand new workshop in our brand new location!
The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of
our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in a
spacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment. Being only a 3
minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes away from Shinjuku Station),
it is close to all major JR lines.

Exciting times for the IVG and we want you to be with us! Reserve now to
avoid disappointment!
This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your
reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!


"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/08/16

The Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group is a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan, an international NGO providing emergency relief and development projects worldwide.
We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference.
We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help.

Next meeting will be held on Friday, August 20th from 7-8:30pm at the Oxfam Office in Ueno (http://oxfam.jp/en/contacts/).

So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun!
See www.oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com for more info.

2010/08/05 Oxfam photo exhibition is open in Shimokitazawa from 18th August until 5th September, showing Oxfam's projects in various places in the world. Drop by at the cozy, pleasant cafe in Shimokitazawa and have a look at Oxfam's global activities.

Venue: Com. Cafe Otokura (音倉）
(Approx. 2 minute walk from West/North Exit 1 Shimokitazawa station, Keio Line and Odakyu Line)
18th August - 5th September 2010

2010/08/05 Here comes the festival season - the NGO Matsuri (festival) in Ueno 2010 will be held on Sunday 5th September!!

The event introduces you to eight international NGOs, including Oxfam Japan, that offer you various opportunities to get involved in global issues.

The NGO Matsuri last year was a large success, with as many as 190 visitors that enjoyed learning about NGO activities.
This year's programme includes workshops and exhibitions by the eight participating NGOs, talk events, “Candle Night” – a free-discussion forum with NGO workers, and a many more!

Deeply informative and yet infused with fun and exciting atmosphere of a japanese summer festival, this one-day event opens your eyes to limitless possibilities for you to contribute to achieve the better world!

◆Date: 10:00 – 18:00 18:00 - 19:30 (“Candle Night”) Sunday, 5th September 2010
◆Venue: Maruko Building, 1-20-6 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
◆Directions: Approx. 5 minutes walk from:
- JR Okachimachi station
- Toei Subway Oedo Line, Ueno-Okachimachi station
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Naka-Okachimachi station
◆Admission: Free
◆E-mail: ngomatsuri2010@yahoo.co.jp

2010/08/04 Our office will be closed between Wednesday, 11th August and Friday, 13th August, 2010.
Enquiries received by E-mail during this time will be dealt with in turn from Monday, 16th August, 2010.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding in advance.

2010/08/04

Pub Quiz at Heaven’s Door - 29th August - " Geography Special "

Consider yourself worldly?
Got it covered when it comes to continents, countries and capitals?
Then join us in a virtual trip around the world in our "Geography Special"!


Date: Sunday, August 29th
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/08/04

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 16th August - " Hot Special "

Feeling hot, hot, hot?
Wanna beat the Summer heat?
Then knock it right off its pedestal by conquering our heated questions in our "Hot Special"!

Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you clever clogs!

Date: Monday, 16th August
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/08/03

■Topic: Saving the World Through Technology

Is Technology the Answer to the Environmental Problems? What are the latest innovations that promise to bring our CO2 footprint down to zero and reverse Global Warming? A very interesting discussion on the technological, economic and ethical aspects of the subject.

Date: Saturday, 21st August
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre - Yoyogi Park / Sangubashi
Building name and room number: Central Building/Room 308
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Haris & Woo

Come and join us for a brand new workshop in our brand new location!
The National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre will now be the permanent home of
our Oxfam Japan IVG Awareness Workshops. Our new location will be held in a
spacious room and boasts a variety of modern equipment. Being only a 3
minute walk from Sangubashi Station (3 minutes away from Shinjuku Station),
it is close to all major JR lines.

Exciting times for the IVG and we want you to be with us! Reserve now to
avoid disappointment!
This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your
reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!


"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/07/27 At the height of the heat and sunshine, here comes a series of summer festivals in the regions known to you as the Trailwalker event sites! Every festival offering a variety of enjoyment from river-boating, ‘Bon-odori’ dance to mouth-watering local specialities, there is no way you can miss these opportunities to enjoy Japanese summer to the full!


■Oyama-cho Kintaro Summer Festival
Date Saturday 31st July, 9:00-15:00 (first part), 17:00-21:00 (second part)
Venue Ayuzawa-gawa (first part), Koyama-cho Syogai Gakushu Centre (second part)
For further details, please click here.

■Daiyu-cho Summer Festival
Date Saturday 7th August 16:30-20:00
Venue Karyo Hoikuen Hiroba
(1058 Daiyu-cho Minami-ashigara-shi, Kanagawa, 250-0127)
If it rains, Karyo Hoikuen Taiikukan

■Yagurasawa Summer Festival
Date Sunday 15th August 17:30-20:30
Venue Seishonen Hiroba (next to Yagurasawa Kouminkan)
(747 Yagurasawa, Minami-ashigara-shi, Kanagawa 250-0136)
If it rains, Yagurasawa Kouminkan Hall

2010/07/12

Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group Monthly Meeting

Next Meeting
Date: Friday, 16th July 2010
Time: 7 - 8:30pm
Location: Oxfam Office, Ueno

*** This event requires attendees to RSVP via a link.
To do so, please take a few short moments to fill in this confirmation of attendance survey by midnight Tuesday, 13th July.
Thank you

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C2TH7FP

We are a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan, an international NGO providing emergency relief and development projects worldwide.
We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference.
We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help. So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun!

See http://oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com for more info

2010/07/12

Pub Quiz at Heaven’s Door - 25th July - " World Cup Special"

Feeling a little empty now that the World Cup is over?
Become somewhat of a soccer enthusiast?
Then re-live the excitement and go for the win at our "World Cup Special" pub quiz!


Date: Sunday, July 25th
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/07/12

Oxfam Japan IVG Summer Picnic

Join us for our Summer Picnic! Have a drink, eat some food and relax in the park.
Our fun games will be sure to keep you entertained!
Invite your friends and family along for a great Summer’s day out!

Date: Sunday, 25th July
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Food & Drink: BYO (We will be selling drinks!)
Participation Fee: 500 yen (includes one drink voucher and one raffle ticket)
Location: Yoyogi Park (by the fountain, see map below for details)

Additional drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.
This is a fantastic way to get to meet old and new friends while raising money for a great cause!
We’ll be there in the shade from 1-5 pm with cocktails, orange juices, raffle prizes, and games!
Hope to see you there!


*MAP*

2010/07/12

■Topic: Global Accountability: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was created to forge a positive linkage between businesses and society.
In the developing world, the concept becomes much more complex.
Come join us as we explore the impact of CSR on various countries, and how this international partnership could be navigated to have the maximum benefits for everyone..

Date: Saturday, 24th July
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Paul & Dalynna

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/07/02

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 20th July - "Summer Special"

The weather’s heating up in Tokyo and so are our pub quizzes!
Celebrate this sizzling season and join us for our “Summer Special”!
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you quiz gurus!

Date: Tuesday, 20th July
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you quiz gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/06/23

Ｉnvest in resilience, invest in the future. Now.
By Helena Christensen

While it was difficult to find my breath at 15,000 feet up in the Andes, it was not hard to be completely moved by the challenges facing the people who live at the foot of the Ausangate Glacier.

I took the trek as part of my work with the humanitarian organization Oxfam last fall, to learn about and document the impacts of climate change on my mother's homeland, Peru. As leaders of the richest countries make their own trek to Canada for the G8 and G20 Summits, I too am compelled to do my part to amplify the voices and concerns of the people I met.


