About the role#
Japan Society seeks a volunteer intern for the Winter 2027 term. This role supports the Performing Arts Program, which presents Japanese theater, dance, and music events. You will gain insight into how cultural organizations operate, manage international collaborative projects, and maintain extensive archives of Japanese performance.
What you'll do#
- Assist with preparations for performances, workshops, and events.
- Help develop and carry out outreach strategies for marketing and promotion.
- Prepare documents for visa applications, project proposals, and related paperwork.
- Support front-of-house operations during events.
- Maintain Performing Arts archives, databases, and press files.
- Handle daily administrative tasks such as filing, mailings, and copying.
- Provide proofreading support and translation assistance if you are fluent in Japanese.
What you'll need#
- Strong communication, writing, and proofreading skills.
- An interest in the performing arts.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience with social marketing tools and video editing software is a plus, as is fluency in Japanese.
- Pursuing studies in Communications, Marketing, or Media Studies is helpful.
Location & details#
- This internship is based in New York City and requires on-site work.
- The term runs from January through May 2027 for 18 to 22 weeks.
- A minimum of 2 days per week is required, preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays, with some evening hours for scheduled events.
- This is an unpaid internship.
- Commuting costs from the tri-state area are reimbursed.
- College internship credit is available.
- Interns receive free or reduced-priced admission to Japan Society programs and free admission to select New York City museums.
About Japan Society
Japan Society is a nonprofit organization based in New York. It was founded in 1907. The organization produces content about Japan for English-speaking audiences. It hosts over 100 events every year across programs like film, education, and the performing arts. The staff size ranges from 11 to 50 employees.
How to get in at Japan Society
Applying early to Japan Society gives you a better chance of being seen before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can be among the first to submit your materials. This timing is often the difference between a review and a missed opportunity. You can use Intern Insider to identify the recruiters behind these roles, allowing you to reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Connecting with a human contact at Japan Society often improves your response rate compared to applying into a general queue.


