News

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!

“Nutritious meals nourish both body and soul.”So says Debora, an ARI graduate who now volunteers. She repeated these words carefully and emphatically, time and again.For Debora, eating is not merely an act of survival. It is a vital practice that cultivates inner peace. In a painting she created, vibrant fruits like mangoes, bananas, and dragon fruit—grown in her homeland of Indonesia—are vividly depicted.Being nourished—it nurtures not only the body but also the soul, and it creates connections between people. This simple yet truly vital lesson is what we are learning … Read more

We have uploaded more details about the Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC) on the following page. Please check it out! 53rd Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC) – Sowing the seed of love for a peaceful tomorrow – Asian Rural Institute Here is the information on the above page. Dates: October 18 & 19 (Sat & Sun) 10:00-15:30 Theme: Sowing the seed of love for a peaceful tomorrow Time Schedule: 10:00 Entry open 10:15-11:15 Harvest thanksgiving worship 11:30-15:30 Food stall, stage performances, games, etc. open Shuttle Buses: Departure from Nasushiobara Sta. West Exit … Read more

Cooking together, sharing laughter, and working hand in hand—a meal made with many hearts brings more than just nourishment. This month, the FEAST members, who regularly prepare delicious meals for the Koinonia Dining Hall,are leading an art project called “Cooking for Peace”  Through their artwork, they express the idea of peace through food.Each piece reflects a unique perspective—please take a moment to explore their creations! https://ari.ac.jp/peace-from-food-cooking-for-peace-vol-1/?ari=news

Associate Professor and University Chaplain, Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, at J. F. Oberlin University