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Winter Fun: ARI Community Enjoys Snowshoeing and More

Winter is a time for fun and adventure, and the ARI community recently embraced the season with a special community event—snowshoeing! We traveled to a beautiful snow resort in Fukushima, where we rented snowshoes and set out on a snowy adventure. Walking through the sparkling white landscape, we enjoyed the fresh winter air, breathtaking views, and the crunch of snow beneath our feet. Along the way, we stopped to share delicious sweets, had playful snowball fights, and simply soaked in the joy of being together in nature. At ARI, we … Read more

Learning Together for the Rural Future: ARI releases the 7th Edition of Euodoō – Journal of Rural Future Study

The Asian Rural Institute released the 7th edition of Euodoō – Journal of Rural Future Study in early December 2024, continuing its tradition of sharing profound insights and reflections that resonate with ARI’s mission. Marking the seventh annual publication, this special edition coincided with ARI’s 50th-anniversary celebration, featuring a collection of essays and reflections that highlight the organization’s focus on sustainable farming, community building, and servant leadership. Through these pages, contributors share their learnings and experiences, inspiring readers to join the journey toward building a resilient and equitable “rural future.” Highlights of … Read more

A Day of Connection at ARI Friends Day 2025

On January 25, the Asian Rural Institute welcomed supporters, families, and nature lovers for ARI Friends Day x Oohnata Marche Winter Festival. With the theme “Let’s Connect with Nature and People”, the event brought together learning, hands-on experiences, and community spirit. The Friends Market was filled with fresh organic produce, handmade goods, and delicious local treats. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support relief efforts for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, extending ARI’s commitment to helping communities in need. In the Forest Experience, participants of all ages enjoyed … Read more

Winter at ARI: Enjoying Nature and Looking Ahead

At the Asian Rural Institute (ARI), winter is in full swing, and the weather has been bringing its own quiet charm to the campus. The crisp air and changing scenery remind us of the beauty of nature in this season. Whether it’s the frost on the fields or the stillness of the mornings, there’s something peaceful about this time of year. As we enjoy these winter days, we’re also looking forward to April, when a new group of participants will join the ARI community. Their arrival is always an exciting … Read more

ARI Celebrates New Year with Mochi-Making Event

The ARI community kicked off the New Year with a vibrant mochi-making event, showcasing the traditional Japanese ceremony of mochitsuki. The community came together to pound steamed sticky rice (mochigome) into mochi using traditional tools like a wooden mortar and pestle. The rhythmic pounding brought everyone together, reflecting ARI’s values of collaboration and unity. After the mochi was prepared, everyone enjoyed it with various delicious fillings, including sweet red bean paste, savory daikon radish paste, kinako (roasted soybean flour with sugar), and nori (seaweed). A special highlight was the preparation … Read more

RICE Media Shines a Spotlight on ARI’s Community and Mission

RICE Media, an online platform addressing social issues through engaging content, paid a visit to the Asian Rural Institute to explore the impactful work being carried out by our community. During their time here, they interviewed volunteers, staff members, and other community members who make ARI a hub for sustainable development and peacebuilding in rural areas worldwide. The interview culminated in a vibrant post on Instagram that beautifully captured the essence of our mission. From discussions about organic farming to glimpses into our collaborative lifestyle, RICE Media’s coverage shed light … Read more

Director’s Report: SEBONE Founder Visits ARI and Conducts Hands-On Spine Conditioning Workshop

“Director’s Report”ARI has been on holiday since the 28th, but yesterday (30th), Hidehiko Hino, founder of SEBONE (spine) Conditioning, visited ARI. We took advantage of this opportunity and asked Mr. Hino to conduct a hands-on class, which was attended by 17 staff members and volunteers. SEBONE (spine) Conditioning aims to improve and alleviate symptoms by improving the distortion of the spine through exercises and hands-on techniques. Many of the members who took part suffered muscle aches here and there the next day because they exercised a lot of muscles that … Read more

The Travel logs visiting graduates in Zambia and Malawi are now available on our website! 

Two intrepid ARI staff members spent over three weeks traveling through Zambia and Malawi to meet ARI graduates in their local contexts. We went there to see, and better understand, the communities our graduates work with, in all their beauty as well as their struggles. We wanted to learn how our graduates engage with their people, and how they are bringing their ARI training back home…. Discover their amazing journeys and see how they live together with people!  Read the blog here: https://ari.ac.jp/en/africa-graduate-journey-vol-0-prologue?ari=news

A Year of Gratitude: ARI’s Christmas Celebration and Hopes for 2025

This Christmas, the ARI community came together on the evening of December 25th to celebrate in true festive spirit. The room sparkled with decorations, including a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, and the air was filled with laughter and joy as we exchanged gifts, played games, and celebrated the season. It was a heartwarming moment of togetherness and fun—a fitting way to end the year. As we reflect on 2024, we are deeply grateful to all our supporters, especially those who have stood with us for years, financially and in spirit. … Read more

Community Event: Snow Viewing and Bonding Before Graduation

Before their graduation ceremony, the participants of the Asian Rural Institute came together for a special snow-viewing event as part of their final days in Japan. It was a moment to relax and strengthen community ties after their intensive training and final presentations. For many, it was their first time seeing snow, making the day particularly exciting. The group enjoyed classic winter activities like snowball fights and sledding, followed by warming up with hot chocolate. Later, they visited a local foot onsen, where the soothing warmth provided a perfect counterbalance … Read more