Makiko Abe

What kind of images come to mind when you hear this theme? While everyone’s personal experience with climate change may vary, this spring, we hope to reflect together on global issues and consider what we can do in our daily lives. Throughout this month, we will be featuring stories of our graduates and ARI’s own initiatives to tackle environmental challenges. Our second story features Catherine Mtambo (2012 ARI Graduate). Catherine from Malawi, aims to “move people from dependence to independence.” she works with 102 rural area groups of about 25 … Read more

We celebrated our Easter sunrise service under the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom at ARI. 「But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.」 (Isaiah 53:5)

What kind of images come to mind when you hear this theme? While everyone’s personal experience with climate change may vary, this spring, we hope to reflect together on global issues and consider what we can do in our daily lives. Throughout this month, we will be featuring stories of our graduates and ARI’s own initiatives to tackle environmental challenges. Our first story features Roy David (2003 ARI Graduate).For many years, he has been working in Karnataka, South India, supporting the land rights of the indigenous “Adivasi” people. They live … Read more

Since 2005, the ARI Online Shop has been sharing our harvest with you. Now, after 20 years, we are turning a new page! We are thrilled to announce the Grand Re-opening of our online shop in Spring 2026! Remember those delicious cookies you had at ARI, or the carrot juice from our local marches? You can now order these fan-favorites online. We also offer gift boxes—perfect for sharing the ARI spirit with your loved ones. We are starting with a curated selection and will be adding more products soon! Note: … Read more

It has been fifteen years since the Triple Disaster of 2011.  Today we gathered at ARI for worship and prayed for those still suffering as they search for loved ones.  We also remembered what the disaster did to our ARI; to the land, our minds and our bodies as radioactive fallout poured down all around us.  We also were led by Dr. Yasuyuki Fujimura of the Non-Electric Atelier, Director Osamu Arakawa and Former Director Tomoko Arakawa of ARI to think about how we have also worked through these past fifteen … Read more

First is Daneth Him (Aneth) from Cambodia. In the 15 years after graduating ARI, she has been a pillar of her community, supporting street children and women’s empowerment like a devoted mother. For Aneth, human connection is the most important thing of all. She says she chose to return to ARI to master the know-how of “Graduate Outreach.” Bringing the wisdom and experience gained on the ground, she will spend the next year with us to deepen the bonds between ARI graduates all over the world! Next is Joshua Ofori … Read more

On March 4th, we held another presentation of learning. Venitta Kaduya (Veh, from Malawi) shared her year-long journey as a Training Assistant, and Mizuki Oki (Micky, from Japan) spoke about her experience during the Asian Internship Program. Veh reflected on her learning through poultry raising and her leadership roles in the kitchen and dormitory. When asked about her strengths, she confidently declared, “I am strong! I’m always smiling! I talk a lot! I love eating! And I love jokes!” Her vibrant energy left a lasting impression on everyone. Micky shared … Read more

On February 25th, we visited “Hahaha-no-kai Kino‐ie,” a certified center for early childhood education and care in Saitama.After joining the morning service and playtime, we had the wonderful opportunity to share about ARI and Malawi.  The highlight of the day was definitely the introduction to Malawi by our training assistant, Veh! Using pictures of animals and food, she captured everyone’s imagination. It was so heartening to see the children raising their hands so eagerly during the Q&A session.After all the fun and interaction, we enjoyed a delicious, heartfelt school lunch … Read more

Join Kibo Alliance in Kenya this June

From Feb 16–18, ARI hosted a 3-day NVC (Nonviolent Communication) workshop for our staff, led by Nozomi Kuriyama and Mari Saito from NVC Japan Network. Marking our third year of learning NVC, it feels as though we’ve finally stood at the “starting line.” NVC is a way of connecting that moves beyond judgment or criticism. Instead, it focuses on listening to our “Feelings” and the underlying “Needs”—the things we truly value. As we grow older, it becomes harder to listen to our inner voices, often making it difficult to nurture … Read more