People Helping People
Sustainable community impact through hands-on action
You can gain international experience, develop leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful change
37 years
Growing and serving Kyoto and the world together!
Giving 100% Back
It’s all about community!
1000+ Lives
impacted weekly
rain or shine!
Meet Mr. Hori
Kozmoz Hero of the Month
Mr. Hori is over 70 years old and wants to make sure his time here counts. Mr Hori doesn’t post about what oughta be done, he just pulls up his socks n makes it happen. People helping people.
Community Impact
Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. We’ve built a model that impacts lives today, not tomorrow. No politics, no bureaucracy, just love and elbow grease. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves?
Being part of the community
Make an Impact Today
Volunteer – Jump right in with hands-on community work. No experience required—just energy and willingness to help. Perfect for short-term participants who want to contribute meaningfully while exploring Kyoto
Build Real Leadership Skills
Internship – Learn from and lead projects that create real change through communication and cultural understanding. Discover the best of both Japanese and international perspectives.
What Really Matters After All
Research – Every meaningful change starts with understanding real human needs. Learn to listen, connect, and identify solutions that actually work—skills that will guide you to your best life.
My time with Kozmoz in Kyoto was amazing. I learned so much experiencing a new culture and my three months with Kozmoz completely changed how I think about the social problems we face. Truly sustainable impact comes from understanding causes and empowering communities, not just giving handouts. Now I’m applying these principles in my career and personal life.
Scarlett Taylor, North Carolina State University
I interned for one year in 1997 in Kyoto. Being Japanese, many of the concepts that Kozmoz was promoting initially felt foreign to me, however over time I began to realize how those concepts were represented in my traditional culture and need to be brought back. I still help with Kozmoz projects and keep in close contact with many of my colleagues. My success is in no small part thanks to the things that I learned and experienced during my internship.
Hirotake Yamanouchi, business man Tokyo
As seen on Netflix’s, “Somebody Feed Phil“
Watch the episode! https://www.netflix.com/title/80146601
Season 7, Episode 3, Title: “Kyoto”
Released: March 1, 2024
Runtime: 46 minutes
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
Q: How does Kozmoz Kyoto help the community?
A: Kozmoz Kyoto operates programs like the Kozmoz Food Bank, which provides weekly food support to nearly 1,000 people in Kyoto and Kansai. Through internships, volunteer projects, and social enterprise initiatives, we create sustainable solutions that address community needs without relying on government funding.
Q: How can I volunteer with Kozmoz?
A: You can join our volunteer team in Kyoto or Kansai to help with food distribution, community outreach, and assist in social enterprises that provide over 90% of the funding for these programs. No experience is required — just energy and a willingness to serve others.
Q: What is the Kozmoz Food Bank?
A: The Kozmoz Food Bank collects and distributes surplus food to aid groups, families, seniors, and individuals in need in Japan. We partner with local businesses and community members to ensure that nothing goes to waste and that every delivery brings hope.
Q: Do you offer internships in Japan?
A: Yes, our internship program in Kyoto offers hands-on experience in community service, leadership, and social enterprise. Interns work on real projects that create measurable impact while learning about Japanese culture.
Q: How is Kozmoz funded?
A: Over 90% of our budget comes from Kozmoz-operated social enterprises, allowing us to remain independent from government funding. This approach ensures flexibility, sustainability, and direct accountability to the community we serve.
Q: Can I support Kozmoz without being in Japan?
A: Absolutely. You can contribute through online donations, spreading the word in media about our work like Netflix’s Phil Rosenthal or Sankei News did, or partnering with us for international projects. Every contribution or supportive word helps help people directly and educate people about social enterprise.