News

ARI Participants gave their first presentation of the school year this week. Each participant gave a presentation about their home cultures, agricultural practices, and various social issues they experience. The audience was lively as well, asking many questions to each presenter. Through this opportunity, the participants were able to reflect on their individual missions, and their future contributions are eagerly anticipated.

Last week, ARI held a special workshop on the topic of “Dignity”. The instructor was Jeffrey Mensendieck, an associate professor at Oberlin University, with whom ARI has had a longstanding relationship, and the class provided an opportunity to learn deeply about human dignity. During the class, participants shared with each other situations and experiences in their own countries and discussed how poverty, discrimination, and conflict affect human dignity. They also deeply examined what is lost when dignity is taken away, and conversely, how healthy and sustainable a society can be … Read more

FPJ is a natural farming technique, also called “Tenkei Green Juice”, which is a liquid fertilizer made by extracting and fermenting plant nutrients, and is a method of growing crops without relying on chemical fertilizers. Though the class started early in the morning, the participants showed great concentration and enthusiasm. ARI will continue to train rural leaders who can contribute to the sustainable development of local communities and the world while learning environmentally friendly agricultural technologies, and making FPJ is a practical learning opportunity for participants to realize such a … Read more

Forest Community Work

This Monday and Tuesday, the ARI welcomed children and their families, from several areas in Japan, for its annual English Farm Camp, a two-day program designed especially for children to learn English through outdoor activities on the farm. The camp invited children to connect with nature while naturally using English. Activities included hugging trees, answering questions in English, drawing pictures of seeds, and making soil balls. These playful, hands-on experiences helped children absorb language while deepening their awareness of the natural world. The children also got to learn about the … Read more

Each year at ARI, we harvest thousands of kilograms of rice, soybeans, carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables—grown entirely without chemical fertilizers—in pursuit of a healthier environment. Maintaining soil health is a top priority for the ARI training programs and for our Participants’ farms around the world. A key practice in achieving this goal is the production of Bokashi fertilizer, made from organic materials at ARI. Many Graduates report that introducing Bokashi has been transformative for their home farms. In April, Participants began organic farming training in sessions covering Bokashi production … Read more

Earlier this month, we welcomed this year’s participants to the Asian Rural Institute. In just a few short weeks, they’ve begun to settle into life here – learning routines, names, and the unique rhythm of a community built on shared labor and mutual respect. The Rural Leaders Training Program is now in full swing. Participants have started engaging in daily fieldwork, animal care, and kitchen duties, while also reflecting deeply on themes of leadership and sustainable living. There’s a lot to take in, but already they are learning to work … Read more

On Sunday, the ARI community rose early to gather for an Easter celebration at sunrise, following the biblical description of Jesus’ resurrection being discovered at dawn. As the first light of day spread across the fields, we came together in song, prayer, and reflection, marking the joy and hope of new life. The celebration continued with snacks and warm fellowship, filled with the spirit of community, gratitude, and the deep meaning of Easter – a reminder of life triumphing over death, hope over despair, and the power of sharing our … Read more

Last Tuesday, the ARI community gathered at a nearby park to enjoy the beauty of Hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of cherry blossom viewing. Surrounded by blooming sakura trees and the gentle signs of spring, we shared a peaceful and joyful afternoon together. We laid out our lunch on the grass and enjoyed a simple meal in the heart of nature. The sound of laughter echoed through the park as we played soccer and other fun games that brought us closer together. It was not just a break from our … Read more