Asia Rural Institute
アジア学院
Living kindly on wounded land
Support us in nurturing leaders who live in harmony with nature,
serve communities, and raise the next generation
March 14(Sat) Start-April 30(Thu)
Pass your hopes to the next leaders. Support us to connect hope.
ARI Nurtures Community Leaders
Who Live Gently on Wounded Land
We invite grassroots community leaders from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific
for a 9-month training program. Through multicultural coexistence and organic farming practices,
participants learn sustainable regional development methods.
Graduates return as "Servant Leaders" in harmony with nature,
leading environmental restoration, community development, and next-generation education.
This isn't just a distant story. The same is true here at ARI's farm. Rain, temperature, and insect cycles can no longer be accurately predicted. We now have to 'guess' when crops will grow well. And summer heat (especially in the afternoon) makes it impossible to work outside.
The climate crisis is well known, but honestly, we are exhausted by it and sometimes feel helpless.
That's why ARI has chosen 'A Time to Heal' as this year's theme to explore with supporters. By taking a 'healing' perspective, we can step back from the urgent situation and envision a time of regeneration.
'Healing' is needed not only for climate change but also for relationships with others in an increasingly divided society.
Through this year's campaigns and events, we want to explore various forms of 'healing' together with you.
Not to dominate people or nature, but to serve. To patiently wait for others' potential to blossom.
We nurture peacemakers who see the whole picture and honor the rhythms of nature and the mystery of life.
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up"Wounded land, divided society, exhausted hearts. Now is 'A Time to Heal.'
The rural leaders studying at ARI are sowing seeds of 'peace from the soil' around the world.
15th Kubota / Mainichi Earth Future Award Winner
ARI received the Grand Prize in the general category of this award, which honors organizations and individuals working to solve issues of 'food,' 'water,' and 'environment' facing the 21st century Earth.
Key Achievements Recognized
50 Years of Practice
Practicing 'Living with the Soil' alongside rural leaders from developing countries
Food Self-Sufficiency
Maintaining over 90% food self-sufficiency through pesticide-free organic integrated farming
Diverse Initiatives
Contributions to gender justice and peacebuilding
On February 14, 2026, the award ceremony and activity report presentation was held at Mainichi Shimbun Osaka headquarters,
where Principal Osamu Arakawa gave a presentation.
This award would not have been possible without your support. We express our heartfelt gratitude.
need support?
Organizations and individuals working in rural areas of developing countries rarely have the financial means to travel to Japan and study for 9 months.
The cost of studying at ARI is supported by your donations.
for a leader to study?
Per person
¥2M
Approximately
25 students/year
Annual budget
¥50M
world become?
60+
Countries
1,400+
Graduates
1M+
Lives impacted
One graduate
changes 1,000 lives
Alumni Activities
ARI graduates are sowing seeds of 'peace from the soil' around the world.
Kenny's Farm, to be visited during the Indonesia Study Tour 2026. Graduate Kenny runs this organic farm, practicing sustainable agriculture together with the local community.
Learn moreWorking on land rights issues for the indigenous people known as 'Adivasi.' They have lived in harmony with native forests for a thousand years, taking only what they need and always leaving something behind.
"They are the 'Last People.' Actually, they are the world's 'First People,' but here they are pushed to become last. I want to do something for the last people."
Stories of graduates active around the world will be updated regularly.
Over 1,400 graduates from 60+ countries are creating change in their communities.
ARI's Initiatives
Our practices for healing the wounded earth.
We practice pesticide-free, chemical-free organic farming. By composting pig and chicken manure and returning it to the fields, we maintain over 90% food self-sufficiency. Soil health leads to our health.
Through daily farm work, cooking, and cleaning, participants embody 'living together.' Working alongside people from different cultures and backgrounds, sharing meals, builds relationships that transcend divisions.
Through 9 months of training, we nurture 'servant leaders.' Graduates span over 60 countries, working on environmental restoration, community development, and peacebuilding in their regions.
At ARI, through 'living with the soil,' we learn harmony with nature, coexistence with others, and reconciliation with ourselves. This learning spreads worldwide through our graduates, becoming the power to heal wounded earth.
Donations to ARI are Tax Deductible
ARI is recognized as a "Public Interest Promotion Corporation."
Donations from supporters (individuals and corporations) qualify as specified donations
and are eligible for tax benefits under certain conditions.
Some local governments also allow individual resident tax deductions for donations.
Individual Donations
Up to ~50% deductible
Corporate Donations
Up to ~30% tax reduction
Payment Methods: Individuals and organizations can donate.
School Corporation Asia Rural Institute, Chairman Toshimasa Yamamoto
Take the First Step to Live Kindly on Wounded Land
Your donation nurtures leaders, heals wounded land, and supports the next generation.
Campaign: March 14 (Sat) - April 30 (Thu), 2026
Pass your hopes to the next leaders. We await your support.