[Update] One Week In, We’ve Surpassed ¥1.91 Million — Reflecting on the Anniversary of the Nagasaki Bombing

Greetings, everyone — thank you, as always, for your warm support!

One week has passed since we launched our Western Japan Study Tour crowdfunding campaign, “Living Kindly with Neighbors,” and we have already surpassed ¥1.91 million in total support from 130 generous donors. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

August 9th, marks 81 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

On August 6th, the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, we shared an update about Thomas Mathew, who graduated from ARI in 1988. Hearing testimonies in Hiroshima during his own Western Japan Study Tour changed the course of his life, and carry the baton of peace forward into the world.

(Read the full story via link/bio: https://syncable.biz/campaign/10070/report/14121#campaign-tabs)

In our activity report, we share the message left by Mr. Steven Leeper, former Chairman of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, who attended our 2023 entrance ceremony celebrating our 50th anniversary.

https://syncable.biz/campaign/10070/report/14136#campaign-tabs

We will continue our challenge toward the Next Goal of ¥2.2 million through September 30th. We are deeply grateful to be able to deliver this learning opportunity together with all of you.

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