Learning to Walk Beside You at GREEN×EXPO 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027で、あなたの隣を歩くために)

Every big event comes with a big promise. For GREEN×EXPO 2027, the theme is “Scenery of the Future for Happiness.”

That phrase has stayed with me. A happy future only means something if everyone can be part of it, including people who find the world harder to move through.

The organizers are building on the accessibility experience of Tokyo 2020 and Osaka 2025, with the hope of leaving a lasting legacy of inclusion. I find that encouraging.

As I think about it, though, I keep noticing something simple. Good standards and good buildings matter a great deal, but they can’t do everything alone. A ramp helps when someone knows where it is. A map helps when someone can talk you through it. A rest area helps when you can actually get there. I’ve started thinking of this as the last meter of accessibility, the small stretch where a plan meets a real person.

I’m joining the LET’S EXPO 2027 support volunteers in Yokohama to help with that last meter. Our role will be mobility assistance and one-on-one guiding for visitors who would like support. I’m still new to this, and I’m writing this post partly to learn alongside anyone who is curious.

Getting ready, one step at a time

Before the expo, every volunteer will complete three trainings, one session of each. They move from understanding the project, to understanding disability, to learning how to support people well.

The first is Orientation, which covers the big picture: what LET’S EXPO is and what our role will be. Most sessions will be online, with a few held in person, including one in a meeting room near Yokohama Station. One session will include sign language interpretation.

The second is Basic Training 1, Disability Equality Training. We will learn what our volunteer activities involve and begin to understand disability more deeply. It will be held online, and one session will include sign language interpretation. I’m looking forward to this one in particular, because I know good intentions are only a starting point and I have a lot to learn.

The third is Basic Training 2, Fundamentals of Supporting People with Disabilities. Over two hours, online, we will learn the basics of how to offer support that is respectful as well as well meant.

I appreciate how the training itself reflects the values behind it. Sessions are offered on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, online and in person, and with sign language interpretation. It is a good reminder of what inclusion looks like in practice.

What I hope to offer

I hope to be the kind of volunteer who asks before helping, listens carefully, and walks at the other person’s pace. If a visitor would like an arm to hold, I’m happy to offer mine. If they only need directions, I’m glad to give them. And if they would rather explore on their own, I hope I’ll have the sense to step back and let them.

I will probably get some things wrong, and I’m ready to learn from that. What matters most to me is that visitors leave feeling that their day at the expo was comfortable and welcoming.

Following along

I plan to write here after each training, and later from the expo itself, about what I learn and what I find difficult.

If you’re thinking of visiting GREEN×EXPO 2027, I would be glad to hear from you. And if you have ever wondered about volunteering, I hope this post helps a little. I’m grateful for the chance to take part, and I hope to be a small, helpful part of the day for the people I meet.

大きなイベントには、大きな約束があります。GREEN×EXPO 2027のテーマは「幸せを創る明日の風景」です。

この言葉が、ずっと心に残っています。幸せな未来は、誰もがその一員になれてこそ意味を持つものだと思うからです。世の中を移動しにくいと感じている人も、もちろん含めてです。

主催者は、東京2020大会と大阪・関西万博で培われたアクセシビリティの経験を土台に、インクルージョンの確かなレガシーを残したいと考えています。とても心強いことだと感じています。

ただ、考えるほどに、ひとつの単純なことに気づきます。優れた基準や設備はとても大切ですが、それだけですべてが解決するわけではありません。スロープは、場所を知っている人がいてこそ役に立ちます。案内図は、一緒に説明してくれる人がいてこそ頼りになります。休憩所は、そこまでたどり着けてこそ意味があります。私はこれを「アクセシビリティのラスト1メートル」と呼ぶようになりました。計画と一人ひとりの人が出会う、ほんの小さな区間のことです。

私は、このラスト1メートルのお手伝いをしたくて、LET’S EXPOサポートボランティア in 横浜に参加します。活動は、サポートを希望される来場者への移動のお手伝いと、一対一の案内です。私はまだ学び始めたばかりです。この投稿は、興味を持ってくださる方と一緒に学んでいきたいという思いから書いています。