They are farmers and alpaca herders with rosy cheeks and colorful hats who live in close proximity of the Ausangate, as their ancestors have for thousands of years. And for thousands of years, the glacier has helped to sustain their livelihoods, with the run-off from the melting ice filling rivers, providing fresh water, and sustaining crops. But that is all changing now.

The glacier is melting and receding at an alarming rate, scientists are predicting Peru's typical glaciers to melt by 2015 - just five years from now! A melting glacier means more water now, but much less in the future. Less water means less pasture for their alpaca and less nourishment for their crops. If the alpaca don't have enough to eat, their wool doesn't grow, providing less of it to be woven into the traditional Andean hats, sweaters, and scarves that bring a livelihood to so many. And failed crops means no food on the table.

Like millions of other poor people around the world, from Mali to the Maldives, the people of the Ausangate are living on the front lines of climate change. While they have contributed the least to the climate crisis, they are suffering the hardest from its impacts, from increasing floods to more frequent droughts, from desertification to rising sea levels.

And while leaders of wealthy countries haven't been courageous enough to tackle climate change, the people of the Ausangate are courageously fighting back however they can, using ancestral knowledge and techniques to collect water from the mountainous wet lands while favoring more resilient alpacas and crops.

We must help them.

In my hometown of Copenhagen last December, negotiators from wealthy countries seemed to play a dangerous game of chess, filled with hushed conversations, wild rumors, and constant bluffing, all to protect their own self interests. All the while, poor and vulnerable countries were fighting for their future and survival. Everyone almost walked away empty-handed, but a last minute commitment for a global fund to help poor countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and adopt clean technologies was made. But it left me wondering - was it part of the game or was it real?

The time for games is over. Climate change is not a dreamed-up concept; it's a living nightmare.

The people I met are changing the way they live to survive, but they know that their futures are not in their hands. When world leaders meet at the end of June in Canada, they ought to make good on their promise to help poor communities with funds to cope with climate change.

While they won't be able to deliver a much-needed global deal on climate change, they do have the opportunity to breathe new life in the negotiations by making progress on their promise of a $100 billion a year fund to help poor countries fight climate change.

Such funds can help vulnerable communities adopt innovative techniques that help them efficiently harvest water, warn against oncoming floods, protect against dangerous storms and grow more resilient crops.

This support must be in addition to the promises that have already been made for aid. How on earth can a community be expected to choose between building a hospital or building a flood defense? It would be like choosing whether my son were to go to school or see a doctor. It's an impossible decision that no one should ever be forced to make.

Yes, we are talking big numbers and it won't be an easy ride - but the longer we take to act, the bigger the numbers will they become. Innovative proposals are already on the table to fund investments in the resilience of communities around the world. The ingredients are there. The only thing missing is the political will and the confidence to square up to what is the biggest crisis the world has ever faced.
The cost of inaction? Well, that's an even rougher ride.

2010/06/15

Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group Monthly Meeting

Next Meeting
Date: Friday, 18th June 2010
Time: 7 - 8:30pm
Location: Oxfam Office, Ueno

*** This event requires attendees to RSVP via a link.
To do so, please take a few short moments to fill in this confirmation of attendance survey by midnight Tuesday, 15th June.
Thank you

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HLJHFQP ***

We are a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan, an international NGO providing emergency relief and development projects worldwide.
We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference.
We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help. So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun!

See http://oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com for more info

2010/06/14

Pub Quiz at Heaven’s Door - 27th June - " Heroes Special "

Know a thing or two about the extraordinary?
Believe anything is possible?
Love a classic battle of good versus evil?
Then test the super human in you at our "Heroes Special"!

Date: Sunday, June 27th
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/05/31

Learning Together Understanding Forever:
IVG/AIESEC Workshops Part 3

■Topic: Negotiating the Divide: NGOs & Development in the 21st Century

NGOs are playing an increasingly complex role in the changing world around us.
How do NGOs operate?
What challenges do they face in the modern context?
Most importantly, how can they challenge themselves to improve?

Come join us as we explore these thought provoking questions!

Date: Saturday, 10th July
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Maximum number of participants: 20 participants (+30 AIESEC members)
Participation fee: 500yen
Location: Japan Student Services Organization Komaba International House, Study Hall
　（日本学生支援機構 駒場国際交流会館 多目的室）
Nearest station: Komaba Todai Mae Station, Keio Inokashira Line
　Map
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Jessica & Dalynna

This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/05/31

Learning Together Understanding Forever:
IVG/AIESEC Workshops Part 2

■Topic: Education and the Developing World

Studies often cite long term earning differences between high school and university graduates...
but what about those who don't get a chance to go to school at all?

In this workshop, we will discuss how big an impact education can have on a person as well as the myriad of issues that currently prevent affordable education being available to all people around the globe.

Come and join us with our AIESEC friends at Waseda University for a lively discussion on a hushed topic which few people know or talk about!!

Date: Saturday, 19th June
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Maximum number of participants: 20 participants (+30 AIESEC members)
Participation fee: 500yen
Location:
Waseda Campus, Waseda University,
Building number is 7 Gokan（号館), and the room number is 220 (The room number has been changed.)
map
Nearest station: Waseda Metro Station, Tozai Line
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Woo & Fiona

This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thank you for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/05/21

Pub Quiz at Heaven's Door - 30th May - "Sports & Games Special"

Think you can go the distance?
Serious about your sporting stats (and scandals!)?
Olympics send you into overdrive?
Then don't be caught out for a duck and join us for our "Sports and Games Special"!

Date: Sunday, May 30th
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/05/17

Next Meeting: Friday, 21st May 2010

Time: 7 - 8:30pm
Location: Oxfam Office, Ueno (see http://www.oxfam.jp/en/contacts/ for directions)

*** This event requires attendees to RSVP.
To do so, please take a few short moments to fill in this confirmation of attendance survey by midnight Tuesday, 18th May. Thank you
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XKVP9TC ***

The meeting will be followed by a casual dinner so everyone can get to know each other.
Hope to see you there!

We are a volunteer-run fundraising committee that organizes unique, charity events in Tokyo in support of Oxfam Japan, an international NGO providing emergency relief and development projects worldwide.
We create and run a variety of awareness and fundraising events aimed at having fun while making a difference.
We welcome all fresh minds interested in event planning or fundraising to come along to our open, monthly meeting to find out more about what we do and how you can help.
So join us to help overcome poverty, make friends and have fun!
See www.oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/ or email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com for more info

2010/05/10

Oxfam Japan IVG Hunger Banquet

Once again Oxfam Japan's International Volunteer Group will be bringing poverty to your plate at our Hunger Banquet.

But what is a Hunger Banquet you ask?

It is an audience interactive event which vividly illustrates the inequalities in our world. When guests arrive, they will draw a ticket which assigns them a 1st world, 2nd world, or 3rd world income tier and a corresponding meal.
The people in the 1st world will be served a fancy meal, the people in the 2nd world will receive rice and beans, and the people in the 3rd world will receive only rice.
Afterwards, there will be a discussion. It is a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone involved.

Date: Thursday, May 27th
Time: 6:30pm - 8pm
Location: Tokyo International School (http://www.tokyois.com/)
　　　Access via Mita Station on the Mita Line or Tamachi Station on the Yamanote Line
Cost: General Public - Adults \2500, Youth \1500,
　　　Affiliates of Tokyo International School - Adults \2000, Youth \1000

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

For more info, please email Dalynna at oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com

2010/05/10

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 18th May - "Japan Special"

Think you know a thing or two about the land of the rising sun? Know your Asakusa from your Akasaka? Consider yourself a cultural connoisseur? Then test your knowledge of this great country we live in and join us for our "Japan Special"!
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you quiz gurus!
Date: Tuesday, 18th May
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team.
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you quiz gurus!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/05/10

Learning Together Understanding Forever:
IVG/AIESEC Workshops

■Topic: HIV, AIDS, and Lives: World Stories and You

We hear about HIV & AIDS on the news but we do we really know the difference between them both?
What about the people whose lives have been affected by this potentially lethal infection?
What about their families?

