News

This Christmas, the ARI community came together on the evening of December 25th to celebrate in true festive spirit. The room sparkled with decorations, including a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, and the air was filled with laughter and joy as we exchanged gifts, played games, and celebrated the season. It was a heartwarming moment of togetherness and fun—a fitting way to end the year. As we reflect on 2024, we are deeply grateful to all our supporters, especially those who have stood with us for years, financially and in spirit. … Read more

Before their graduation ceremony, the participants of the Asian Rural Institute came together for a special snow-viewing event as part of their final days in Japan. It was a moment to relax and strengthen community ties after their intensive training and final presentations. For many, it was their first time seeing snow, making the day particularly exciting. The group enjoyed classic winter activities like snowball fights and sledding, followed by warming up with hot chocolate. Later, they visited a local foot onsen, where the soothing warmth provided a perfect counterbalance … Read more

The atmosphere was one of anticipation and reflection as participants of the 2024 Asian Rural Institute (ARI) training program gathered to deliver their final presentations. After nine months of learning, working, and growing together, this was their opportunity to share how they plan to apply their experiences back home. During the presentations, the participants—now proud ARI graduates—spoke about their visions for the future. They outlined both short-term and long-term plans, such as establishing training centers, introducing organic farming techniques, and promoting the use of organic pesticides and non-chemical fertilizers. Their … Read more

On Saturday, December 14, the 52nd commencement ceremony was successfully held and the participants graduated. The first group of Asian graduates will return to their respective countries on December 16, and the second group of African graduates will return to their respective countries on December 17. Knowing that they will not see each other again, they bid farewell to each other and return to their communities around the world, encouraging each other about their respective works in which they will serve. Please remember these graduates as they continue to work … Read more

Naria Yokota, a third-year student at Aoyama Gakuin Elementary School, won the Mitsumura Printing Award on the 74th National Primary and Junior High School Essay Contest (sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun) in the lower elementary school division for her essay about her homestay exchange with ARI participant Azi. The family welcomed ARI participant Azi from Northeast India as a host family in June this year. In her essay, Naria expresses her encounter with a different culture and her understanding of the ARI participant’s background in such memorable phrases as “Azi … Read more