\\ ARI’s 50th anniversary echoes loudly! Today, Thursday, September 28, 9:40AM Japanese radio program “OH! HAPPY MORNING” interview onair //

In two newspaper articles published on Monday, September 25, Director, Tomoko Arakawa, spoke about ARI’s goal of peace.

Our unwavering mission is to continue our spirit of sharing – both food and life with all who come to ARI. Peace at ARI is best experienced through this perspective of placing importance in “eating” and “living”. The seeds of ARI’s peace are planted and shared by “servant leaders” (leaders who serve) who practice “equality” and “deep listening” which we hope will take root in rural communities around the world.

Raimei Sho, an editorial in the Shimotsuke Shimbun on September 26 (Tue.), introduced the founder, Toshihiro Takami, as an “indomitable fighter” whose passion has been passed on to the graduates and staff of the institute.

To share about this continued passion to reach out to rural communities, ARI staff, Kai Shinoda will also be interviewed about the 50th anniversary and crowdfunding efforts on the JFN radio program “OH! HAPPY MORNING” on Thursday, September 28 at 9:40 a.m.

https://audee.jp/program/show/27266

Summarized from Interview of Tomoko Arakawa, Shimotsuke Shimbun titled “50th Anniversary of ARI,” and lecture at Takasaki Church of the United Church of Christ Japan (UCCJ) on September 24 (Sunday), covered by Jomo Shimbun.

Men's Dormitory & Guest House

Participants and volunteers live in separate dormitories for men and women. The dormitory includes shared lounges, kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is not available.

Poultry House

The poultry facilities include free-range chicken coops and a brooding house. More than 400 chickens are raised, producing over 80,000 eggs and approximately one ton of chicken meat each year.

Pig Pen

Participants learn a variety of pig farming techniques through hands-on practice. Both deep-litter and concrete-floor systems are used, and manure is recycled into biogas and fertilizer.

Goat House

Goat milk (over 200 liters annually) and meat are used for food, while manure is used as fertilizer. During the day, the goats roam freely in the pasture.

Forest

The forests surrounding the campus are managed through selective thinning for firewood and charcoal production. Leaves and other organic materials are collected for use in agriculture.

Fields

On 2.5 hectares of farmland, approximately 100 varieties of vegetables and crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The entire community helps manage the fields as part of its commitment to learning and self-sufficiency.

Rice Paddies

Rice is cultivated in paddies both on and off campus. Various organic rice-growing methods are studied and practiced, including weed control and fertilization using ducks.

Workshop

The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.

Feed Mixing Room

Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.

Administration Building

The first floor houses the reception area and administrative offices, while the second floor contains staff offices and the Director’s office. The Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room) is located adjacent to the building.

ARI Shop

The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.

Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room)

The facility serves as the hub of agricultural activities at ARI. It includes classrooms, storage for tools and farming materials, and facilities for drying and storing crops.

Oikos Chapel

Originally a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse, the chapel has been renovated into a place of worship. Daily morning gatherings are held here, along with meditation, dialogue sessions, gospel choir practice, and other community activities. Oikos is a Greek word meaning “home.”

Manna House (Food Processing Room)

This facility is used for producing and storing processed foods such as cookies and jam. The ground floor also contains a poultry processing facility.

Fish Ponds

Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.

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