We are looking for Volunteer Interpreters and Translators in Times of Disaster. These volunteers will provide multilingual information coming mainly from government agencies to foreign victims, and support in the form of providing feedback on the needs of foreign victims in times of disaster. This volunteer system is based on the Multilingual Support System in Times of Disaster Agreement that was signed at the Kinki Council of Local Authorities for International Relations in December 2007, which Osaka International House Foundation joined and is conducting multilingual support and cooperation for anticipated disasters throughout the Kinki region.

Information Session (Online)

Please attend the information session before registering if you are interested in volunteering to support foreigners in times of disaster.
Participants:
Those who have not registered with the I-HOUSE Volunteer Bank
Those who have registered with the I-HOUSE Volunteer Bank but not as a Volunteer to Support Foreigners in Times of Disaster
※Volunteer Registration is accepted at any time to register regardless of whether or not applicants attended an information session.
1st Session Wed, July 16, 2025
2nd Session Tue, October 21, 2025
3rd Session Wed, January 21, 2026

Training Workshop

Participants: All are welcome
1st Session August 2025 (scheduled)
2nd Session December 2025 (scheduled)
3rd Session February 2026 (scheduled)
※There will be a separate explanation for registration after the workshop for both those who are not yet registered with I-HOUSE Volunteer Bank or as a Volunteer to Support Foreigners in Times of Disaster.

Activity Details

1. Operation and recruitment of volunteers is conducted based on the Multilingual Support System in Times of Disaster which is established by the Kinki Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, composed of 6 Prefectures and 4 ordinance-designated cities.
2. Volunteers will provide interpretation and translation support at Osaka City’s Multilingual Support Center, which will be set up at Osaka International House, and at evacuation shelters after a major earthquake or any large-scale disaster.
3. Volunteers will be asked to cooperate as dispatch support when a large-scale disaster has occurred outside Osaka if there is request for assistance from the Kinki Council of Local Authorities.
4. Volunteer insurance and transportation fees will be paid as required by the dispatching association based on their own standards.
5. Volunteers will be asked to participate in a training held once or twice a year to improve their skills as a volunteer.

Application Requirements

1. People who live in Osaka Prefecture and can communicate in Japanese and a foreign language, or who can provide support using easy Japanese.
   ※Minors need a letter of consent from their parent(s)/guardian(s) to apply.
   ※Registration as a volunteer may be declined in some cases due insufficient language proficiency or other reasons.
2. Those who can agree to work as a volunteer in disaster-affected areas. We will confirm your ability to take part each time.
3. Those who can attend the training held once or twice a year.
4. No preference is given to nationality of applicant.

How to Apply

1. First, you must register with the I-HOUSE Volunteer Bank. An interview will be required to register, so please call the Foundation and make a reservation for a volunteer registration interview.
   Before making an appointment for an interview, please refer to this page for an outline of the I-House Volunteer Bank and details about its activities, volunteer insurance, etc. (Available in Japanese only)
   Also, please refer to the “How to register” section for details on the I-House Volunteer Bank registration process. (Available in Japanese only)
2. Download and fill out the application form with the necessary information and submit the completed form to the person in charge at your interview.
   ※Those who are simultaneously registering with the I-HOUSE Volunteer Bank need to complete and bring the I-HOUSE Volunteer Bank registration form as well.
3. Please view the 3 videos below by the day of your interview.
   1. The Role of the Disaster Multilingual Support Center
   2. Multilingual Support During Times of Disaster (Information Video)
   3. Abeno Ward Disaster Drill

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Inquiries

Information Center, Osaka International House Foundation
8-2-6 Uehommachi, Tennoji-ku Osaka, 543-0001

Inquiries :
・Monday to Friday：9:00～19:00
・Saturday, Sunday and Holidays：9:00～17:30
※Closed during the New Year holidays（December 29 to January 3）

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TEL　06-6773-8989 FAX　06-6773-8421
Online Inquiry Form