About ARI

Greetings

The Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is an international leadership training organization with over 50 years of history. Guided by the belief that “developing local leaders is essential for the self-reliance of rural communities,” ARI has been training rural leaders from developing countries.

Each year, participants and volunteers from around 15 countries gather at its residential campus, where both classes and daily life are conducted in English. Surrounded by an organic farm and rich natural environment, ARI fosters a unique learning experience grounded in its motto, “That We May Live Together.”

General Info

Organization Name	Asian Rural Institute, Rural Leaders Training Center
Address	442-1 Tsukinokizawa, Nasushiobra-shi, Tochigi 329-2703, Japan
Chair of the Board	Rev. Toshimasa Yamamoto
Director	Osamu Arakawa
Associate Director	Yukiko Ôyanagi
General Manager	Kaori Sakuma Vero
Establishment	September 16, 1973
Subject	ARI’s core work is the training of rural leaders from Asia and Africa, alongside sustainable agriculture education and experiential learning programs for participants and professionals in Japan. Through community life grounded in organic farming, ARI nurtures leaders who contribute to building a peaceful and just society.
Objective	The objective of ARI is to cultivate grassroots leaders who contribute to improving livelihoods and fostering prosperity in rural communities across Asia and Africa, thereby helping to build a just and peaceful society. Specifically, ARI pursues this mission through the practice of sustainable agriculture, the development of leadership that promotes self-reliance, and the formation of a “learning community” where people from diverse backgrounds live and learn together.
Mission	The mission of the Asian Rural Institute is to build an environmentally healthy, jsut, and peaceful world, in which each person can live to his or her fullest potential. The mission is rooted in the love of Jesus Christ.
Motto	That We May Live Together

Staff & Board Members

Books & Documents

ARI's Vision

At the 50th anniversary celebration in 2023, ARI unveiled its slogan and vision. Each of the five outer areas contains five key concepts, and each of these contributes to realizing the central, shared dream.

Tap or click the icons to view descriptions of each area.

International Cooperation of ARI

Support endogenous development in developing countries without relying on external resources or personnel.

A defining feature of ARI’s work is that, rather than sending personnel or materials to developing countries to solve problems, it invites local leaders to Japan for training. After returning home, these leaders take the initiative in addressing challenges and fostering development within their own communities. This process lies at the heart of ARI’s work.

Nomination from Home Country

Candidates are selected and recommended by their local communities or grassroots organizations (sending bodies) for training in Japan. ARI reviews the applications and accepts selected candidates as participants.

Training at ARI

Students participate in ARI’s program, gaining new knowledge, values, and skills. After nine months, they return home with long-term goals for their communities.

Contribution Back Home

Together with their sending organizations and communities, graduates put their learning into practice, developing plans and working toward the sustainable growth of their communities.

A Program Sustained by Donations

Most participants invited to ARI from developing countries face significant economic challenges and are unable to cover the cost of tuition themselves.

For this reason, since its founding, ARI has covered nearly all tuition and travel expenses, ensuring access to learning opportunities. These costs are supported by donations from individuals, companies, and Christian churches.

In addition, scholarship participants are required to have at least five years of experience working with organizations that serve rural communities facing poverty and other challenges. After graduation, they are also expected to continue working with these organizations for a minimum of three years. This system ensures that what they learn at ARI is meaningfully returned to their communities.

More about donations

Graduates of ARI

Although participants come from diverse backgrounds and face a wide range of challenges in their communities, all graduates are expected to return to their home countries as “servant leaders,” bringing back the knowledge and skills they have gained and applying them with strong commitment to address local issues.

The number of countries represented by today:

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The number of graduates by today:

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Many graduates are creating positive change in their communities around the world.

More about the graduates of ARI

History of ARI

The origins of the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) trace back to the 1960s, when the “Southeast Asia Department” was established at the Rural Evangelical Seminary in Tokyo. It was founded with a sense of repentance for the involvement of Japanese churches in World War II, and aimed to train rural leaders who could help address the challenges faced by communities in Southeast Asia.

1973

Establishment of ARI

The Southeast Asia Department later became independent from the Rural Evangelical Seminary, leading to the establishment of the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture.

1985

Curriculum Expanded

With an increasing number of participants from African countries, ARI developed a comprehensive residential training model, systematizing its practical program based on organic farming, communal living, and English as the common language.

1995

ARI Training Center in Philippines

A training center was established on Negros Island in the Philippines (closed in 2003).

1996

Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding

Founder Rev. Toshihiro Takami received the Ramon Magsaysay Award—often called the “Nobel Prize of Asia”—in recognition of his outstanding contributions to society.

2011

Attacked by The Great East Japan Earthquake

Most of the facilities suffered severe damage. Amid devastating conditions, recovery efforts began with the support of various organizations and many individuals, and were completed four years later.

2014

Development of the Graduate Network

ARI visited 229 graduates across 12 countries to conduct an Graduate Impact Study. Based on the findings, the book *Rural Leaders – Rural Leaders* was published.

2023

50th Anniversary

On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, ARI has begun shaping its next vision and updating its programs for a changing world. New initiatives have been launched, including corporate training programs and community partnership projects.

1973

Establishment of ARI

The Southeast Asia Department later became independent from the Rural Evangelical Seminary, leading to the establishment of the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture.

1985

Curriculum Expanded

1995

ARI Training Center in Philippines

A training center was established on Negros Island in the Philippines (closed in 2003).

1996

Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding

Founder Rev. Toshihiro Takami received the Ramon Magsaysay Award—often called the “Nobel Prize of Asia”—in recognition of his outstanding contributions to society.

2011

Attacked by The Great East Japan Earthquake

Most of the facilities suffered severe damage. Amid devastating conditions, recovery efforts began with the support of various organizations and many individuals, and were completed four years later.

2014

Development of the Graduate Network

ARI visited 229 graduates across 12 countries to conduct an Graduate Impact Study. Based on the findings, the book *Rural Leaders – Rural Leaders* was published.

2023

50th Anniversary

Recognized in Japan and Overseas

1988: Commendation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs for contributions to international exchange
1996: Rev. Toshihiro Takami received the Ramon Magsaysay Award (Peace and International Understanding)

1998: Special Award for Social Contribution from the Tochigi Association of Corporate Executives
2001: 13th Mainichi International Exchange Award
ARI’s integrated rural development project in Negros was selected as “Project of the Year” at the International Cooperation Festival
2006: 5th Iue Asia-Pacific Culture Prize “Asia-Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference”
2008: 14th Achievement Award from the Japan Ecumenical Association
2009: Asahi Social Welfare Award (FY2008)
2019: Nominated as Japan’s candidate for the UNESCO-Japan ESD Prize
2026: 15th Kubota–Mainichi Global Environment Award

Multicultural, International & Diverse Community

One of the first things that surprises many visitors to ARI is the remarkable diversity of the people living in campus. Each year, around 30 participants from approximately 15 countries, about 15 volunteers from Japan and abroad, and roughly 30 staff members of diverse nationalities live together, forming a small international community. For this reason, English serves as the common language.

*The graphs show approximate numbers. The number varies by year.

Self-sufficient Agricultural Life

Food is essential to our daily lives, and ensuring access to food is a fundamental step in addressing poverty in developing countries. At ARI, organic farming that can be applied in rural communities is both taught and practiced. As a result, the institute achieves a food self-sufficiency rate of over 95%.

A Campus for Sustainable Living

ARI is a small school located on a hill, surrounded by forests and farmland. Designed to support a sustainable way of life, it is a place where learning goes beyond the classroom—where people farm, share meals, and live together as a community.