ARI Family Blog

On a sunny autumn day, there was some smoke coming from the mountainside… Participants were practicing charcoal and wood vinegar making. Even though the weather had cooled down, sweat was beading on their foreheads as they worked hard to build a fire. Dragonflies are flying around in the fields managed by groups of the participants. Next to red beans and soybeans whose leaves have turned yellow, Chinese cabbage, radish, and mizuna are being planted, steadily preparing for the winter season.

One of the most important skills for a team leader of any organization is proper project planning. Considering all necessary resources — including time, money, and labor — and any possible risks that may occur. But even before that: what is the problem your community faces? How can you solve it? And in how much time? Answering these questions, and making plans from start to finish, was the theme of a 3-part class taught by ARI staff. Using lessons inspired by those taught at the Japan International Cooperation Agency, ARI … Read more

The summer donation campaign, Peace from Food, that started on August 1 has come to an end today.ARI has had the opportunity to think and share about peace with many people through the familiar theme of “food,” which ARI holds dear to its heart!We sincerely appreciate your warm support. At ARI, the rice harvest has begun. And next month on the 18th and 19th, we are going to have the Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC).Please come to ARI and spend a moment with us as we celebrate and give thanks for … Read more

When I heard the theme “Cooking for Peace,” the image that came to mind was “hands.”Hands sowing seeds in the fields, hands harvesting, hands cooking, hands serving food— ARI’s self-sufficient lifestyle makes me truly appreciate how our meals pass through so many hands before reaching us.In Parts 1 through 3, we interviewed kitchen members, hearing their thoughts on “food” and “peace.” Now, in Part 4, it’s my turn as the writer (Konoha Yamanaka) to share my thoughts.Actually, I am also a member of the kitchen team. Through my interviews, I … Read more

Preamble In 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Asian Rural Institute hereby reaffirms its commitment to peace. As the number of war survivors and atomic bomb victims dwindles each year, the responsibility for those living today to convey the horrors of war and nuclear weapons to the next generation grows ever more important. The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hidankyo) in 2024 symbolizes the importance of this task. Furthermore, violence and conflict … Read more

On September 16, the 54th anniversary of ARI’s founding, a commemorative service was held at ARI. Following a program featuring stories from the early days by Mrs. Shinko Takami, a wife of one of the founders, Toshihiro Takami, the ARI Peace Declaration was presented by our director, Osamu Arakawa. After lunch, we held a community event at a nearby park, where we divided ourselves into groups to express peace through music, poetry, dance, and drama. To deepen mutual understanding and our friendships, we also enjoyed playing games together. The Asian … Read more

“Peace from Food” Summer Campaign Donation Benefits — Available until September 21!

“Nutritious meals nourish both body and soul.”So says Debora, an ARI graduate who now volunteers. She repeated these words carefully and emphatically, time and again.For Debora, eating is not merely an act of survival. It is a vital practice that cultivates inner peace. In a painting she created, vibrant fruits like mangoes, bananas, and dragon fruit—grown in her homeland of Indonesia—are vividly depicted.Being nourished—it nurtures not only the body but also the soul, and it creates connections between people. This simple yet truly vital lesson is what we are learning … Read more

We have uploaded more details about the Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC) on the following page. Please check it out! 53rd Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC) – Sowing the seed of love for a peaceful tomorrow – Asian Rural Institute Here is the information on the above page. Dates: October 18 & 19 (Sat & Sun) 10:00-15:30 Theme: Sowing the seed of love for a peaceful tomorrow Time Schedule: 10:00 Entry open 10:15-11:15 Harvest thanksgiving worship 11:30-15:30 Food stall, stage performances, games, etc. open Shuttle Buses: Departure from Nasushiobara Sta. West Exit … Read more

Cooking together, sharing laughter, and working hand in hand—a meal made with many hearts brings more than just nourishment. This month, the FEAST members, who regularly prepare delicious meals for the Koinonia Dining Hall,are leading an art project called “Cooking for Peace”  Through their artwork, they express the idea of peace through food.Each piece reflects a unique perspective—please take a moment to explore their creations! https://ari.ac.jp/peace-from-food-cooking-for-peace-vol-1/?ari=news