Oikawa Izumi: Japanese University Student on the Front Lines of Refugee Aid in Japan

A resident applies thanaka, a type of skin lotion used in Myanmar, to Oikawa’s face.

Oikawa on her first day at the refugee center teaches Japanese to a resident from Africa. She was introduced to the shelter by NGO head Urushibara Hiroshi, who helped guide the facility through the difficult funding application process.

Oikawa, right, speaks at a seminar about her other work at Arrupe.

Oikawa looked after the young daughter of a resident for 10 days straight while the mother was in the hospital, including making the girl’s bentō.

Oikawa plays with the daughter of a resident at the Arrupe Refugee Center.