From May 2003, the Japanese government began issuing Volunteer Visas to enable British nationals to do voluntary work for charitable organisations in Japan for up to one year. Volunteers are employed by registered charities and though the work is not paid, a limited allowance for board, accommodation and daily expenses is permitted.

Alex Shaw is currently working on the Volunteer Visa Scheme through GAP at the Kobokan Community Centre in Tokyo. GAP is a non-profit organisation which arranges voluntary placements abroad for young Britons keen to take time out to experience new environments. Alex relates his experience so far:

"The Kobokan is located in Sumida City, Tokyo, and has 5 main centres: the hoikuen (nursery), the gakudo (junior activity centre), the Itochu activity centre, the elderly activity programme and the Karuizawa gakuso (children's home). It also offers activities such as coaching the baseball team, learning tea ceremony, kanji calligraphy practice and organised events, in which I participate when I have time. The centre has just celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its association with GAP, and I was able to meet many of the 42 past volunteers who turned up to witness the occasion. It showed me how significant the Gap/Kobokan experience is.

I am already halfway through my placement. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed every day immensely and feel the relationships I have developed with the children and staff are very special, especially with the children in the hoikuen! There are three nursery classes and mine is called Tampopo. Building a strong relationship with the children was very hard at first because I knew next to nothing in Japanese. So I relied heavily on other means of communication, such as sports, humour and drawing pictures. As my Japanese gradually improves I can now engage in conversation and the ability to do this in three months has been my greatest personal achievement.

I had the opportunity to visit the children's home in beautiful Karuizawa for two weeks. It houses around 30 children, all of whom face many different challenges. During my stay I spent every moment with them and the gakuso staff. By the time I left I really felt like 'one big' family, and felt privileged to have had this experience. I am returning for the Christmas period when I will be taking part in a nativity play.

It is hard to describe everything I do in such a limited space, but as I am a keen photographer, I take many pictures and make weekly collage diaries (see picture). In my spare time I enjoy travelling. The Kobokan is ideally located and I spend every free moment exploring Tokyo. It is an amazing city, with a strong sense of history through its people, buildings and culture. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity, a truly once in a lifetime experience."