Volunteer Hub

Volunteer for Japan Week 2025 in Manchester!

Organisation Details

Manchester City Council

Sub theme: Culture, International
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Are you enthusiastic about Japanese culture? Do you want to be part of an exciting event that brings the vibrant traditions of Japan to Manchester? Join us as a volunteer for Japan Week 2025 and help create an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Japan Week is an international exchange event that introduces Japanese lifestyle culture, performing arts, art, music, fashion, sport to the residents of the host city.

First held in Florence, Italy, Japan Week takes place in a different world city each year, and 2025 in Manchester promises to be extra special, marking the 50th anniversary of the event.

Japan Week will see free events take place in Manchester 4-9 September 2025 at a number of venues right across the city centre.

Why volunteer for Japan Week?

· A one-off opportunity to be involved in a special event, coming to the UK for the first time in over 20 years.

· Represent the best of Manchester to hundreds of Japanese visitors

· Develop valuable skills and experience in events support, communication and teamwork

· Make connections with people from across the world, and on your doorstep
What you’ll do

We are recruiting 2 types of volunteers

· Profile A –Native Japanese or non-Japanese with English and Japanese language proficiency: You will help participants from Japan, by facilitating communication with the public and will contribute to the smooth organization of the event.

· Profile B – General logistical assistance: You will be in charge of various tasks, such as welcoming the public during shows or setting up equipment.

We need volunteers available during the event (for reception and support) on 3-9 September 2025, and there are also opportunities for volunteers on the 2 September (for installation), and 10 September (for dismantling).

Both roles provide opportunities to get involved in a variety of different activities during your volunteer experience:

· Guest Support: Welcome visitors, provide information, and ensure they have a fantastic experience.

· Event Assistance: Help set up and manage various cultural events, including tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional music performances.

· Cultural Ambassadors: Share your knowledge and passion for Japanese culture with attendees, guiding them through exhibitions and activities.

· Logistics Support: Assist with the smooth operation of the event, from coordinating schedules to managing supplies.

Perks and Benefits
· Japanese culture and etiquette training will be provided

· Experience working as part of a large-scale event

· A Japan Week Volunteer lanyard to be worn on shift

· Expenses to cover the cost of public transport within Greater Manchester when travelling to and from your volunteer shifts

Skills You'll Need
Reliable and Punctual

- Communication

- Teamwork

- Adaptable

- For Profile A, Japanese proficiency is required

Travel Information
Japan Week activity will predominantly take place across several venues in Manchester city centre which is accessible by public transport bus, tram and train. There will also be opportunities to accompany performers to locations outside the city centre on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 September to exchange events. Details of this will be shared nearer the time. You will be notified of which venue(s) you have been allocated to once your shifts have been confirmed.
· HOME Manchester Address: HOME, 2, Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
· Aviva Studios Address: Aviva Studios, Water Street M3 4JQ
· Manchester Museum Address: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
· Central Library Address: Central Library, St Peters Square, City Centre, M2 5PD
Description of role: Please complete the expression of interest form here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Xn3OsM2B-0eU9ydsYmt7CT90bl5M07lAuV9B76_up9VUQkJCUlFVNVo3SFJCUEQwN0VUMEhHWUNRMC4u&route=shorturl

Are you enthusiastic about Japanese culture? Do you want to be part of an exciting event that brings the vibrant traditions of Japan to Manchester? Join us as a volunteer for Japan Week 2025 and help create an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Japan Week is an international exchange event that introduces Japanese lifestyle culture, performing arts, art, music, fashion, sport to the residents of the host city.

First held in Florence, Italy, Japan Week takes place in a different world city each year, and 2025 in Manchester promises to be extra special, marking the 50th anniversary of the event.

Japan Week will see free events take place in Manchester 4-9 September 2025 at a number of venues right across the city centre.

Why volunteer for Japan Week?

· A one-off opportunity to be involved in a special event, coming to the UK for the first time in over 20 years.

· Represent the best of Manchester to hundreds of Japanese visitors

· Develop valuable skills and experience in events support, communication and teamwork

· Make connections with people from across the world, and on your doorstep
What you’ll do

We are recruiting 2 types of volunteers

· Profile A –Native Japanese or non-Japanese with English and Japanese language proficiency: You will help participants from Japan, by facilitating communication with the public and will contribute to the smooth organization of the event.

· Profile B – General logistical assistance: You will be in charge of various tasks, such as welcoming the public during shows or setting up equipment.

We need volunteers available during the event (for reception and support) on 3-9 September 2025, and there are also opportunities for volunteers on the 2 September (for installation), and 10 September (for dismantling).

Both roles provide opportunities to get involved in a variety of different activities during your volunteer experience:

· Guest Support: Welcome visitors, provide information, and ensure they have a fantastic experience.

· Event Assistance: Help set up and manage various cultural events, including tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional music performances.

· Cultural Ambassadors: Share your knowledge and passion for Japanese culture with attendees, guiding them through exhibitions and activities.

· Logistics Support: Assist with the smooth operation of the event, from coordinating schedules to managing supplies.

Perks and Benefits
· Japanese culture and etiquette training will be provided

· Experience working as part of a large-scale event

· A Japan Week Volunteer lanyard to be worn on shift

· Expenses to cover the cost of public transport within Greater Manchester when travelling to and from your volunteer shifts

Skills You'll Need

- Reliable and Punctual

- Communication

- Teamwork

- Adaptable

- For Profile A, Japanese proficiency is required

Travel Information
Japan Week activity will predominantly take place across several venues in Manchester city centre which is accessible by public transport bus, tram and train. There will also be opportunities to accompany performers to locations outside the city centre on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 September to exchange events. Details of this will be shared nearer the time. You will be notified of which venue(s) you have been allocated to once your shifts have been confirmed.
· HOME Manchester Address: HOME, 2, Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
· Aviva Studios Address: Aviva Studios, Water Street M3 4JQ
· Manchester Museum Address: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
· Central Library Address: Central Library, St Peters Square, City Centre, M2 5PD
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, Event Planning, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Fixed / Short term
Start date:
End date:
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Monday Evening, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Tuesday Evening, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Wednesday Evening, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Thursday Evening, Friday AM, Friday PM, Friday Evening, Saturday AM, Saturday PM, Saturday Evening, Sunday AM, Sunday PM, Sunday Evening
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 7
Location:
Town Hall Extension Manchester M60 2LA
Manchester
M9 8LB