Wondering how best to spend a few months in Japan

[fleon]

I lived in Japan 4 years, 34 years ago! I still miss it and regret ever having left! I console myself by carving Netsuke and am studying to achieve JLPT N2 . I would like to go back to Japan for a few months to improve my Japanese but at 69 years old ,though in good shape, I feel too old for a homestay or work. I would like to study something in Japanese with Japanese people rather than go to a Japanese school for foreigners where most students wont speak good Japanese. Any ideas?

 

[Uncle Frank]

I left 50 years ago and still miss Japan. Hope you get some good ideas and make it back.

 

[Majestic]

Hello @fleon , you can self-support, I assume?

I did a quick search and found a netsuke-making course. The time for this particular course has past, but maybe they are planning more courses next year. The orange button midway down the site is for enquiries. Maybe they will take an enquiry in English.

美の彫刻　根付教室 | 池袋コミュニティ・カレッジ

海外では浮世絵と並び称される日本の芸術「根付」。実用できる貴方だけの根付を造ってみましょう。初めは、すぐに仕上がる簡単な携帯ストラップに挑戦。その後、本格的な根付をデザイン、制作していきます。ストラップは象牙、根付は黄楊にて制作。道具の使い方から始まり、根付の命である「紐通し穴」の造り方など詳しく分かり易い指導をします。 ----- 前田　中：リアリズム溢れる昆虫、植物などの作風を得意とする。高円宮家収蔵作品多数。'01年 文部科学大臣奨励賞受賞、'04年 高円宮賞受賞、'08年...

cul.7cn.co.jp

You have any other interests? Ukiyoe might be another option.

Carve Your Own Ukiyo-e Art: Where to Learn Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing

The future of traditional Japanese woodblock prints and where to try your hand at making your own in Tokyo. Start from scratch or use pre-made woodblocks.

www.tokyoweekender.com

There is also a western ukiyoe artist living and working in Asakusa (if I'm not mistaken). He may offer a similar course. It may not be a direct hit in terms of your interests, but it might be an interesting way to spend some months in Japan while meeting other Japanese people and possibly expanding your Japanese vocabulary/chops.

 

[mdchachi]

Here's an article about volunteering in Japan.

Everything You Need to Know about Volunteering in Japan | 2022 Guide

If you're looking for a FULL guide on how to volunteer in Japan, this is it. Check out everything you NEED to know!

www.thebrokebackpacker.com