Makiko Abe

We held our midterm presentations. The theme was “What is your biggest learning so far?” As usual, the use of computers is prohibited during presentations at ARI. Participants used the back of used calendar, drawing pictures and writing explanations; one participant even drew a picture of a goat and wore it around her neck. We’ve already reached the midpoint of our training at ARI. The topics which they chose ranged widely—from agricultural techniques and what they’d learned in class to insights gained from daily life, the philosophy they’d learned holistically, … Read more

“About ten years ago, I had the privilege of connecting with ARI and have been involved as a commuting volunteer ever since. From a volunteer’s perspective, I have actively proposed and brought to life various initiatives over the years. These include crafting original ramen using ingredients grown at ARI, demonstrating the martial art of Hokushin Itto-ryu, planting cherry blossoms in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and assisting with local beekeeping.I truly believe that these experiences will leave a lasting impression on Participants’ hearts, travel back with them … Read more

On August 12, we visited Hidamari Farm and NPO Bato Noson Juku, run by Yohei Hamanaka, a 2013 graduate. He said, “using local resources,” “the importance of nurturing the next generation rather than seeking only profit,” “following the laws of nature,” “not pushing too hard, but engaging in activities suited to one’s own capabilities,” and “There’s no need to aim for 100%, right? I think 30% is enough for me.” We learned about his farm management and NPO activities, which are packed with what he learned at ARI and his … Read more

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 … Read more

Thanks for our commuting volunteers, the preparations for the used book market are well underway ahead of Friday’s start.Best sellers, paperbacks, picture books, art books, and many more, all donated from across Japan, will be available for 100 yen and up.We are looking forward to seeing you all! Fri, August 14 – Sat, 22 *Closed on Sun, August 16OPEN 11:00-16:00Venue: Former Missionary House Adjacent to the Nasu Seminar House ■ On the final day, Sat, August 22 from 10:00 to 15:00, we are also hosting our exciting “ARI Friends Day” … Read more

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 … Read more

Eighty-one years have passed since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.Today, we’d like to share a message from Mr. Thomas Mathew, a graduate of ARI from India, who visited Hiroshima during the WJST in 1988—an experience that profoundly influenced the rest of his life. “Originally, my expectations for ARI were to experience life in Japan and to acquire various skills to lead rural communities in my homeland, India. Peace was not an immediate priority for me. However, during the WJST at the Hiroshima YMCA, I watched footage portraying the … Read more

Our crowdfunding campaign for the WJST has finally begun!Now, the National High School Baseball Championship at Koshien begins tomorrow. Did you know that Shizuoka’s representative, Seirei Christopher High School, is actually one of the places ARI visits during the WJST?Today, the Seirei Group supports the lives of many citizens in western Shizuoka, spanning fields from healthcare and welfare to education. However, its origins lie in accepting tuberculosis patients who were often isolated from society. Every year, ARI participants visit the Seirei History Museum to learn what it truly means to … Read more

Only 3 days left until the launch of our crowdfunding campaign on August 1st!Today, we would like to introduce our study tour at Aino High School of Agriculture in Iga. Aino High School is a full-boarding agricultural high school that teaches organic farming. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, with many of its graduates coming to ARI as volunteers. During the WJST, Participants stay on their campus, tour the farm and school facilities, and connect with the high school students through discussions, songs, and dances. We spoke with Sojiro Oka, … Read more

From July 13 to 18, we went on a FCST (Farming Community Study Tour). We were divided into two groups: For 4 days, Group A went to the Okitama region and Tozawa Village of Yamagata Prefecture, while Group B went to the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. Afterward, we reunited and continued our study tour in Iwate Prefecture. At each location, we were able to learn from a wide variety of sources, including organic farmers, farmers’ groups, high schools, daycare centers, JA cooperatives, and permaculture farms. The participants were really … Read more