In this workshop we will concentrate on real people with real lives.
Yes the worst affected areas in the world are in poverty-stricken nations.
But we will also concentrate on our own doorstep.
Here in Japan where maybe we can’t see it, but figures show HIV & AIDS are here and given any chance it is willing to spread.
Want to find out more?
Come and join us with our AIESEC friends at Waseda University for a lively discussion on a hushed topic which few people know or talk about.

Date: Saturday, 5th June
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Maximum number of participants: 20 participants (+30 AIESEC members)
Participation fee: 500yen
Location:
Waseda Campus, Waseda University,
Building number is 7 Gokan（号館), and the room number is 204.
map
Nearest station: Waseda Metro Station, Tozai Line
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Joe & Jamie

This workshop has a maximum of 20 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/05/10

"Learning Together Understanding Forever"

Oxfam Japan IVG has teamed up with our AIESEC friends to provide three special awareness Saturday workshops held at Waseda University during the months of June & July.
These workshops are for you.
They will not only give you an opportunity to learn and understand about the world we live in today, but will provide plenty of opportunities to discuss and give your opinions to topics which are not talked about on the streets of Tokyo, amongst friends in a bar, or at home on the dinner table.

Saturday 5th June 2-4pm - HIV, AIDS and lives: World stories and You
Saturday 19th June 2-4pm - Education and the Developing World
Saturday 10th July 2-4pm- Negotiating the Divide: NGOs & Development in the 21st Century

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/04/30

■Topic: Sisters of the Planet: How climate change connects and affects us all

In this workshop, we'll watch six short movies about six different women and how they are living with climate change.
From Helen in Australia tackling her local farming community's carbon footprint;
to Ursula on the Carteret Islands helping her people relocate to the mainland to escape rising sea-levels;
to Martina in Uganda trying to feed her children despite a crippling drought,
these women tell their stories and show us how we are all connected and affected by climate change and how we can make a difference.

Date: Saturday, 29th May
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Sam & Aya

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/04/27

■Topic: Food: What are you really eating?

You are what you eat......Where does it come from? How is it made? How is it good for you, the earth, and other people in the world, or not?

In this workshop, we will discuss the truth behind what we eat everyday, including Organic, Genetically Modified or Genetically Engineered Food, Food Mislabeling, Food Mileage, etc. in a fun, interactive session.

Date: Saturday, 15th May
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Piro & Naokoa

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/04/19

25th April - Pub Quiz at Heaven's Door -

Come along to our fun pub quiz! Have a beer and give your brain a workout!

Date: Sunday, April 25th
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever Kubricks!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/04/12

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 20th Apr : Geek Special

Which member of Star Trek was missing a finger?
What's the family connection between the Psycho and Hallowe'en?
Do wookies have nipples? For all things sci-fi and nerd-worthy, join us for our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu,
and release your inner geek!
Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you quiz gurus!
Date: Tuesday, April 20th
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/03/16
This time, we are up to full.
If you want be on a waiting list, please e-mail us.
We will contact you when there would be any space.

■Topic: Poverty at Home: The UK and Japan's Forgotten Poor

So you think poverty affects only those in third world or developing countries? Wrong. Poverty can be seen all over the world, even in the UK and Japan.
In this workshop, we'll be discussing the reality of living in poverty in a rich, developed country.
Come and discover a side to these places that you do not see in the movies or tourist guide books!

Date: Saturday, 10th April
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Joe & Fiona

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/03/16

28th March - Pub Quiz at Heaven's Door - Film Special

Think you know a thing or two about movies? Do you bore your friends with film trivia?
Understand what Lars von Trier's on about? Then this is the quiz for you!
Join us for a fun night of drinking and thinking and release the Spielberg in you!

Date: Sunday, March 28th
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever Kubricks!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/03/02

■Topic: World Trade and the Uneven Balance of Power

Who is hurt by that chocolate bar you're eating? Why don't Free Trade Agreements work for both sides? And what is being done about it? In this workshop, we will learn why world trade policies are unfair towards poor economies, what trade organizations are trying to do, and how effective they are. Join us for an informative and lively discussion!

Date: Saturday, 27th March
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: Y1000
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Woo + Paul

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.
If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation.
Thankyou for your cooperation!

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

2010/02/25

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 16th Mar : Back To School Special

Just when you thought school was over, we're taking you back to test your memory!
Think you can remember Trigonometry? Still got some French?
Know your sedimentary from your metamorphic rock?
Then join us for our monthly pub quiz in Ebisu, study hard and avoid detention!

Prizes, free shots and sausage rolls from John's Kitchen for all you promising pupils!

Date: Tuesday, March 16th
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/02/18
　　　

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK Osaki - 23rd Feb : Pub Quiz Rally

Do you wanna challange 50 quizes?
Do you wanna win champagne for a prize?
Come and join our charity quiz!
This event will be held in Japanese.

Date: Tuesday, February 23rd
Time: 9pm -
Venue: The FooTNiK, Osaki (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/02/18

Oxfam St Patrick's Special Pub Quiz - 28th February

Do you like a drop of the black stuff? Love a leprechaun? Wish the
Sumida River was greener? Then join us for our monthly pub quiz in Shimokitazawa,
think green and test your knowledge of the Emerald Isle!

Date: Sunday, February 28th
Time: 19.30 - 10pm
Venue: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team, individuals and small teams combining welcomed.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/02/18

IVG's Monthly English Workshop

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."


The detail is as follows:
●Topic: Corruption in the Developing World
●Date: Saturday 13th Mar. 2010
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Cost: 1000 yen

Have you ever had to pay a police officer so he won't arrest you?
Been paid to vote for a politician? Or had your boss' son take the promotion you deserved? In some countries, corruption is a way of life and it's everywhere.
In this workshop, we'll discuss how corruption　works within societies, how it can stunt the economic　development of a country and what it's like for citizens who experience corruption.
Instructors: Peter and Sam

2010/02/12 Date:Friday, 9th April
Time: 13:30〜15:00
Place:Hakonechou Sougou Hoken Fukushi Centre Sakura kan 2F Meeting room

For more information, please click here (Japanese only)

2010/02/03 　　　　

Books Wanted!

Feel like you need to do some spring cleaning?
Would you like to help Oxfam Japan at the same time?

If you have any books (in English) that you would like to get rid of, we'd be happy to help.
There will be an English Book Sale at TokyoHackerSpace near Meguro on March 27th/28th and any books you donate on behalf of Oxfam Japan will help with our fundraising.

All you need to do is:

1) Rummage around for your unwanted books (in English)

2) Write 'Oxfam Japan' clearly on the inside front cover of each book
(please don't forget to do this or Oxfam will not receive the cash from your books)

3) Take the books to TokyoHackerSpace here:
http://www.tokyohackerspace.org/en/book/how-to-get-there
on any Tuesday night from 7pm to 10pm from now up until March 27th.
Any books that are not sold will be sent to BookOff so you will not have to pick up any leftover books.

So start spring cleaning and give us a hand. Every little bit helps!

Thanks for your support :)

2010/02/02

Pub Quiz at The FooTNiK - 16th Feb : Valentine Special

Think you know a thing or two about love? Consider yourself the local Casanova?
Then join us for our monthly charity quiz in Ebisu, test your knowledge of the heart and release the romantic in you.
We'll have fun questions, free tequila shots, sausage rolls from John's Kitchen, chocolates and a meishi raffle draw!

