On August 8, ARI participants sold cookies they made as part of their summer individual projects at the Ohinata Marche. Food processing is a popular project among many participants, as processing agricultural products extends their shelf life and adds value. In fact, many graduates have brought these skills back to their home communities to empower women and low-income households.
This year’s participants created their own brand called “5 Bread (Loaves) and 2 Fish” and experienced selling at the event as part of their practical learning.
The brand name comes from the biblical story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. For participants, the story represents the idea that even something small can become meaningful when it is shared and put to good use.
Proceeds from the sales will go toward funding the Western Japan Study Tour, in which they will participate.
These cookies are scheduled to appear at other events throughout the autumn, so please stay tuned!
■ 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!


















