News

At ARI, alongside the nine‑month Rural Leaders Training Program, we also welcome trainees from a variety of organizations, including sending bodies of overseas graduates and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. One student from the specialized agriculture Ainō High School, Ōsuke, has been training at ARI since last spring. On January 27, he presented the results of his learning to the community. While living alongside people from diverse cultural backgrounds, he deepened his studies on the farm, focusing especially on pig raising. Another long‑term farm trainee this year, Kōshi, is a … Read more

On January 17th, we successfully held ARI Friends Day with the generous support of many people. Thank you very much to everyone who attended! Training Assistants Veh and Jeremiya hosted a talk session, where they shared stories of their powerful work and passion within rural communities in their home countries. Many attendees also enjoyed the cakes they made and sold as the culmination of their training. Many first-time visitors participated in Tree Climbing®, immersing themselves in nature within our forest. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jun Tree Service for … Read more

On January 19, ARI community held its New Year mochi(rice‑cake)pounding. Students from St. Olaf College, who are currently training at ARI, joined in as well. Taking turns with the kine (mallets), everyone warmed up as they pounded the rice, and then enjoyed the freshly made mochi together.

St. Olaf College’s (Minnesota, USA) fifth January special program at the ARI, since 2016, began on January 13 with 20 St. Olaf students and two faculty members. Focusing on the theme of Japanese food, agriculture, environment, and sustainability, the program involves living at the ARI while fully utilizing its curriculum and environment. This includes visits to farms and facilities, as well as field studies such as learning about the Nasu Canal. On 17th January, the group travelled to Fukushima Prefecture to learn about the realities of the effects of the … Read more

Today, our entire community came together for a grand spring cleaning ahead of Friends Day. We dusted the walls, cleared away cobwebs, and used shovels to scrape off the ice from the shaded areas on the grounds and the path leading to ARI. While the weather looks promising for the weekend, we recommend wearing shoes with good grip (deep treads) if you are concerned about slippery spots. All of us in the community are looking forward to seeing you there! About ARI Friends Day: https://ari.ac.jp/en/friends-day-2026/

We’ll be sharing the beautiful scenery of ARI Campus in Nasushiobara and the “now” of our farm. We hope these glimpses of daily life at ARI bring you a moment of peace and make you feel connected to us. Please check out our Stories (and Highlights)!

Thank you for always supporting the Asian Rural Institute. We are thrilled to announce that ARI has been awarded the “Grand Prize” in the General Category of the 15th Kubota-Mainichi Earth Future Award, organized by The Mainichi Newspapers. This award honors organizations and individuals tackling the 21st-century global challenges of “Food,” “Water,” and the “Environment.” We were recognized for: 🌱 Practicing a life of “Living with the Soil” with rural leaders from developing countries for about 50 years. 🌱 Maintaining a food self-sufficiency rate of over 90% through organic, chemical-free, … Read more

Thank you for your continued support! We are excited to announce the main event schedule for Academic Year 2026 (April 2026 – March 2027). We look forward to sharing the joy of “Living Together” with you again this year through encounters with Rural Leaders from around the world. AY 2025 is not over yet! Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to visit ARI: Jan 17 (Sat): ARI Friends Day (Next week!) Feb 7 (Sat): JOCS Report Session (Details coming soon) AY 2026 Annual Schedule Spring March: Arrival of New Participants April: … Read more

The Asian Rural Institute (ARI) opens its doors to Japanese participants through the Rural Leader Training Program, offering a unique opportunity to learn together with people from around the world.At ARI, participants learn side by side with farmers, social workers, pastors, priests, and others from around 15 countries across Asia and Africa. Through hands-on experience, participants explore servant leadership, sustainable agriculture, and community building.Living and learning together for nine months while sharing differences and perspectives becomes a journey of self-discovery. What is community? Why does organic agriculture matter? What does leadership mean? What does … Read more

Why not enjoy your “first climb of 2026” in the rich forests of Nasushiobara at ARI?On 1/17(Sat), during ARI Friends Day, we will hold a “Tree Climbing” experience where you can climb safely using specialized ropes and saddles! The world viewed from the treetops is sure to be full of new discoveries! You will wear professional safety gear and receive a lecture on how to climb, so beginners can participate with peace of mind. With the cooperation of the local “JUN TREE SERVICE Co., Ltd.,” professional Arborist® instructors will teach you carefully, so first-timers and children … Read more