Date: Tuesday, February 16th
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm
Where: The FooTNiK, Ebisu (www.footnik.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/01/18 This time, we are up to full strength.
We will hold next workshop on 13th March and we are looking forward to see you next time!
For more details, please click here!

IVG's Monthly English Workshop

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."


The detail is as follows:
●Topic: Universal Education
●Date: Saturday 27th Feb. 2010
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Cost: 1000 yen

In 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which made education a fundamental right.
In this workshop, we will examine the challenges in implementing universal education, and why education is so vital for reducing poverty.
Instructors: Dalynna and Jason

2010/01/13

IVG's Monthly English Workshop

"The International Volunteer Group (IVG) offers English workshops for people from all walk of life who are interested in learning about global issues, what Oxfam is doing and how each of us can make a change.
Both volunteering instructors and participants do not only enjoy friendly and active workshops but also support Oxfam in a meaningful way.
It is also a good chance for non-native English speakers to practice English skills in a fun and interesting way. Workshop fee goes totally to support Oxfam."

The detail is as follows:

●Topic: Planet in Peril: Climate Change and its effects on International Communities
●Date: Saturday 13th Feb. 2010
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Cost: 1000 yen

Join us as we consider the current climate change situation on our planet.
We will look at causes of climate change, solutions to the problem and consider the impact climate change has on the most vulnerable communities around the globe.

Instructors: Julie and Jamie

2010/01/13

The Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group aims to create awareness within Japan about the issues Oxfam deals with, and raises funds to support Oxfam’s work. We are an entirely volunteer-run group of people from all over the world with a desire to make a difference and have fun! We run English workshops, pub quizzes, parties, charity auctions and much more.

We are now calling for new volunteers and board members to sign up for 2010!
All five board positions are up for election and we welcome new nominees.
They are:

President
Vice-President
Awareness
Fundraising
Marketing/PR

You must be able to commit to the position from April 2010 to March 2011 and attend monthly meetings.
If you are interested in a board position or volunteering your time and would like more information, please email oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com by February 15th.
For more information on our group, please visit: http://oxfam.jp/en/whatyoucan/ivg/

2010/01/12

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven`s Door Pub Quiz - 31st Jan

Join us for our monthly pub quiz in Shimokitazawa.
Have a beer and give your brain a workout!

Date: Sunday, 31st January
Time: 7.30 - 10pm
Venue: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.

Prizes and free shots for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/01/12

Oxfam Japan IVG & FootNik Pub Quiz - 20th January

Join us for our new monthly pub quiz in Ebisu. Have a beer and give your brain a workout!

Date:Wednesday, 20th January
Time: 8 - 10.30pm
Venue: The FootNik, Ebisu (www.footnik.net)

Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Limit 5 people per team, individuals and small teams combining welcomed.
Prizes and free shots for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2010/01/04

■16th January (Saturday) :
The Vicious Circle: HIV/AIDS and Development in Africa

Think HIV/AIDS is just a disease? Think again. This epidemic is robbing people of more than just their health. Learn how HIV/AIDS is affecting development in Africa, and the different approaches we can take to cope

Date: Saturday, 16th January
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1,000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

Instructors: Klara and Andy

■30th January (Saturday) :
Ethical Shopping: How what you buy could change the world

Have you ever wondered where the water you drink comes from? Who made that sweater you're wearing? Or which washing powder has the most harmful chemicals? In this workshop, we will look at the products we use every day, how they affect our world, and where we can shop ethically.

Date: Saturday, 30th January
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1,000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

Instructors: Sam and Heather

These workshops have a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thank you for your cooperation!

2009/12/25 Our office will be closed between Saturday, 26th December, 2009 and Sunday, 3rd January, 2010.
Enquiries received by E-mail during this time will be dealt with in turn from Monday, 4th January, 2010.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding in advance.

2009/12/01

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven's Door Xmas Party!

Help spread some Christmas cheer to those in need and party like it's 2009 at the Heaven's Door Christmas bash!

Join us for Xmas drinks, music from DJ Ari and our charity auction!


Date and Time: Saturday, December 12, 8:00pm-Late
Place: Heaven's Door Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
Price: NO Cover Charge!

2009/11/25 The Wine tasting event with Oxfam panel pictures is going to be held on December 9th, with cooperation by WEEKENDER, a free paper in Japan.

You can enjoy wine buffet looking at the pictures that show Oxfam field activities. The normal ticket price is 5000 yen, but if you apply in advance through Oxfam, you can save 500 yen. Moreover, Out of your 4500 yen, 500 yen goes to Oxfam as donation.

Why don't you have a special time in a NY style beautiful restaurant?

Date: December 9th (Wed) 19:00-22:00
Place: suji's　(3-1-5 Azabudai Minato-ku Tokyo)
Application: Email to Oxfam Japan （oxfaminfo@oxfam.jp）
Deadline: 8th December

For detail, please click here

Even if you can't come to the wine tasting event, you can still look at the pictures from 7th to 16th December at the same place, suji's.

We hope you will enjoy.

2009/11/18

Oxfam Japan IVG & FootNik Pub Quiz - December 1st

Join us for our new, monthly quiz at the FootNik in Ebisu. This month Anna will be our quizmaster and we have a Christmas theme!

Date:Tuesday, 1st Decembe
Time: 8 - 10.30pm
Venue: The FootNik, Ebisu (www.footnik.net)

5 people per team limit. Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Prizes, free shots and mince pies for all you smart santas!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2009/11/18

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven`s Door Pub Quiz - Nov 29th

Join us for our monthly pub quiz, have a beer and give your brain a workout!

Date: Sunday November 29th
Time: 7.30 - 10pm
Venue: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.

Prizes and free shots for all you clever clogs!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2009/10/27

Every Drop Counts: Water Security in the age of Climate Change

Complex relationships exist between water and the security of individuals, communities, nations, and the global community as a whole. The vital role of water in daily life and economic activity underscores its importance to a secure and stable world. In this workshop, we'll discuss the problems of living without a clean and constant water supply; how Oxfam helps individuals and communities secure water; and what increasing cases of drought, brought on by climate change, means for global peace and stability.

Date: Saturday, 28th November
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1,000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

Instructors: Sam and Julie

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thank you for your cooperation!

2009/10/26 Oxfam hosts a lot of events in this autumn such as hiking, workshops and Halloween. Please feel free to join us.
You can check the detail on our event calendar.

2009/10/22

World Trade and the Uneven Balance of Power

Who is hurt by that chocolate bar you're eating? Why don't Free Trade Agreements work for both sides? And what is being done about it? In this workshop, we will learn why world trade policies are unfair towards poor economies, what trade organizations are trying to do, and how effective they are. Join us for an informative and lively discussion!

Date: Saturday, 14th November
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1,000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com


This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thank you for your cooperation!

2009/10/18

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven's Door's Pub Quiz - 25th October : Halloween Special

Curious about the supernatural? A fan of vampires, ghosts and horror stories? Want to be thrilled and bewildered?
Then join us for our monthly pub quiz and test your knowledge of all things monstruous and mysterious.

●Date: Sunday, 25th October
●Time: 7.30 - 10pm
●Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
●Y1000 to play

Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you smart treats!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

Quizmaster: Sam Woodgate

For more information, email <oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com>

2009/10/02

CSR and development: Shell in Nigeria

The concept and practices of CSR have become very important for development work in recent years. Join us for an exciting workshop to learn more about the problems Nigeria faces thanks to the presence of Shell and other oil companies in the country and to think together how Shell, Oxfam, and other related parties can alleviate such problems.