一歩ずつ、準備を進めます

万博の前に、ボランティアは全員、3種類の研修をそれぞれ1回ずつ受けます。プロジェクトを理解すること、障害を理解すること、そして人を適切にサポートする方法を学ぶことへと、段階を踏んで進んでいきます。

最初はオリエンテーションです。LET’S EXPOとは何か、私たちの役割は何かといった全体像を学びます。多くはオンラインで行われ、一部は対面で開催されます。その中には、横浜駅近くの会議室での開催もあります。また、手話通訳つきの回もあります。

2つ目は基礎研修①　障害平等研修です。ボランティア活動の内容を知り、障害への理解を深めていきます。オンラインで行われ、手話通訳つきの回もあります。この研修は特に楽しみにしています。善意は出発点にすぎず、自分にはまだ学ぶことがたくさんあると感じているからです。

3つ目は基礎研修②　障害者サポート方法の基本です。2時間のオンライン研修で、思いやりがあるだけでなく、相手を尊重したサポートの基本を学びます。

研修そのものが、その背景にある価値観を体現していることもありがたいと感じています。平日、夜間、週末と時間帯が分かれ、オンラインと対面があり、手話通訳つきの回も用意されています。インクルージョンが実際にどのようなものかを、あらためて教えてもらっているようです。

私が届けたいこと

私は、手を貸す前にまず声をかけ、相手の話をていねいに聞き、相手のペースで歩けるボランティアでありたいです。腕を貸してほしい方がいれば、喜んで腕をお貸しします。道案内だけでよければ、お伝えします。ご自分のペースで見て回りたい方には、そっと距離を置けるよう心がけます。

きっと、うまくいかないこともあると思います。そのときは、そこから学んでいくつもりです。何より大切にしたいのは、来場者の方が「今日の万博は心地よく、温かく迎えてもらえた」と感じて帰ってくださることです。

これからのこと

各研修のあとに、そして万博の会場からも、学んだことや難しいと感じたことをここに書いていく予定です。

GREEN×EXPO 2027に行かれる予定の方、ぜひ声をかけてください。ボランティアに興味がある方にとって、この投稿が少しでも参考になれば幸いです。この機会をいただけたことに感謝しながら、出会う方々の一日にそっと寄り添える存在になれたらと思っています。

Volunteering at Friendship Home Fr Luis Amigo フレンドシップホーム フランシスコ・ルイス・アミーゴにおけるボランティア活動」

We had the privilege of participating in a deeply fulfilling and meaningful volunteer initiative, organized in collaboration with friends and former colleagues from the Philippines. Together, we extended our efforts to spearhead an outreach activity at the Friendship Home Fr. Luis Amigó, located at 2339 Espiritu Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines, on August 3, 2025.

The event began with an opening prayer led by Ms. Mcel, who guided everyone in expressing gratitude for the blessings we enjoy—our lives, the people around us, and the food prepared for the day. This moment of reflection set a positive tone for the entire program. Following the prayer, we engaged the children in lively warm-up exercises, which they thoroughly enjoyed. These activities helped create an atmosphere of joy and connection, laying the foundation for the rest of the outreach experience.

私どもは、フィリピンの友人や元同僚と協力し、非常に意義深く充実したボランティア活動に参加する機会をいただきました。2025年8月3日、マニラ市マラテ地区エスピリト通り2339番地に所在する「フレンドシップホーム フランシスコ・ルイス・アミーゴ」にて、孤児院への支援活動を実施いたしました。

イベントは、ミス・Mcel様による開会の祈りから始まりました。彼女のご指導のもと、私たちはその日いただいた恵み、周囲の人々、食事、そして日々の命に感謝の気持ちを捧げました。この感謝の時間が、プログラム全体に前向きな雰囲気をもたらしました。祈りの後、子どもたちと一緒に楽しいウォームアップ運動を行い、子どもたちは心から楽しんでくれました。これらの活動は、喜びと絆を育む場となり、その後の交流の基盤を築くことができました。

