Preparation before volunteering

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To all students: important notice on supporting disaster-affected areas

We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026.

<Revised on August 6, 2026>
Municipal Disaster Volunteer Centers are being established in affected areas, and volunteer recruitment is now underway. If you are considering participating in volunteer activities, please make sure to prepare adequately so that you can work safely and follow the local reception procedures and support framework established by each municipality.

Before participating

Participation requirements, activity schedules, and registration procedures vary by municipality and each Volunteer Center. Please be sure to check the latest information before applying.
Participation may require procedures such as advance registration and enrollment in volunteer insurance. Please follow the instructions provided and complete any necessary procedures on your own.
Please follow the instructions of local staff and make your health and safety your top priority. We ask that you participate with a reasonable schedule and appropriate equipment, and avoid overexerting yourself.

The establishment of Volunteer Centers and the recruitment of volunteers are proceeding gradually in response to local conditions. In some affected areas, telephone lines may be difficult to reach, so please carefully check the information provided online by official websites, local governments, Volunteer Centers, and other relevant organizations, and cooperate in ensuring that relief and support activities can proceed smoothly.

*Kumamoto Prefectural Council of Social Welfare
https://www.fukushi-kumamoto.or.jp/ (link in Japanese)
By opening the Disaster Volunteer Information (災害ボランティア情報) page from the top banner, you can find information on Municipal Disaster Volunteer Centers.

<Guidelines on volunteer activities>

If you participate in volunteer activities in affected areas, please be sure to observe the following guidelines.
1) Submit a volunteer activity notification to the university in advance
2) Obtain volunteer activities insurance coverage

*Disaster Management in Japan, Cabinet Office Japan (Basic information on volunteer activities)
https://www.bousai.go.jp/index-e.html
*Information on Disaster Relief Support and Volunteer Opportunities, Japan National Council of Social Welfare
https://www.saigaivc.com/ (link in Japanese)
*Information about 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/1/274517.html (please change the language to English on this page)

If you plan to participate in volunteer activities in disaster-affected areas, please obtain information about local conditions, make adequate preparations in advance, and carry out your activities safely and responsibly. In addition, please be sure to notify the university in advance as described below and obtain appropriate insurance coverage before participating.

To UOsaka students planning to participate in volunteer activities

Notification to the university

If you plan to perform volunteer activities in the affected area, please submit a Volunteer Activity Notification Form to the university in advance.
Form: Volunteer Activity Notification Form (Word)
Submit to: The Educational Affairs Office of your affiliated School or Graduate School

Insurance coverage

When participating in volunteer activities, please ensure that you are covered by insurance that applies even in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

Reference: Volunteer Avtivities Insurance (Council of Social Welfare) (link in Japanese)

Other information

Before departing, be sure to obtain sufficient information about local conditions and support activities being provided from the Kansai region, and ensure that you understand the guidelines and etiquette for volunteer activities.

*Disaster Management in Japan, Cabinet Office Japan (Basic information on volunteer activities)

https://www.bousai.go.jp/index-e.html

*Information on Disaster Relief Support and Volunteer Opportunities, Japan National Council of Social Welfare

https://www.saigaivc.com/ (link in Japanese)

For volunteer recruiting organizations

Organizations wishing to recruit volunteers are required to complete both procedures (1) and (2) below. Please note that requests from private individuals are not accepted.

(1) Organization registration

Please submit the Volunteer Recruiting Organization Registration Form. If you have any materials describing your organization, please submit them along with the form.

Form: Volunteer Recruiting Organization Registration Form (PDF) (Word)

Please note that the following organizations are not eligible for registration.

・Organizations that engage in political or religious activities, or organizations that conduct profit-making activities
・Organizations deemed inappropriate by UOsaka’s Campus Life and Career Support Division

(2) Volunteer recruitment request

Please complete and submit the Volunteer Recruitment Information Registration Form, providing details of the volunteer activities and duties.

Form: Volunteer Recruitment Information Registration Form (PDF) (Word)

*Documents related to volunteer recruitment requests may be submitted at the same time as the Volunteer Requesting Organization Registration Form. The review process may take some time.
*In order to secure adequate time to recruit volunteers, it is advised that all forms be submitted at least one month prior to the start of your recruiting period.
*Even if a volunteer recruitment request is submitted, we may not be able to meet your expectations regarding the number of participants or other aspects of the recruitment process.

The University of Osaka does not take recruitment requests for the following volunteer activity:

Activities that provide compensation in exchange for participation
Activities involving danger or risk
Activities that should be carried out by licensed or qualified personnel
Activities that may involve risks to human life or safety
Activities requiring the operation of cars, motorcycles, or other vehicles
Activities that involve coercing or soliciting participants to join specific political or religious organizations
Activities that may violate the laws and regulations of Japan or international laws
Activities that are contrary to public order and morals, or that may induce criminal behavior
Activities that may cause harm or disadvantage to third parties, or that defame or disparage third parties
Activities that contain false, misleading, or exaggerated information
Activities for which accountability and management systems regarding safety, harassment prevention, and related matters are not clearly defined
Activities that may damage the reputation or credibility of the University of Osaka
Activities that are deemed inappropriate for the University of Osaka students
Activities that may require participants to commit excessive amounts of time over extended periods and thereby adversely affect their physical or mental well-being
Activities that require participants to bear excessive personal expenses associated with participation
Any other activities deemed inappropriate by the Campus Life and Career Support Division of the University of Osaka

If you have any questions, please contact the Campus Life and Career Support Division of the University of Osaka

Contact

Campus Life and Career Support Division, Department of Education and Student Affairs, the University of Osaka (Suita Student Center)

TEL: 06-6879-7120
Email: gakusei-sien-sa1(a)office.osaka-u.ac.jp　　
*Please replace (a) with ＠ when emailing.

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