Date: Saturday, 24th October
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1,000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com


This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thankyou for your cooperation!

2009/09/24
Behind the veil: The Burqa, religious and personal freedom

Although the hijab or burqa veil is associated with Islamic countries, the custom predates Islam and has been a part of Middle Eastern culture since ancient times. Join us for an animated workshop where we will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of wearing the veil and engage in a lively mini-debateexercise about the meanings of personal and religious freedom.

Date: Saturday, 10th October
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1,000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com


This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thankyou for your cooperation!

2009/09/17

In collaboration with Oxfam Japan IVG, Parties 4 Peace presents:

Patagonica 2009

Date: Friday, 6th, November
Place: Favela in Aoyama
Price: 3,000 yen (500 yen will be donated to IVG)

For each person who signs up to attend through IVG, 500 yen will be donated to IVG! To sign up to attend, email Heather at oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com.

■ Eco talk show, 8-10pm
With free food from Alishan and guest speakers. Focus on sustainability and protecting natural resources in Patagonia.

■ DJ Contest, from 10pm
DJs from Tokyo will play 1 hour each. The DJ voted best by the crowd will win a trip to Patagonia when Peace Boat visits next year.

For more info, see parties4peace.com

2009/09/14

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven's Door's Pub Quiz - 27th September : Japan Special

Love J-Pop? Know your yakisoba from your yakiniku? Think you've learnt the way of the sword? Then join us for our monthly pub quiz and test your knowledge of all things Japanese.

●Date: Sunday September 27th
●Time: 7.30 - 10pm
●Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
●Y1000 to play
Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you smart samurai!
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

Quizmaster: Klara Losonczy
For more information, email <oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com>

2009/09/01

Fiesta Latina

Sunday, September 6, 2009

12 PM – 9 PM, at L’Institut (closest Tokyo Metro station: Iidabashi)
Adults: 3000 yen
Kids: 1500 yen

RSVP not required. Just show up on the day of!

■ A demonstration of the unique Brazilian art of Capoeira by Tokyo’s Capoeira Zoador Academy
■ Salsa lessons for free, for beginners and experts alike!
■ A salsa contest where you could win a prize! Participation is free of charge. Registration will be on the day of.
■ A raffle with fantastic prizes! You’ll be getting your raffle ticket on arrival!
■ Kids’ activities, like face painting, crafts, games, and more!
■ A margarita bar that also serves beer and other drinks, and snacks.
★Hear Brazilian music at its best!
Our special guest will be Francis Silva, a master percussionist, singer, and songwriter, known in Japan as the Father of Brazilian music.

More about the event

2009/08/27
Congo: The Invisible War

The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed over 5 million people making it the deadliest since World War II, yet few people are aware of it. How has this massive conflict and enormous, humanitarian disaster become invisible? In this workshop, we'll look at the roots of the war, how Oxfam is helping the refugees fleeing the fighting and why the media are not covering the story.

Date: Saturday, September 26th
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Sam and Grace

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thankyou for your cooperation!

2009/08/20

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven's Door's Pub Quiz

Join us for our monthly pub quiz. Have a beer and give your brain a workout!

●Date: Sunday August 30th
●Time: 7.30 - 10pm
●Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
●Y1000 to play
Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you grammar gurus!
For more information, email <oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com>
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2009/07/22
From brothers to loathers: Ethnic conflicts in the Balkans

When centuries of peace and harmony suddenly turn into a nightmare, when your own neighbors and family members call the military forces to your home in the middle of the night, then you know you are in the middle of one of humanity's most shameful inventions. It has many names: genocide, ethnic cleansing, ethnic conflict. But it has the same principle: turning brothers into loathers. Join us for an exciting workshop on one of the world's most ethnically torn regions in the 21st century.

Date: Saturday, August 22nd
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email to oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Klara and Alex

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come, please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thankyou for your cooperation!

2009/07/09 Vacation and Travelling Special Bitten by the travelling bug? Think you've seen the world?
Pack a rucksack, hitch a ride and come test your wanderlust at our monthly pub quiz.

Date: Sunday July 26th
Time: 7.30 - 10pm
Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa
Y1000 to play.

Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you shrewd sightseers!
For more information, email oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com

All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2009/07/09 *Inside the plight of Burmese refugees*

What is happening in Burma (Myanmar)? Who is Aung San Suu Kyi? Join us for an informative look at Burma and the issues faced by Burmese refugees and refugees around the world.

Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Participation fee: 1000 yen
Location: Oxfam office in Ueno
Reservations: Email oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com
Instructors: Rakesh and Andy

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants. If you are unable to come,
please mail in advance to cancel your reservation. Thank you for your cooperation!

2009/06/24

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven's Door's Pub Quiz
　- A-Z Special

Love Alphabeti Spaghetti?
Think you're the spelling bee'sknees?
Come and test your A-Z IQ at our monthly pub quiz.

●Date: Sunday June 28th
●Time: 7.30 - 10pm
●Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
●Y1000 to play
Everyone welcome.
Prizes and free shots for all you grammar gurus!
For more information, email <oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com>
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2009/06/08
It's raining... Nomihodai and Karaoke, that is.

Join us for a wild evening of karaoke, snacks, and a full selection of drinks at Smash Hits in Hiroo from 7pm - 11pm.
You'll be contributing to a great cause. All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

Cost: ￥5000 per person
Space is limited! Tickets are selling fast. Contact Sam at oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com to buy your ticket now.

2009/06/01 Oxfam Japan's Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst learning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with translation provided in Japanese, but people from any language background are invited to participate in.

The detail is as follows:

●Topic: *How big is your carbon footprint?*
●Date: Saturday 13th Jun. 2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000 yen

How much CO2 is produced when you drive your car? Run an air conditioner? How about recycling a plastic bag? Join us for an informative workshop on your carbon footprint, and know why CO2 reduction is the key to slowing down climate change.

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Alex
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2009/04/28

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Topics:
"Guns or growth - Assessing the impact of arms sales on sustainable development."

Irresponsible arms transfers are undermining many developing countries・ chances of achieving their Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets. Arms are draining governments・resources and they are fuelling armed violence and conflicts.

●Date: Saturday 9th May 2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2009/04/16

Oxfam Japan IVG & Heaven's Door's Pub Quiz
　- Myths and Legends Special

Join us for our monthly pub quiz and test your knowledge of all things weird
and wonderful in our Myths and Legends Special.

●Date: Sunday April 26th
●Time: 7.30 - 10pm
●Where: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa (www.heavensdoortokyo.com)
●Y1000 to play. Everyone welcome.
Free mystery shots for all you quiz wizards.
For more information, email <oxfamjp.ivg.promotions@gmail.com>
All proceeds go to Oxfam Japan.

2009/04/08

NATIONAL AZABU's Annual Event

Oxfam Japan is going to have a booth at the National Azabu Supermarket's Annual Event.
At the booth, you will learn more about our activities and the people fighting with poverty through Photo Exhibit and Quiz. You will also get a free cup of herb tea from Celestial.

[Photo Exhibit] Fighting poverty: small farmers in the world
[Quiz] Change the world in 8 steps

■NATIONAL AZABU's Annual Event
10:00-19:00 Sunday, April 26

National Azabu Supermarket

ZIP Code 106-0047
4-5-2 Minami Azabu,Minato-Ku,TOKYO
TEL : 03-3442-3181

2009/03/30

☆Oxfam Japan IVG Spring Picnic☆

　　　　　　　Oxfam Japan IVG Picnic is going to take place on Apr.12th!!
　　　　　　　Join us for food, drinks, and entertainment and have some spring-time fun!

