Christian Otto

Today, April 1st, marks the beginning of the 2025 academic year at the Asian Rural Institute. The campus is once again full of life as we welcome 28 new Participants to the Rural Leaders Training Program and 2 Training Assistants. Over the next nine months, they will live and learn together, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, servant leadership, community building and more. This year also brings a leadership transition. After 10 years of dedicated service as Director, Tomoko Arakawa is stepping back. She will continue supporting ARI in a … Read more

The air is warming, the trees are beginning to bud, and the land is stirring with new life. After the long winter, spring is finally making its way to ARI. The gentle shift in seasons reminds us of the deep connection we share with the soil, the food we grow, and the communities we nurture – principles that are at the heart of ARI’s mission. Our animals certainly feel the change. The goats, who spent much of the winter indoors, now happily roam outside, basking in the sunshine and nibbling … Read more

“Director’s Report” A big surprise party carefully planned for me last night surprised me a lot!! I was incredibly delighted and moved! As I will finish my 10-year term as Director of ARI at the end of this month, and also to celebrate my birthday, ARI family members, and those who have helped me gather together without my knowledge! They celebrated with my favorite Korean food (Bibimbap + ARI pork BBQ + birthday Wakame seaweed soup), lots of sweets (all homemade in the Koinonia kitchen), and bouquets. (In fact, a … Read more

Spring has arrived at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI), bringing with it new life and fresh energy. This season of renewal is extra special as we celebrate the birth of five baby goats! Our two adult goats recently gave birth—one to three kids and the other to two—adding more joy and vitality to our farm community. The newborn goats are already filling the farm with their playful energy, hopping around and bonding with their mothers. Their arrival is a beautiful reminder of the cycles of life and the deep connection … Read more

A new group recently arrived at the ARI campus – piglets! At ARI, we practice self-sufficient sustainable agriculture. This means that over 90% of the food we serve in our dining hall is grown and raised on our campus. This includes almost all our proteins: soybeans, chicken, and pork. We do not merely raise livestock, but raise life which sustains many other lives. These piglets are part of that cycle of life. At ARI, we learn to appreciate their role in sustaining life across campus and beyond. They will stay … Read 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

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

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

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

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