The first activity we facilitated was the “Build Your Tower” game, an engaging exercise designed to develop the children’s teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The challenge was simple yet stimulating: each group worked collaboratively to construct the tallest tower possible using the materials provided. What stood out was the children’s determination and creativity as they strategized, adapted, and persevered through the task. Their enthusiasm and resilience were truly inspiring, and the activity became a powerful demonstration of how cooperation and shared effort can lead to success. This game not only brought joy and excitement but also reinforced valuable lessons about collaboration and perseverance, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

最初に実施いたしました活動は「ビルド・ユア・タワー」ゲームでございます。このゲームは、子どもたちのチームワーク、コミュニケーション能力、そして問題解決力を育むことを目的とした、非常に魅力的なプログラムでございます。課題はシンプルながらも刺激的で、各グループが協力し、用意された材料を使って可能な限り高いタワーを作り上げるというものでございました。

その過程で見られた子どもたちの決意、創造力、そして粘り強さは、誠に感動的でございました。戦略を練り、工夫を重ね、困難に立ち向かう姿は、協力と努力の大切さを示す力強い証となりました。このゲームは、楽しさと興奮をもたらすだけでなく、協調性と忍耐力に関する貴重な教訓を子どもたちに伝えることができ、参加者全員にとって忘れがたい経験となりました。

Another engaging activity we introduced was called “Welcome to the World.” In this game, the children were divided into groups and encouraged to explore different stations featuring various countries’ flags. At each station, they answered simple “Yes” or “No” questions related to the culture, traditions, and unique aspects of those countries. Correct answers earned them points, while incorrect responses gave them an opportunity to try again in the next round. The excitement and curiosity on their faces were priceless as they discovered fascinating facts about different cultures, broadening their knowledge and appreciation of diversity.

Our final activity, which everyone eagerly anticipated, was the “Thanksgiving Plate” exercise. For this activity, we provided the children with paper plates and a selection of photos representing different aspects of life—family, friends, food, nature, and more. Each child was asked to choose the images they felt most grateful for and paste them onto their plate. Listening to their heartfelt explanations about why they selected certain photos was truly inspiring. This activity fostered gratitude, reflection, and meaningful conversations, leaving a lasting impact on both the children and the volunteers. 

次にご紹介いたしました活動は「ウェルカム・トゥ・ザ・ワールド」というゲームでございます。このゲームでは、子どもたちをグループに分け、各国の国旗を掲げたステーションを巡っていただきました。各ステーションでは、その国の文化や伝統、特徴に関する「はい」または「いいえ」で答えられる簡単な質問に挑戦していただき、正解の場合はポイントを獲得できる仕組みでございました。不正解の場合でも、次のラウンドで再挑戦する機会が与えられました。子どもたちが新しい文化や習慣について学び、驚きと好奇心に満ちた表情を見せてくださったことは、誠に印象的でございました。この活動を通じて、異文化理解を深め、多様性を尊重する心を育むことができました。

最後に、皆様が心待ちにしていた「サンクスギビング・プレート」活動を行いました。この活動では、紙皿と、家族・友人・食べ物・自然など、生活のさまざまな側面を表す写真をご用意し、子どもたちに感謝の気持ちを抱く写真を選んで貼っていただきました。その後、選んだ写真についての理由をお話しいただきましたが、その率直で温かい言葉の数々は、私どもにとって非常に感動的でございました。この活動は、感謝の心を育み、振り返りの機会を提供し、子どもたちとボランティア双方にとって意義深い対話を生み出すものとなりました。

We also had the privilege of engaging the children in meaningful conversations as they shared their thoughts on the photos they selected for their Thanksgiving plates. Listening to their explanations about why they chose certain images and what those represented in their lives was truly heartwarming. One team representative expressed how the photo they picked symbolized family (the orphanage staff), which they considered their greatest source of love and support. These moments of reflection highlighted the depth of gratitude and positivity among the children, making the activity even more impactful.