　　　　　　　【The detail are as follows】
　　　　　　　●Date: Sunday April 12th　(★Rain date: Sunday April 19th)
　　　　　　　●Time: 12 pm onwards
　　　　　　　●Price:￥2500 Adults / ￥1500 Kids (3-12)
　　　　　　　※￥500 Discount: Reservation Only by April 5 Reservations
　　　　　　　For inquiries please send an e-mail　at "oxfamjp.ivg.fundraising@gmail.com"
　　　　　　　●Place: Yoyogi Park (see map bellow)

2009/03/30

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Topics: *The Chicken or the Egg? Education and Empowerment for Women*
●Date: Saturday 25th Apr.2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2009/03/23

The Quiz Night (Pub Quiz) will be held on Sunday 29th March 2009 at Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa!

If you want to improve your IQ or just kill some brain cells with a beer or two, join us for our monthly pub quiz!
★Free shots for clever clogs!

＜Oxfam Pub Quiz＞
●Date: Sunday 29th March 2009
●Time: from 7PM-10PM
●Price: 1000 yen per person (all of which goes to Oxfam!)
●Place: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa
directions: http://heavensdoortokyo.com/



Every Month, Oxfam supporter Paul organizes a Quiz Night in his pub Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa where participants have a nice eve challenging their knowledge both about Oxfam's work as well as many other topics while drinking, laughing and meeting new people. The entrance fee of \1000 per person goes to support Oxfam activities around the world.

2009/03/17

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Topics: * Education for All: Reducing Poverty and Improving Health, One Lesson at a Time*
●Date: Saturday 11th Apr.2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2009/03/02

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Topics: "The Vicious Circle: HIV/AIDS and Development in Africa"
●Date: Saturday 28th Mar 2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2009/02/12

The Quiz Night (Pub Quiz) will be held on Sunday 15th February 2009 at Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa!

Free chocolates and shots for clever clogs!

Event: Oxfam Pub Quiz
Date: Sunday 15th February 2009
Time: from 7PM
Price: 1000 yen per person (all of which goes to Oxfam!)
Place: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa
directions: http://heavensdoortokyo.com/



Every Month, Oxfam supporter Paul organizes a Quiz Night in his pub Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa where participants have a nice eve challenging their knowledge both about Oxfam's work as well as many other topics while drinking, laughing and meeting new people. The entrance fee of \1000 per person goes to support Oxfam activities around the world.

2009/02/12

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Topics: "Ethical Shopping: How what you buy could change the world"
●Date: Saturday 21st February 2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2009/01/20

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Topics:"The Vicious Circle: HIV/AIDS and Development in Africa".
●Date: Saturday 7th February 2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2008/12/22

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate.

The details are as follows:

●Turning carbon into gold: Paying for the impact of climate change
●Date: Saturday 24th January 2009
●Time: 2pm - 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2008/12/22

The Quiz Night will be held on Sunday 18th January 2009 at Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa!

Event: Oxfam Pub Quiz
Date: Sunday 18th January 2009
Time: around 8PM to 10.30PM
Price: 1000 yen per person (all of which goes to Oxfam!)
Place: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa
directions: http://heavensdoortokyo.com/



Every Month, Oxfam supporter Paul organizes a Quiz Night in his pub Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa where participants have a nice eve challenging their knowledge both about Oxfam's work as well as many other topics while drinking, laughing and meeting new people. The entrance fee of \1000 per person goes to support Oxfam activities around the world.

2008/12/10
The Holiday season has begun in Japan, with Christmas illuminations already up and the fragrances of baked Christmas goodies pervading the streets of Tokyo!

Come and join us and enjoy a traditional Christmas meal and a small present!!

A charity auction will also be held during the event and you can dance till late to all your favourite music. All proceeds will be going towards Oxfam programs that are aimed at reducing poverty and suffering world wide.

**Date: Saturday, December 13th
**Time: 7-10pm
**Venue: Heaven's Door , Shimokitazawa (http://heavensdoortokyo.com/)
**Ticket: \3,000
(Includes a drink and foods, vegetarian and non-alcoholic options also available)

For further information or to book tickets please contact oxfamjp.ivg.coordinator@gmail.com

2008/11/19

You may think hunger is about too many people and too little food. That is not the case.

Our rich and bountiful planet produces enough food to feed every woman, man and child on earth.
Bring your friends, children and parents and join us at the Hunger Banquet as we bring to life the inequalities that exist in our world and you can experience firsthand how your decisions can affect others.

●Date:Wednesday, December 3rd
●Time: 6:30- 8p.m. (doors open at 6p.m.)
●Place: Tokyo International School
( 5 minutes from Tamachi Station on the Yamanote line, West exit
map available at http://tokyois.com)
●Tickets: Adults(18+) \2,500
Children \1,500 (under 2 is free)
No reservations required. All tickets will be sold at the door.
All proceeds from the Hunger Banquet go to Oxfam work.

2008/11/01 THANK YOU!!

The India Floods 2008 appeal has now closed.

Thanks to our supporters' generosity, we've raised 787,808 yen and this money is now helping provide water purification kits, buckets, tarpaulin and shelter sheets in relief camps through Oxfam Great Britain.

-------------------------

India Floods 2008

Oxfam and our local partners are responding to the devastating floods that have uprooted millions of people from their homes in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.

The situation

Monsoon rains caused the Kosi River to breach its banks on 18 August, resulting in serious floods in six eastern districts of Bihar.

The scale of the breach has changed the course of the river, with waters flowing into villages that were not previously flood prone. Some reports indicate that over 2.7 million people have been displaced so far. Critically affected districts are Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea and Katihar.


More than one million people have sought refuge in over 150 relief camps after floods swept away their homes.

"The scale of this tragedy is vast. Millions of people have lost their homes and are now huddled in make-shift camps or seeking refuge under the open sky. Thousands of people are without safe water and there is a serious risk of diseases breaking out. Our efforts in Sapaul are saving lives, but we need to expand our response, and anything the public can give us to help us achieve this will make a huge difference."
Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director

Oxfam's response

Working with partner organisations, Oxfam has already distributed water purification kits, buckets, tarpaulin and shelter sheets in five relief camps in Supaul district.

We have also used motorboats to rescue stranded men, women and children.

The scale of the disaster now means that Oxfam Japan is calling for additional funding from the public to increase the scale of its response. Additional support will help Oxfam to start distributing food to 100,000 people on Sunday.

2008/10/27

The Oxfam Halloween Party will be held on November 1st at Heaven's Door in Shimokitazawa!

Event: Oxfam Halloween Party
Date: November 1st
Time: 6.30PM to 9.30PM
Price: 2500 yen (in advance) and 3,000 yen (on the day)
The fee includes wickedly good food (both vegetarian and non-veg) and one drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Place: Heaven's Door, Shimokitazawa
directions: http://heavensdoortokyo.com/



Come in costume and join in for a night of tricks, treat and fun!

2008/10/27

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate. Prior topics have included Health and Development in Mali, CSR and Disability in Albany, Religious Freedom in Britain, and Natural Disasters.

The details are as follows:

●Title: Silent Tsunami: The global food crisis
●Date: Saturday 8th November 2008
●Time: 2pm – 4pm
●Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
●Level: Intermediate
●Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2008/08/27

Oxfam Japan’s Monthly English Workshop

Oxfam Japan is offering medium level English workshops for people interested in improving their English whilst also leaning about different issues around the world, what Oxfam is doing about them, and how each of us can be part of the change. The workshops are aimed at non-native English speakers with the translations provided in Japanese, however people from any language background are invited to participate. Prior topics have included Health and Development in Mali, CSR and Disability in Albany, Religious Freedom in Britain and Natural Disasters.

