Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2010

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a refugee camp? Well, you have the chance to find out this weekend. Refugees International Japan is hosting a nationwide series of events called Journey to Hope, in which mobile education centers fashioned out of recycled shipping containers offer a glimpse into the trials of refugee life. A variety of displays and performances recreate the experience of living in a camp for displaced persons, and visitors will be able to make “A Wish for Refugees,” tanabata-style. Donations are also accepted to support RIJ activities. Don’t miss it: this is probably—and hopefully—the closest you’ll ever come to being a refugee.

Oct 31, noon-4pm. Free. Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Myogadani or Gotokuji. For more information, see www.refugeesinternationaljapan.org or email refugeeexperience@
refugeesinternationaljapan.org.