News
Winter at ARI: Enjoying Nature and Looking Ahead
At the Asian Rural Institute (ARI), winter is in full swing, and the weather has been bringing its own quiet charm to the campus. The crisp air and changing scenery remind us of the beauty of nature in this season. Whether it’s the frost on the fields or the stillness of the mornings, there’s something peaceful about this time of year. As we enjoy these winter days, we’re also looking forward to April, when a new group of participants will join the ARI community. Their arrival is always an exciting … Read more
ARI Celebrates New Year with Mochi-Making Event
The ARI community kicked off the New Year with a vibrant mochi-making event, showcasing the traditional Japanese ceremony of mochitsuki. The community came together to pound steamed sticky rice (mochigome) into mochi using traditional tools like a wooden mortar and pestle. The rhythmic pounding brought everyone together, reflecting ARI’s values of collaboration and unity. After the mochi was prepared, everyone enjoyed it with various delicious fillings, including sweet red bean paste, savory daikon radish paste, kinako (roasted soybean flour with sugar), and nori (seaweed). A special highlight was the preparation … Read more
RICE Media Shines a Spotlight on ARI’s Community and Mission
RICE Media, an online platform addressing social issues through engaging content, paid a visit to the Asian Rural Institute to explore the impactful work being carried out by our community. During their time here, they interviewed volunteers, staff members, and other community members who make ARI a hub for sustainable development and peacebuilding in rural areas worldwide. The interview culminated in a vibrant post on Instagram that beautifully captured the essence of our mission. From discussions about organic farming to glimpses into our collaborative lifestyle, RICE Media’s coverage shed light … Read more
\\ New Years Breakfast Japanese-Style Feast at ARI //
Happy New Year! Even after the Class of 2024 has gone home, ARI staff and volunteers continue working and living on the campus. Including for New Years! To celebrate, community members prepared traditional Japanese New Years food, Osechi. Designed to celebrate the new year and wish for good harvests in the coming seasons, each item on the plate has its own meaning. Even in a smaller gathering like now, ARI community members enjoyed feast and fellowship to welcome the new year. We look forward to a healthy and fruitful 2025, … Read more
