News

Once again this year, the rice paddies at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) ripened to a beautiful golden color. Our entire community—participants, volunteers, and staff from countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Japan —came together for the annual rice harvest! The small seedlings we planted in the spring grew strong under the summer sun, bearing a rich and plentiful harvest. Under a brilliant clear autumn sky, we all got muddy together, carefully cutting each stalk by hand with sickles. Songs and dances in many languages filled the air, … Read more

Environmental pollution caused by economic development, and the role of leaders who confront such issues, is one of the key topics in the ARI training. On September 18th, the participants went on an observation trip to sites related to the Ashio Copper Mine Pollution Incident, the first major environmental pollution disaster in Japan. They visited various locations over a wide area, including the former villages of Matsuki and Yanaka, which were abandoned due to air pollution and the making of a basin. They also visited the area of ​​Morita in … 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 Donation Campaign – Special Gift  Until Sunday, September 21, anyone who signs up as a new monthly supporter through the campaign site will receive a limited-edition T-shirt This year’s design features a corn motif on a golden harvest background. It’s an original design that reflects the season here at the Asian Rural Institute.Its natural tone makes the T-shirt easy to wear in everyday life and is suitable for all ages!Available sizes: S, M, L, XLIn the photos…  We invite you to join us as a monthly supporter and help us … Read more

Mr. Toru Sakawa of the Natural Farm Ureshipa Moshiri

Each year’s Rural Leaders Training Program hosts new participants, with unique backgrounds and incredible dreams of rural transformation. Our staff visit ARI graduates in the field, seeing the fruits of their labor. Now, the work of our participants and graduates from 2024 is available to read in our 2024 Annual Report. Learn more about our most recent year of successes and challenges by following the link below. Available in English and Japanese. Downloads – Asian Rural Institute Today was our 54th Foundation Day. We will report on it later, so … Read more

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