After completing all the games and activities, we tallied the scores and presented awards to each group, celebrating their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the day. The smiles and excitement during the awarding ceremony were priceless, marking a joyful conclusion to the event.

This outreach was a resounding success, thanks to the collective effort and dedication of everyone involved. A heartfelt appreciation goes to Ms. Mcel, Ms. Amor and her daughters Iora and Iona, my sister Gel and her husband JM, and my ever-supportive mom. Your generosity, time, and commitment made this day truly special for the children and for all of us.

私どもは、子どもたちが「サンクスギビング・プレート」に選んだ写真について、その思いや理由を共有していただく貴重な機会を得ることができました。写真を選んだ背景や、それが子どもたちの生活において何を意味するのかを伺う時間は、誠に心温まるものでございました。あるチームの代表者は、選んだ写真が「家族」を象徴しており、その家族とは孤児院のスタッフの方々であり、彼らが最大の愛と支えの源であると語ってくださいました。このような振り返りの瞬間は、子どもたちの感謝の心と前向きな姿勢の深さを示し、この活動の意義を一層高めるものとなりました。

すべてのゲームと活動が終了した後、得点を集計し、各グループに賞を授与いたしました。表彰式における子どもたちの笑顔と興奮は、何ものにも代えがたいものであり、イベントの締めくくりとして非常に喜ばしい瞬間でございました。

今回のアウトリーチ活動は、関係者全員のご尽力とご協力により、大成功を収めることができました。心より感謝申し上げます。Ms. Mcel様、Ms. Amor様とお嬢様のIora様、Iona様、そして私の姉Gelとそのご主人JM様、さらに常に支えてくださる母に、深甚なる謝意を表します。皆様の寛大なお心、貴重なお時間、そして揺るぎないご献身が、この日を子どもたちにとって、そして私どもにとって、特別なものにしてくださいました。

Volunteering at Assumption Soup Kitchen Part 2 (アサンプション・スープ・キッチンでのボランティア活動)

A few days before my birthday, I felt an urge to give back, so I decided to volunteer once again at Assumption Soup Kitchen. This place holds a special place in my heart, especially because of the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to help those in need. Their unwavering commitment is truly inspiring and makes every moment spent there meaningful.

As we gathered in the kitchen, we dove right into prepping a delicious curry soup featuring fish balls and radish—one of our favorites. The aroma of fresh ingredients filled the air as we chopped radishes with care, knowing they would add a wonderful flavor to the dish. We also incorporated tofu and meat, making it a hearty meal to nourish those who rely on our services.

Once the food was prepared and distributed, we returned to the kitchen to tidy up. Armed with a powerful Benma high-pressure cleaner, we set to work cleaning the entire area. It was a bit of a workout, and I had to be particularly cautious while maneuvering the equipment. With the high pressure, even a slight miscalculation could lead to pain or injury—definitely not something I wanted to experience, especially right before my birthday!

Reflecting on the day, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Not only did we serve a warm meal to those in need, but we also ensured the kitchen was spotless for the next group of volunteers. It’s days like these that remind me of the importance of community and the joy of giving back, making my upcoming birthday even more meaningful.

私の誕生日の数日前、私は何かを返したいという気持ちを抱き、再びアサンプションスープキッチンでボランティアをすることに決めました。この場所は私の心の特別な場所であり、特に必要としている人々を助けるために時間とエネルギーを捧げる素晴らしいボランティアたちの存在が大きな理由です。彼らの揺るぎない献身は本当に感動的で、そこにいるすべての瞬間を意味のあるものにしてくれます。

キッチンに集まると、私たちは魚団子と大根を使った美味しいカレーの準備に取りかかりました。新鮮な食材の香りが空気を満たし、大根を丁寧に切ることで料理に素晴らしい風味を加えることができるとわかっていました。さらに、豆腐と肉も加え、私たちのサービスを必要とする人々に栄養を与えるボリュームのある食事を作りました。

