Makiko Abe

Participants, who had traveled by bus from Minamata to Hiroshima (The final training location of this trip) for the entire day, visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum the following day, November 20. They first heard from legacy successor Ms. Sachiko Hiraoka. She shared about her aunt Sadae Sasaoka’s experience of the atomic bomb. She was 13 and happened to be at home when the bomb dropped 3.5 kms away. She shared the horrors her aunt saw, of the pain of losing family members, and the hopelessness of war. Ms. Hiraoka … Read more

When you hear the word “coaching,” what image comes to mind?At ARI, which emphasizes leadership training, we value not only equipping leaders from various countries with the skills to coach others, but also helping them recognize and enhance their own inherent abilities as leaders.Ms. Morikawa, who has been involved with ARI since 2012 following the earthquake and has provided annual training for ARI staff ever since, is a personification of inclusiveness. There is much to learn simply from her atmosphere alone.We hope this class, which connects with previous learning on … Read more

On the morning of November 17th, participants arrived at Moji Port in Kyushu aboard a ferry and then traveled by bus to Minamata. Although they had studied Minamata disease beforehand at ARI, visiting Minamata had a profoundly different impact on them. Upon arriving in Minamata, they first heard from Mr. Matsuki, a former Minamata City government employee. He worked with the mayor to rebuild connections within a broken community. Minamata residents had many issues – one of them was mistrust among those who were direct victims and those who could … Read more

In early November, a two-day biogas class was held with Mr. Kuwabara from Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture as the instructor. Biogas is a biofuel gas derived from organic materials such as food waste, paper, and livestock manure. The residue after fermentation can be used as fertilizer or compost, making it a waste-free process. For this reason, it has gained attention in recent years as a means of generating renewable energy.Every year, during their observation trip to Ogawa Town in June, participants visit Mr. Kuwabara to learn about his unique biogas … Read more

Participants arrived in Osaka on the evening of the 14th and were welcomed by the Osaka YMCA.  On the 15th, they split into three study groups: One team visited Osaka Korea Town in Ikuno Ward. Participants learned about discrimination issues related to Zainichi Koreans. It was an opportunity to reflect on minority groups and identity. We were grateful for the opportunity to hear about our guide’s first hand experiences as well. Many were surprised to learn that these issues exist and how they take form in Japanese society. The issue of … Read more

At ARI, practical classes taught by graduates are held about four times a year.This time, two graduates from the Democratic Republic of Congo class of 2022, Shukuru and Mordekay, led an online class. They introduced methods for raising black soldier fly larvae. In fact, while at ARI, the two had first attempted this rearing as a personal project. Unfortunately, they failed at the time, but after graduation they tried again in their home country and were able to achieve success.Feeding on kitchen waste, these insects hatch from eggs into larvae … Read more

On November 13th, after being treated to delicious oranges at the farm of Mr. Shinobu Yamanaka, who has supported ARI across three generations, participants departed Hamamatsu and headed for Aino High School in Mie Prefecture.At that night, participants had a good time talking with Aino HS students. Along with a world map, they talked about their countries, what they like, and so on. Although, it was an optional for Aino HS students, many students joined this round table discussion. The next day’s main program began with fellowship – singing, dancing, … Read more

Among ARI’s curriculum, one of the most “delicious” classes is this meat processing class.Mr. Koide from Neu Frank Atelier Nasu comes every year as an instructor. Using ARI’s pork as the ingredient, he teaches participants how to make sausages, bacon, roast pork, and more.Processing allows for longer storage and enables selling at higher prices than raw materials. Therefore, these food processing techniques are a subject of deep interest for many participants.We sincerely thank Mr. Koide for taking the time out of his busy schedule to provide us with such important … Read more

On the morning of the 11th, participants departed from ARI and arrived at their first destination: the predecessor of ARI, Theological Seminary for Rural Mission in Machida, Tokyo. They learned about some traditional skills of water retention from the Edo period. Although it was short, they had a good time visiting the roots of ARI. After that, they moved to Hamamatsu, and the following day, they enjoyed fellowship with Seirei Christopher kindergarten, Elementary, Jr. high, High school and Global school jr. High school students. Playing different games, experiencing new ways … Read more

From November 4th to 7th, I was invited to speak a total of 10 times over 4 days: as a preacher for the Special Worship Service during the Autumn Religious Week at Doshisha Junior and Senior High Schools, for the Chapel Hour at Doshisha Women’s College, and as a lecturer for the Doshisha Junior and Senior High School Faculty Religious Education Workshop. The total number of students at Doshisha Junior and Senior High Schools, combined with attendees at other lectures and events, exceeded 5,000. It was my first time speaking … Read more