Makiko Abe

A few years ago, many participants expressed strong interest in beekeeping, creating a valuable learning opportunity for ARI. Fortunately, one of our dedicated volunteers, Mr. Takafumi Miyake—an expert in honeybee cultivation—generously offered to establish a beekeeping initiative at ARI. This initiative not only provided hands-on training in sustainable honey production, hive management, and pollination practices, but also opened pathways for environmental education, livelihood development, and community engagement. Through this effort, ARI gained the capacity to both learn and teach beekeeping, empowering participants with practical skills, promoting biodiversity, and supporting local … Read more

At ARI, we aim to live in harmony with nature and are working to create a climate-resilient SATOYAMA campus. It all began a few years ago with the creation of a “Meditation Path” in the forest, followed by the development of grazing areas for goats, the planning of events to foster a connection with the forest, etc. And recently, I worked alongside our young staff to build a stage (an outdoor classroom) in the forest. While it is, of course, a joy to see the forest preserved and nurtured, it … Read more

This spring, ARI is reflecting on climate change through the stories of our graduates. For our third feature, we highlight ARI’s activity for climate change. At ARI, we have the Climate Change Action Committee, a voluntary group of staff members which include our director. They work on various projects to protect the environment, both within ARI and in the local community. Key achievements from last year include: • Creating educational panels about Hügelkultur*.• Reducing plastic use in agricultural activities. Manosi Abe Chatterjee, our Curriculum Coordinator and a committee member, says: … Read more

We are excited to announce that our Spring Used Book Market has officially begun! Come browse a huge selection of books and discover delicious products from ARI. Fri, April 17 – Sat, 25 *Closed on Sun, April 19OPEN11:00-16:00 On Saturdays and Wednesday, we’ll be serving our famous Curry and Chai! Special Event: Ohinata Marche (Tomorrow, April 18)Tomorrow only, the beloved local Ohinata Marche joins us at the book market. At the ARI booth, we are excited to offer fresh, never-frozen pork blocks! You can also enjoy a variety of goods … Read more

This spring, ARI is reflecting on climate change through the stories of our community. For our third feature, we highlight John Nyondo (Class of 1983) and Judith Daka (Class of 2001), a dedicated couple working in Zambia.Facing a severe food crisis caused by intense droughts, John and Judith are applying the organic farming techniques they learned at ARI to sustain their community. Their inspiring journey was recently featured in Asahi Shimbun Digital “with Planet” (April 7th).Article Title:“Changing the Soil to Save Lives: Japanese Organic Farming in Food-Crisis-Stricken Zambia (Part 1)”We … Read more

As I hear about the increasingly chaotic state of world affairs and the various news stories where life is treated with such disregard, my heart grows heavier and heavier… However, at the recent opening ceremony, I was able to regain my hope. “They will beat their swords into plowshares / and their spears into pruning hooks. / Nation will not take up sword against nation, / nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Ms. Mochizuki from Zenkoku Tomo-no-Kai, who delivered the congratulatory address, quoted this biblical passage displayed … Read more

Linking Hearts Under the Sakura: A Day of Good Food and Fun Games!

2026.4.11.

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)