食事が準備され、配布された後、私たちはキッチンを片付けるために戻りました。強力なベンマ高圧洗浄機を手にして、全体を掃除する作業に取り掛かりました。少し運動にもなり、機器を扱う際には特に注意が必要でした。高圧のため、ほんの少しのミスでも痛みや怪我につながる可能性があるため、特に誕生日の前には体験したくないことでした。

その日のことを振り返ると、深い満足感を感じました。必要としている人々に温かい食事を提供できただけでなく、次のボランティアグループのためにキッチンを清潔に保つこともできました。こうした日々が、コミュニティの重要性と奉仕する喜びを思い出させてくれ、私の誕生日をさらに意味深いものにしてくれます。

Volunteering at Assumption Soup Kitchen (アサンプション・スープ・キッチンでのボランティア活動)

We began the day by peeling and carefully cutting the potatoes into small, uniform cubes, knowing that these would form the base of a hearty curry we were preparing for the needy. The dish, a comforting blend of potatoes and okra, would provide nourishment and warmth to those who needed it most. With the help of Brother Louis, we worked efficiently to ensure that the food was ready to be distributed on time. Throughout the process, we didn’t just focus on cooking; we also took part in cleaning and organizing the kitchen, ensuring that everything was left spotless before we departed the soup kitchen. The sense of fulfillment from contributing in both small and big ways was deeply satisfying, and the experience left us with a strong sense of community and purpose. 

私たちは、困っている人々のために用意しているボリューム満点のカレーの基盤となるジャガイモを、小さく均等な立方体に皮をむいて丁寧に切ることから一日を始めました。この料理は、ジャガイモとオクラの心温まるブレンドで、最も必要としている人々に栄養と温もりを提供します。ルイ兄弟の助けを借りて、私たちは食事を時間通りに配布できるよう効率的に作業しました。プロセス全体を通して、料理をすることだけでなく、キッチンの掃除や整理にも参加し、スープキッチンを出る前にすべてを spotless に保つことを心がけました。小さなことでも大きなことでも貢献できたという満足感は深く、私たちに強いコミュニティ意識と目的意識を与えてくれる経験でした。

Appreciation of UNHCR's activities (UNHCRの活動に対する評価)

 It was a day filled with appreciation when I received a letter from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR is a United Nations agency dedicated to protecting and supporting refugees and, in certain cases, internally displaced persons. I remember the day I was invited to donate for UNHCR, and the fliers and letter I received today reminded me of their best efforts for the refugees. 

The primary mandate of UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. Refugees are individuals who have been forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, war, or violence. UNHCR works to ensure that refugees are provided with basic human rights and protection. This includes the right to seek asylum, access to healthcare, education, and the right to work. The organization provides essential humanitarian assistance to refugees, including shelter, food, water, and healthcare. They often work in collaboration with governments and other humanitarian organizations. UNHCR seeks durable solutions for refugees, which typically involve one of three options: voluntary repatriation to their home country when it becomes safe, local integration into the host country, or resettlement in a third country. UNHCR engages in advocacy and diplomatic efforts to promote international cooperation and support for refugees. They work with governments, NGOs, and other partners to address the root causes of displacement and to find lasting solutions. UNHCR plays a crucial role in responding to emergencies, such as conflict or natural disasters, that result in the displacement of people. They provide rapid assistance to meet the immediate needs of those affected. UNHCR also works to prevent and reduce statelessness, advocating for legal frameworks and policies that protect individuals from becoming stateless. 

The organization operates globally, working in various regions to address the diverse challenges faced by refugees. UNHCR is funded by voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, and the private sector. The work of UNHCR is critical in addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations and finding sustainable solutions to their plight.

Volunteering at Persatuan Kebajikan Rakan Lutheran in Selangor, Malaysia August 2023 (マレーシア、セランゴール州のペルサトゥアン・ケバジカン・ラカン・ルーテルでのボランティア活動 2023年8月)

Nothing is more special than spending time and sharing blessings with less fortunate individuals. It was a bright sunny day in Selangor, Malaysia that we were given the chance to spread love and kindness to the humble and well-brought-up kids at Persatuan Kebajikan Rakan Lutheran. Persatuan Kebajikan Rakan Lutheran is a charity organization with orphaned kids with mainly Indian community. While I and my friend were volunteering with the Soup Kitchen activity the other day, we happened to come across and had a chance to speak with Ms. Hasna, our newly found friend from Saudi Arabia. It was a great opportunity to meet and have found a supportive friend from the Middle Eastern part of Asia.  We showed her the materials and foods that we would be using at the orphanage and also shared the location after we arrived.

