Support International Exchange in Japan With Red Supporters

Short answer: Red Look runs its events for free or for a small fee, so the place only keeps going if some people help hold it up. Red Supporters is a way to do that for ¥1,500 a month (a ¥1,000 donation plus ¥500 for running the Supporters program) — even if you can't come every time, and whatever your language level.

I'm Eric (Yutaro Akami), founder of NPO Red Look. Here is why we started Red Supporters, where the money goes, and a few things I want to be upfront about.

Many people wanted to help — more than we could take on as staff

Within about a year of becoming a registered nonprofit, we received a lot of applications from people who wanted to join as volunteer staff — around 60 in one six-month stretch, at the busiest point.

Volunteer staff run things every week, and there is a limit to how many people we can bring on in that role. We had to say no to more people than we wanted to.

At the same time, as our activities grew, we increasingly needed people who could help just on the day of an event. We wanted a way for anyone who wants to build this place with us — whatever their time, experience, or skills — to be part of it. That is Red Supporters.

Why this matters if you were once the newcomer

Many people who come to Red Look arrived in Japan, or abroad, not knowing anyone. One of the principles we work by is: those who were supported welcome the next person.

If a small event once helped you feel less alone here, Red Supporters is one way to make sure the next newcomer finds that same place.

What one event costs

Our September 2026 event in Sagamihara, held with the support of Sagamihara City (Sagamihara Global Future Session 2026), cost about ¥70,000. Most of that was the venue, printed materials, and tools, plus smaller costs such as thank-you fees for speakers.

Everyone at Red Look, including me, works unpaid, and most events are free to attend. For us, ¥70,000 for one event is a lot.

Where the ¥1,500 goes

The money goes to running the organization and our events, and to supporting international learning.

Two ways to take part

You can switch between these at any time.

• Support only. Your fee helps keep the place running. Whether you come to events is up to you.
• Take on a small role when you can. For example: reception and guiding people, welcoming first-timers, planning events, translation, or assisting the event host.

Helping on the day is also one of the easiest ways to make friends here — you work alongside the same people again and again. (We wrote about that in Lonely in Japan?)

If you want to be involved every week, see our volunteer staff roles.

Things to know before you join

• Payment: a monthly credit card payment through Stripe. If you prefer bank transfer, contact us.
• Cancel anytime: just message us on Slack or by email.
• Not tax-deductible: Red Look aims to become a certified NPO in the future, but it is not one now, so fees and donations are not eligible for Japan's donation tax deduction.
• It's new: we only just started, so we don't have supporter stories to share yet. When we do, we will share them with each person's consent.

FAQ

Do I need to speak Japanese or English to become a supporter?

No. Supporting financially is enough, and some on-the-day roles, like setting up, need very little language.

Do I have to attend events?

No. It is completely up to you.

Can I cancel?

Yes, anytime, by Slack or email.

Is it tax-deductible in Japan?

No. Red Look is not currently a certified NPO, so fees and donations are not eligible for the donation tax deduction.

Sources

• Red Look, Red Supporters (fee, breakdown, and payment details)

Join now, or talk with us first

You can sign up right away, or send a short form (3–5 minutes) to talk with us online before you decide. Trying our free weekly online exchange first is welcome too.