Since its founding in 1973, ARI has welcomed 1,472 graduates from 63 countries. The countries with the highest number of graduates include India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Notably, these are also countries that suffered deep scars from Japan’s invasion during World War II.
The late Rev. Toshihiro Takami, one of the founders of ARI, previously served at the Southeast Asia Course (SEAC) of the Theological Seminary for Rural Mission —the predecessor to ARI. There, he met participants from Taiwan, South Korea, Myanmar, and the Philippines who had personally experienced harm inflicted by Japanese soldiers. Though some had seen their loved ones killed before their eyes, bore bayonet wounds on their bodies, or had lost hearing in one ear from beatings, they all spoke of their experiences calmly, with gentle expressions on their faces. In his writings, Rev. Takami reflected that he received their stories with a profound sense of solemnity and gratitude rather than mere pain. This pivotal encounter later led to the establishment of ARI—a school dedicated to teaching servant leadership under the motto “That We May Live Together”.
Every year, as the first destination of the WJST, participants visit the seminary. There, they connect with the Institute’s roots, tour the farm, and engage in meaningful fellowship.
Even as memories of the war fade, we remain committed to confronting our responsibility as a nation that inflicted harm, guided by the Peace Declaration we issued last year.
Asian Rural Institute Peace Declaration -On the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II: https://ari.ac.jp/en/ari-peace-declaration-80th-anniv-of-end-of-wwii/
■ We’re currently running a crowdfunding campaign! (~September 30th)
Please support our WJST 2026.
https://ari.ac.jp/en/campaign/update
■ Meet ARI’s current participants!
Check out our Stories on SNS to watch their self-introduction videos and support their Western Japan Study Tour!