We first did the Paper Tower Game wherein the kids were asked to collaborate and build the highest tower they could build with the help of the recycled papers we provided to them. It was nice to see the team work of the kids with smile on their faces. 

We also introduced the Welcome to the World game and we had the opportunity to learn more from Saudi Arabia's culture and traditions too in addition to Japan's. 

While we were doing the Thanksgiving Plate activity, I took a hidden shot of my friend and later shared the photo with her recognizing her dedication with the paper plate game/activity. The kids also were given the chance to explain and expound why they chose the photos on their plate and why they were thankful of those selected photos too. 

 Indeed, it was a memorable and exciting experience for us. A donation was also provided to the head of Lutheran Orphanage to express our gratitude for us to have the opportunity to share our blessings with the orphaned kids. 

Volunteering at Hiroshima from July 22-23, 2023 (2023年7月22日～23日広島でボランティア)

I was given the opportunity to take part and collaborate with an organization called Miyagi Recovery Assistance Center of Miyagi. Their organization was founded four days after the March 11th, 2011 Earthquake that devastated the Tohoku Region and have organized efforts in the Miyagi Prefecture, the Fukushima Prefecture and the Iwate Prefecture to assist with recovery efforts and to provide emotional/psychological support to the children who have been affected by the disaster.

Many children were affected psychologically by the aftermath of the 2011 Disaster. As an attempt to re-instill hope and happiness in the lives of children in Japan, their organization began organizing this International Cultural Exchange English Camp from 2012, involving 100 elementary school children and 30 volunteers from across the world. Up until the year of 2016, we held camps in Miyagi, Tokyo, Saitama and Kanagawa. Thanks to the continued support we’ve gotten from across Japan, we now hold camps in Fukushima, Shizuoka, Aichi and Osaka as well. Hundreds of children participate in our camps every year, and a portion of the money raised annually is used to continue hosting these camps. (We also invite 10 children from the regions affected by the disaster free of charge) We continue to host these events for many reasons:

1. To invite children who live in temporary housing or have been forced to relocate from their homes due to the natural disaster to our camps for free

2. To hold international exchange events in elementary schools

3. To remind the community of the reality concerning natural disasters in Japan

4. To encourage cultural exchange and internationalization

It was a great experience to be part of their amazing programs and for this reason, when I heard that they were short of volunteers during that time, I reached out and decided to visit the beautiful place of Hiroshima to give a helping hand. We did many exciting activities including exchanging name cards, playing with water gun, bonfire and many more. Before we started the day, we had a meeting with other Japanese and international volunteer leaders. After the discussion and prepping up, we ended the meeting hand stacking our hands. 

We started off with checking the number of kids and gathering all of them inside the camp's gym. 

We also learned from the presentation slides prepared by the camp's staff as part of safety and protocols. We also were notified of the insects to be aware and careful for when we have activities outside. 

 

After the orientation, we did our first activity of exchanging name cards with other kids and groups. This helped to break the ice among the volunteers and also the staffs and kids. After the said activity, we had our lunch together. 

Afterwards, we head over to the next activity which was the water gun activity. All the kids had a blast and all of us were really wet, indeed. 

We also had a bonfire with kids and danced with some English songs too. 

After the bonfire activity, we had a scary and spooky night with kids wherein we wore some scary outfits. Haha. I think I did an excellent job on this one. 😂

After all the activities that we took part in, we made sure that the room was tidy and that the bed sheet, mattress and pillows were properly arranged. 

After all the activities that we took part in, we made sure that the room was tidy and that the bed sheet, mattress and pillows were properly arranged.