Across Japan, countless nonprofits step in where support is often missing—human healthcare, food security, children education, and child welfare. These nonprofits in Japan work with low-income families, children facing illnesses, and households struggling with rising food prices. As the cost of living continues to climb, the role of these non-profit organizations becomes even more vital.
If you’re searching for the best charities to donate to in Japan that focus on human healthcare, food support, education, and helping children, this non-profit organizations list highlights 10 NPOs that consistently create real change. Whether you want to donate money or simply understand how non-profit organizations in Japan operate, these groups make it easy to get involved and donate.
Top Non-Profit Organizations in Japan
| Organization | What They Do | Big Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Narayan Seva Sansthan Japan ISH | Human Healthcare & Differently-Abled Support | Empower and Heal programs offering medical care, vocational training, and over 450,000 free corrective surgeries |
| UNICEF Japan | Children Rights & Human Healthcare | Supported major community healthcare initiatives |
| Save the Children Japan | Children Poverty & Food Security | Found that 90% of low-income families struggle with hunger |
| Second Harvest Japan | Food Security | A key force in Japan’s SDG 12.3 food-loss progress |
| Mirai no Mori | Children Education & Empowerment | Reached 90 kids through summer education programs |
| Ashinaga | Children Education for Orphans | Supported more than 95,000 students |
| The Nippon Foundation | Education & Human Healthcare | Global education and welfare initiatives |
| Good Neighbors Japan | Children Education & Human Healthcare | Supports children across Asia, Africa, and Japan |
| YouMeWe NPO | Children Education in Foster Care | Practical life and digital skill-building for foster children |
| Shine On! Kids | Human Healthcare for Children | Expanding hospital programs to support young patients |
Details About the Top 10 NPOs in Japan
1. Narayan Seva Sansthan Japan ISH (Ippan Shadan Hojin)
Narayan Seva Sansthan Japan is a well-established non profit organization in Japan focused on human healthcare for differently-abled adults and children. Their work includes free corrective surgeries, vocational training, and rehabilitation services. Over the years, they’ve transformed more than 1.2 million lives through surgeries, prosthetics, and training, earning global recognition for non-profit impact. If you want to donate to an NPO in Japan with a long and reliable track record, this group is a strong choice.
2. UNICEF Japan
UNICEF Japan protects children rights and runs education and human healthcare programs around the world. With support from Japan, they’ve helped rebuild schools, strengthen community healthcare systems, and reduce malnutrition. Their reach spans millions of children. Anyone planning to donate money to a non-profit organization in Japan focused on helping children will find UNICEF Japan dependable.
3. Save the Children Japan
Save the Children Japan focuses on child poverty, food security, education, and human healthcare. Their national survey revealed a troubling fact: 90% of low-income families in Japan struggle with food costs. To help, they distribute essentials to single-parent households and continue advocating for free school lunches. This organization is a practical option for donors wanting to help children directly.
4. Second Harvest Japan
Second Harvest Japan has been tackling food security since 2002 as the nation’s first major food bank. By passing surplus food to schools, shelters, and low-income families, they’ve become a major contributor to Japan’s SDG 12.3 achievement. With more than 50 million meals delivered, this non-profit organization in Japan is ideal for anyone wishing to support food security efforts.
5. Mirai no Mori
Mirai no Mori provides outdoor programs and personal development opportunities for children who have faced abuse or orphanhood. Their summer camp reached 90 kids with mentorship and life-skills training. More than 1,500 children have experienced their programs so far. If you want to support children’s education through hands-on experiences, this Japan NPO is a fitting place to donate.
6. Ashinaga
Ashinaga assists orphaned students and children with differently-abled parents by offering counseling, scholarships, and long-term guidance. Since 1993, they’ve supported over 95,000 students. Their mission helps young people continue their education and build stronger futures.
7. The Nippon Foundation
The Nippon Foundation uses motorboat racing revenue to fund education and human healthcare programs in Japan and abroad. Their global scholarships and welfare projects reach children and families everywhere. Frequently mentioned as one of the best charities to donate to in Japan, their impact is large and long-lasting.
8. Good Neighbors Japan
Good Neighbors Japan works throughout Asia, Africa, and Japan, supporting children’s education and human healthcare. Their programs help single-parent families with food assistance, and their school healthcare initiatives promote healthier childhood development.
9. YouMeWe NPO
YouMeWe NPO works with children in foster care, focusing on children education, digital literacy, communication skills, and everyday life preparation. Since 2018, they’ve helped foster children gain confidence and direction. This NPO provides clear opportunities for young people building a life after care.
10. Shine On! Kids
Shine On! Kids supports children undergoing cancer treatment with human healthcare programs including counseling and therapeutic play. Their services continue to expand into more hospitals, giving families relief during long medical stays. Their work makes a direct difference in children’s healthcare.
Why Donate to These Non-Profits in Japan Now?
Japan is home to more than 50,000 NPOs, many focused on human healthcare, food security, and children education. These non-profit organizations strengthen communities, support families, and create lasting opportunities for children. Whether you donate money once or choose ongoing support, your contribution matters. Explore this non-profit organizations list, donate now, and help bring positive change throughout Japan.