The details are as follows:

Title: Mugged: Poverty in your coffee cup
Date: Saturday 27th September 2008
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Place: Meeting Room (Oxfam Japan Office)
Level: Intermediate
Cost: 1000円

For more information and to register your attendance, please contact:
Heather
Awareness Events Coordinator
International Volunteer Group
Oxfam Japan
E-mail: oxfamjp.ivg.awareness@gmail.com

2008/05/28 27 May 2008, Yokohama, Japan: A group of 55 African, Japanese and international civil society organisations today expressed disappointment at the process which led to the exclusion of significant voices of civil society from the main TICAD IV dialogue spaces. This goes against the stated spirit of TICAD to build ownership of African people and their organisations in the process of shaping the future of their development.

“The exclusion of large segments of African and Japanese civil society casts huge doubts on the legitimacy and accountability of this ‘People’s’ conference. We demand that civil society participation be an integral part of the entire TICAD process, and that all outcome documents explicitly mention this” noted Gustave Assah of Civic Commission for Africa, on behalf of the NGOs who are gathered at Yokohama this week.

The group also expressed concerns about the potential outcomes of the current agenda. There is a need to go beyond seeking technical solutions to the political challenges of development. Also, the focus on economic growth without a proportionate investment in social development and redistribution is not sufficient to tackle the poverty in Africa. This undermines the little progress made so far, and says very little for millions of African women and girls trapped in its vicious grip.

The NGOs pointed to the looming food catastrophe facing the continent in the face of poverty, HIV/AIDS, the lack of education, and growing energy costs. There are already signs that the high food prices could push Africa back into conflicts and political instability, unless urgent and sustainable solutions are implemented to tackle the core symptoms of the failing economic model for the poor.

The group also called on African governments to act urgently with one voice through the African Union to assert their right to development for their people, taking the lead on policy choices. Pursuing narrow interests in a spaghetti bowl of bilateral processes could accelerate the systematic expropriation of African people’s resources.

ENDS

Please contact the following people for more details:
TICAD IV NGO Network　　　　　Takumo Yamada　　　　　080-3155-7017
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Minori Tanimura　　　　　090-6537-8098

2008/05/27 Oxfam Press Release-May 26th 2008

Japan-Africa Summit – TICAD IV
Time for Japan to raise its game, says Oxfam

As the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) hosted by the Japanese government is set to open this week, Oxfam called on the government to deliver on its aid promises and show real leadership on climate change ahead of the G8 Summit in July. The international aid agency said Japan must use this week’s meeting to bring momentum and turn promises into deliveries, as some 52 African nations will be participating in discussions as part of TICAD IV in Yokohama.

Africa will be central to the agenda of the G8, and critical issues such as the food crisis, global health, climate change and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be discussed under this umbrella.

Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced plans for the country to double its aid to Africa to $1.9 billion by 2012 from the current total of about $900 million. While Oxfam welcomes the announcement of the long-overdue political will to raise aid level, the aid agency said this might not ensure the much-needed increase in overall aid level, depending on how the government will decide to pay for it. Japan went from being the world’s third largest donor into fifth position last year.

“After its aid fell by some 30% last year, we expect Japan to bounce back. Prime Minister Fukuda must lead the way and bring his country back on track. What he will decide this week will set the tone for this summer’s G8 Summit where a concrete plan from the richest countries on how they intend to deliver on some important promises to Africa must be announced”, said Takumo Yamada spokesperson of Oxfam Japan.

On climate change the Japanese government has already announced a plan to offer $10 billion over the next five years to help African nations tackle climate change. Oxfam said that it was still unclear how much of that will actually be for Africa, as most of it is expected to be diverted to India or China.

“Any new pledges on climate change ought not only to be sufficient and predictable, but it must not be taken away from the existing aid commitments. Africa should not have to chose whether to put children back into schools or prepare itself to tackle the impacts of climate change. You can’t make the continent pay for a problem it’s the least responsible for,” Yamada added.

On tackling global health issues, a key component of the G8 Summit, Oxfam welcomed the announcement last week by Fukuda that Japan would commit US$560 million to the Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria, but noted that it must do more as the figure only represents a third of what Japan should be giving on a fair-share basis.

Oxfam also called on Japan to support efforts to create an international mechanism to put all donors behind, rather than undermine, developing countries’ own health plans. The country must also start directly supporting developing country governments to train, recruit and pay for the 4.25 million health workers (1 million in Africa) desperately needed.

“Without the doctors and nurses, no amount of Japanese-funded hospitals can help save the lives of millions mothers and children or ensure universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.” argued Yamada

On the issue of civil society access to TICAD
It has become clear at the last minute that civil society access into the venue of TICAD will be severely restricted. All African and international NGOs were issued a pass at the last TICAD III in 2003, and NGOs have been invited based on the understanding that the same principle would apply this time around.

Prime Minister Fukuda has, on several occasions, stressed that he shared the recognition held by many governments that critical engagement from civil society is key to ensuring effective government response to global issues such as African development and climate change. Oxfam regrets that this announcement by the government could reduce the credibility and effectiveness of TICAD agreements, and called on the Government of Japan to demonstrate some flexibilities to prove otherwise.

Contact: Takumo Yamada, Advocacy Manager, Oxfam Japan on +81 - (0) 80-3155-7017

2008/05/13 Oxfam Japan currently does not receive exclusive donation for the Myanmer Cyclone. However, we will update the latest situation and response of Oxfam International.

■Cyclone in Myanmer

Cyclone Nargis hit the Myanmar delta region in the early hours of Saturday 3 May.While a death toll reported by the state media in Myanmar is increasing daily, the United Nations estimates 100,000 were killed.

■The situation

As the days go by and our understanding of conditions in southern Myanmar becomes a little clearer, the picture is becoming bleaker. Current reports suggest that 1.5 million people are now homeless.

■Latest news

Press Release
May 11, 2008: Emergency: Oxfam warns up to 1.5 million in danger if aid effort cannot reach cyclone victims
Questions and Answers
May 8, 2008: Cyclone in Myanmer: Frequently Asked Questions

■Oxfam's response

Oxfam International (OI) is currently assessing the situation and has pledged $1.8 million from our catastrophe fund and put a team and equipment on standby.
OI currently does not run operational programmes in Myanmar. However, OI is preparing for the possibility that this situation might change, in which case OI would run a humanitarian programme in the country.
In the meantime our aid effort is being channelled through partner organisations with a mixture of cash funding, technical expertise and equipment where required. We also will be working in conjunction with the UN and other agencies to respond to immediate needs and support people’s recovery.
Like all agencies we are working under tight government restrictions and struggling to respond to meet the needs of the thousands of very poor people affected by the cyclone.
''The aid effort faces huge challenges. Some 24 million live in the areas affected by the storm. Communications are down in the cyclone-hit areas, roads have been washed away and getting aid to people will be very difficult. The international community needs to be quick both to respond to this crisis and to ensure the needs of those most affected are met.' Sarah Ireland, Oxfam's East Asia Regional Director

Oxfam Japan currently does not receive exclusive donation for the Myanmer Cyclone. But you can donate to Oxfam Japan's general fund which will be used for emergency and development worldwide. DONATE NOW (Japanese page)

2008/05/12 Oxfam Press Release – 11 May 2008

Oxfam warns up to 1.5 million in danger if aid effort cannot reach cyclone victims

Risk of disease outbreak increasing daily as Myanmar stands on the edge of a public health catastrophe

International agency Oxfam said today (11 May) that in the coming weeks and months the lives of up to 1.5 million people are in danger in the Myanmar cyclone zone due to the risk of disease and a public health catastrophe if clean water and sanitation is not urgently provided. “With the likelihood of 100,000 or more killed in the cyclone there are all the factors for a public health catastrophe which could multiply that death toll by up to 15 times in the coming period. In the Boxing Day tsunami 250,000 people lost their lives in the first few hours but we did not see an outbreak of disease because the host governments and the world mobilized a massive aid effort to prevent it happening. We have to do the same for the people of Myanmar,” said Oxfam’s Regional Director for East Asia, Sarah Ireland.

