Participant Introduction-Momoko (Japan)

I have been working in the corporate world for nearly 20 years, but I have come to question my life of daily consumption, and want to contribute to the next generation and even further generations to come.
The climate has changed dramatically over the past few years, and I imagine that no matter what crises occur, eating will continue to be an essential part of our lives, and will become more and more a common issue for all of us.
I would like to think about the problems of people who live in different environments and have different values, and the facts behind consumption, not with a textbook understanding that is far removed from my own, but with the reality of the situation, and explore how we can “live together” here at ARI.
In addition, I would like to enhance my expertise through practical skills in organic farming and animal husbandry, and deepen my learning to resolve issues close to where I am now, such as how to raise funds and how to make production sites attractive to people in an environment suffering from a labor shortage.
After graduation, in addition to establishing a model farm, I would like to create a program that conveys the concept of taking life through practice.
I will also work on composting toilets and using solar energy. My hope for the future is to enrich the local community through a sustainable approach, by strengthening my resolve to fully see nature, and by conveying a spirit of mutual hand-holding. I hope to realize a wide range of activities that interest me.

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.

クリスマス・ウィンターキャンペーン 2025
Christmas and Winter Donation Campaign