Volunteer Staff Recruitment

The Japan Chess Federation engages in a wide range of activities with the aim of promoting and developing chess in Japan, including the planning and operation of tournaments and events, rating management, publication of its official magazine, and streaming. All of these initiatives are supported entirely by volunteers, with approximately 30 staff members of diverse ages, genders, and chess backgrounds working together while sharing the common goal of “bringing the joy of chess to more people.” As our activities are primarily conducted online, one of the key features of our organization is that volunteers can participate from anywhere, working remotely from home.

 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japan Chess Federation has seen rapid growth: our membership has surpassed 1,000, and the total number of tournament participants has exceeded 1,600. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of chess in Japan (as of the end of 2025). At the same time, however, the number of people supporting the Federation’s operations has not kept pace with this expansion, and new cooperation is essential in order to continue our activities in a stable manner beyond 2026. For this reason, we are seeking individuals—starting with our members and players, as well as anyone who wishes to support the continued growth and further development of the Japanese chess community—to join us as volunteer staff. No chess strength or tournament experience is required; we welcome those who are willing to support our activities from an operational and administrative perspective.

 

To make it easier for more people to participate, we have made the following changes compared to our previous volunteer staff recruitment:

• Streamlining and reducing the workload of assigned tasks
• Expanding staff benefits (including free tournament entry fees and additional new benefits)
• Simplifying the onboarding process

For further details, please review the recruitment guidelines below and consider applying.

 

In addition to updating our volunteer staff recruitment, we have also launched new opportunities to recruit operational members on a tournament-by-tournament basis, as well as internship positions offered for a limited period of several months. Even if it is difficult for you to commit as a long-term volunteer staff member, you can still participate in a way that fits your circumstances. We encourage you to consider applying for these opportunities as well.

• “Organizing Committee Member Recruitment” (tournament-based positions)
• “Short-Term Internship Recruitment” (positions for a limited period of several months)

 

We would be delighted if you would take this opportunity to join our volunteer staff in expanding the chess community in Japan. We sincerely look forward to receiving your application.

 

Volunteer Staff Recruitment Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for volunteer staff positions are expected to be able to communicate effectively in Japanese and to use text-based communication smoothly on a PC or smartphone.

 

Overview of Responsibilities (Examples)

The following are examples of typical responsibilities. In addition to these, there are various other tasks available. Specific assignments will be discussed and adjusted during the interview, taking into account your preferences, availability, and circumstances, so that you can contribute in a reasonable and sustainable way. All tasks can generally be handled with a time commitment of approximately five hours per month (*), and can be carried out remotely from home.

(*) The required time commitment may vary slightly depending on the month or circumstances, but adjustments can be made in advance through consultation.

• Email Correspondence
  Responding to and organizing emails sent to official Federation addresses
• Document Review and Editing
  Reviewing and editing written materials published by the Federation, such as CHESS Magazine and tournament regulations
• Data Management
  Organizing various types of data, including rating-related information, using spreadsheets
• Web and Social Media Updates
  Publishing submitted content on the Federation’s website and official X account

 

Volunteer Staff Benefits

Volunteer staff members are offered the following benefits:

• Free annual membership in the Japan Chess Federation
• Free tournament entry fees (excluding the Japan Team Chess Championship)
• Honorarium provided Honorarium provided (from JPY 3,000 per month, determined based on assigned duties and workload)
• Free access to archived YouTube membership-exclusive broadcasts
• Free admission to Chess Center UENO

 

How to Apply

Please submit your application using the Google Form below.

Japan Chess Federation Volunteer Staff Application Form

 

Application Process

After submitting your application, we will determine eligibility for joining our volunteer staff through the following process:

1. Online interview (approximately 30 minutes)
   We will discuss the specific tasks and your preferred level of involvement.
2. The Federation will review applications and determine whether to proceed.
3. If accepted:
   • Written training on information handling and related policies
   • Approximately one-month trial period
   • Formal onboarding as a volunteer staff member