Food for all people
Second Harvest Japan distributes food to soup kitchens, orphanages, the elderly, emergency shelters, single mothers, the homeless, migrant workers, and many others. Come inside to learn more about the first food bank in Japan.
Our Name
Second Harvest Japan is the new name for what used to be Food Bank Japan.
We’re still the same organization with the same people—just the name has changed.
Read more about the history of Second Harvest Japan.
Donate
At a non-profit organization like Second Harvest Japan, every donation helps.
Learn how you can get involved.
About this site
Please read the colophon for information about the Second Harvest site itself.
Latest News
Monday, June 15, 2009
Volunteer Interview No.1
2HJ is holding an interview relay involving volunteers who are active in the Friday and Saturday programs. The premier interview features Mr. Yoshiyuki Watanabe who is one of our regular volunteers on both Fridays and Saturdays.
Former principal’s motto is “Let’s have fun!”
Yoshiyuki Watanabe, 69, has a nickname of “Sensei (teacher)” because he was a principal in Tokyo before he retired nine years ago. In his 37-year career in teaching, he worked at a Japanese continuation school in New York as well. It was a news show on TV-Asahi broadcast in April, 2008, that he learned about 2HJ.
The first volunteer work he did at 2HJ was to deliver food with Mr.Haijima, one of 2HJ staff who happened to be his pupil. Later, he helped with food delivery to care facilities. And now, Watanabe joins preparation for the soup kitchen every Friday and the soup kitchen activities on Saturdays. On Friday, he cuts vegetable all day long, and on Saturday, he sets up the working area so that other volunteers can work smoothly. He also shares his “grandpa’s knowledge” about how to handle kitchen tools and food.
“I am so happy that I can do things for others, while learning something new. It’s also nice to be able to meet various people,” Watanabe says cheerfully. He hopes that more people can help each other by having the spirit of “co-existence.” In order to do so, “we have to enjoy doing volunteer work,“ he says.
“I’m hoping that 2HJ establishes a nationwide network sometime soon,” says Watanabe who sat in on a food bank meeting held in Yamanashi. After he and 2HJ staff delivered food donated from companies in Tokyo, the car became full of potatoes and turnips from Yamanashi on the way home. Watanabe says that 2HJ faces some challenges, such as securing more drivers and cars, but his dream is growing as he warmly watches young leaders grow.
Latest Event
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
2HJ will have a booth at Eco-Products 2008!
During the upcoming three days in December, Dec 11th, 12th, and 13, 2HJ will have a booth at Eco-Products 2008, an environment-friendly products expo, at Tokyo International Exhibition Center “TOKYO BIG SIGHT”. Our foodbanking’s supreme goal is to feed those in need. But lately more and more attentions are also paid to its effect of reducing food waste. A third of foods in Japan is thrown away everyday. For the purpose of making full use of the energy used for producing and marketing the food foodbanking is a very effective alternative. It also can contribute to the reduction of disposal energy of foods. Please come to Eco-Products 2008 and take a close look at our activities!
Eco-Products 2008
Dates: Dec 11th, 12th, and 13th, 2008,
Time: 10:00 to 18:00 (Thursday and Friday), 10:00 to 17:00 (Saturday)
Location: Tokyo International Exhibition Center “TOKYO BIG SIGHT” (East Hall 14, NPO/NGO section)
Free Admission