In Japan, "meddlesome" guides seek confused tourists

Tokyo

ON Dec 23, 15 men and women clad in matching yellow jackets gathered at the pedestrian-only zone in Tokyo's Ginza district, where department stores and luxury brand shops are located. Printed on the back of their jackets are the words "Need some help?" in English and Chinese.

When these people find tourists who seem to have lost their way or seem to be bewildered, they quickly rush to them and ask: "What's wrong?" They are members of Osekkai (meddlesome) Japan, a volunteer organisation established in April last year. The volunteers go to places where many tourists gather, such as the Ginza, Asakusa and Tsukiji districts, about once a month and guide people or help as interpreters, even if they are not asked to do so.