In a message to the Myanmar generals, the international community and those governments who have influence in the region such as Thailand, Ms. Ireland said, “We support a call to lift visa restrictions on international aid agencies wanting to assist disaster affected people in Myanmar. Oxfam and others need permission to work in Myanmar. We have the skills and expertise to save lives. We are here to help,” said Ms. Ireland.

Citing evidence from previous experiences in disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Pakistan earthquake in 2005, Oxfam said that without an immediate injection of life-saving aid such as clean water sources, up to 1.5 million people are at immediate risk from a public health crisis.

In Myanmar people’s resistance to disease is weakened daily because of lack of food and shelter, exposure to the elements and drinking surface water that is more than likely contaminated with human and animal waste. This creates an effective breeding ground for diseases such as cholera, typhoid and shigella taking hold. Both cholera and shigella is endemic in the region. With floodwaters fouling water supplies and latrines overflowing with human waste all the factors for an outbreak of cholera and shigella are in place.

With people exposed to the elements, huddled together in crowded areas and suffering from hunger other risks such as measles, chest infections, pneumonia and diphtheria could devastate already weakened people, especially the very young. People’s natural resilience is eroded rapidly in these conditions, and the weakest, such as children and the elderly will already be in a highly vulnerable condition.

As the waters recede they become a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes and the accompanying threats. Dengue is rife in Myanmar and mainly occurs from May to October. There were major outbreaks of dengue in 1998, 2001-2 and 2007. The incidence of malaria will also potentially increase. All the five areas worse affected by the cyclone are also regions that have high levels of malaria transmission.

The agency said that if allowed to respond to the crisis, as it has done in so many others, it will have a substantial impact on reducing the risk of disease and saving lives.

“Oxfam is concerned for the millions of men, women and children affected by the devastating cyclone in Myanmar. We and others have decades of experience in disaster response and especially providing water and sanitation to disaster affected people. We are certain the international humanitarian community can make a difference on the ground and that’s why we want to work with the people of Myanmar affected by this terrible disaster,” said Ms. Ireland.

Oxfam said a tsunami-style relief effort would be required in Myanmar. At the end of 2004 the international community started to quickly mobilize thousands of international aid workers as well as massive amounts of aid and relief supplies that landed at airports in cargo planes and at remote landing strips by helicopter or arrived by sea all across the tsunami-affected region. Even in Aceh, a province of Indonesia previously off limits to most relief agencies, aid arrived quickly and moved freely to the worst affected regions.

“Aid into Myanmar needs to be massively scaled up and it needs to happen now. The only way this can happen is if Myanmar lifts visa restrictions and allows international agencies access to the most vulnerable people whose means to cope has been severely impaired because of the cyclone disaster,” said Ms. Ireland.

2008/05/07
　We have been running an intensive petition campaign called "me too", geared towards this summer's G8 Summit. We are hoping to get as many names as possible onto a petition that Oxfam, along with 3 other partner organizations (Africa Japan Forum, JOICFP, and World Vision Japan) have put together to try and influence the leaders of the G8. Once we collect enough names we are planning on presenting these to the Japanese government prior to the Summit, to make sure that they put a top priority on Global Health Issues.

　So heres how you can help! If you haven’t already, please go to https://www.oxfam.jp/whatyoucan/campaign/ and put your name on the petition. Then send the link onto your family and friends and make sure that they sign the petition too.
Finally, if you’d like to get even more involved, we are looking for willing volunteers to help spread the word to the general public!

We are currently in the process of booking some public spaces around Shibuya and Shinjuku Stations to do some flyering and need as many people as possible to come out and help us.

●We will primarily be concentrating on doing this at the weekends,
　　between May 10th and June 8th (Not including May 16th-18th)


※Although if you feel like doing some flyer on your own on weekdays, please come in and see us at the campaigns office to learn more about how you can help by working independently.
Otherwise, if you are free to help out for any amount of time on the weekends of May 10/11, May 24/25 May 31-June 1 and June 7/8, we would love to have you along!
Ideally we will be out flyering and informing the public from 9:00 AM - 6:00 or 7:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday of these weekends and with no less than 10 of us out there at any one time.

● I will be conducting information sessions to tell all the participating volunteers what they need to know:
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Date: Friday (May 9, 23, 30, June 6) from 6:30PM

Place:　Oxfam Japan office
→　http://oxfam.jp/en/contacts/
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If you are interested in participating in this campaign or have any questions, please contact below.
Thank you all for your continued support,


▽ Contact ▽
Thomas Saunders - Chikao Miyamatsu
Campaigns Assistant
Oxfam Japan

Email: thomaschikao@oxfam.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-5817-0801
Fax: +81-(0)3-5817-0805

2008/05/01 We have just launched our new English website, which we hope to update regularly with news about Oxfam's work in Japan and around the world, campaigns for you to participate in, events for you to join, and many other opportunities for you to be part of the change.

2008/03/18

Say “ Me Too” for healthcare for all

A doctor when you need one. Medicines you can afford. Not much to ask you might think, but think again. Millions of people in poor countries are going without these basic things, every single day. They get low-quality health care, or are forced to go without it altogether. Fees are too high, hospitals and clinics are too few, and lack of medical staff means people struggle to get treated.

The price they pay is serious: preventable illness, and early death, on a scale impossible to imagine.

+Every minute, a woman with no medical care dies in pregnancy or childbirth
+Every hour, 300 people die of an AIDS-related illness
+Every day 37,000 people die from treatable causes.

Oxfam believes this is totally unacceptable, not least because much of it absolutely preventable. That’s why we have joined forces with other organizations, to launch the Me Too campaign in March.

Me Too aims to make health care for everyone a reality. This year is a particularly good time to call on the government to show it’s leadership on global poverty because Japan is at the centre stage of world politics in 2008. It hosts not only the G8 summit (the annual meeting of the eight richest nations in the world) in July, but also the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in May. These two events happen together only once every 40 years. Me Too is a response to this unique opportunity. We are calling on the government to lead the G8 to end the unacceptable global health crisis by giving more and better aid for health.

A key part of Me Too is to get members of the public to support the campaign. The G8 summit begins on July 7th (Tanabata day), so the campaign is inviting you and people all across Japan to make a wish for health care for all. You can make this wish by entering your name on the Me Too website. The aim is to collect as many names as possible between March and the beginning of July. We will present them to the Government of Japan and ask them to ensure that the G8 gives more and better aid so everyone around the world has the healthcare they need.

Oxfam knows that getting members of the public to support a campaign is crucial for influencing governments to make decisions to help overcome poverty. We often meet government officials to put our arguments forward, but if we can show tens of thousands of Japanese citizens are supporting us, then we there will be a much more powerful reason for them to agree to what we ask.

It only takes a few seconds to give your name in support of the campaign, but the effect of joining with tens of thousands of other people will be very forceful. So make a difference today and CLICK HERE and say "Me Too" for the call to give everyone in the world the basic health care they need.