News

At ARI, we hold a Mini Eco‑Tour on Campus every other month, always on the fourth Saturday. During the tour, program participants walk around campus discussing and learning about topics such as “sustainable agriculture and life” and “why learning about rural development around the world is important.” 1. Campus Tour (11:00 –) Program participants visited the organic farm, livestock areas, and compost facilities where rural community leaders from around the world live and farm. It was a 90‑minute experience strolling through fields, livestocks, and natural cycles—an intuitive way to connect with … Read more

This Summer, Join ARI’s “Peace from Food” Donation CampaignThe Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is holding its summer donation campaign under the theme “Peace from Food.” We warmly invite your support and participation.ARI is a training ground for rural leaders from Asia and Africa, equipping them to serve their communities through sustainable agriculture and grassroots development. Rooted in the belief that “the more you cultivate, the more people and soil flourish,” ARI trains leaders who learn through food—developing not just farming techniques but also community resilience, by respecting local resources and … Read more

Under the summer sun, we held a Chocotto Farm & Forest Day! This time, parents and children from local area enjoyed forest exploration and harvesting summer vegetables—hands-on moments filled with nature and discovery. Even in the heat, everyone worked together with smiles, bringing energy to the fields and the forest. At lunchtime, we had fun with nagashi somen (flowing noodles!) and shared a meal featuring fresh veggies from the ARI farm. It was a heartwarming day of connection—where small lives turn into big relationships. Next one will be held on … Read more

This week, ARI welcomed Mr. Yoji Kamata as a guest lecturer to lead a session on localization and the value of community. In the class, ARI participants reflected on the positive aspects of traditional cultures and the challenges that often accompany modern development, including environmental damage, weakened local economies, and the erosion of family and cultural ties. The session also highlighted the downsides of economic globalization, such as increasing insecurity, climate impact, and the waste of natural resources. Using the metaphor of a “leaking bucket,” Mr. Kamata explained how local … Read more

A community event to experience Japanese culture was held at ARI!Participants dressed in yukata and enjoyed various stations featuring traditional Japanese activities such as origami, tea ceremony, ayatori, and sushi rolling. There was also a live shamisen performance, and the event ended on a warm note with everyone dancing the bon odori together.It was truly impressive to see participants from diverse backgrounds earnestly learning about Japanese culture while deepening their connections. Through opportunities like this, understanding and respect for different cultures are fostered, making it a valuable experience for all … Read more

It’s that time of year again! ARI’s biggest annual event, Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC), is coming soon.We recently held our first planning meeting, and participants shared many exciting and creative ideas. This year’s HTC is shaping up to be another joyful and lively two-day celebration.Save the date: October 18 (Saturday) & 19 (Sunday).Everyone is welcome come join the fun and celebrate the harvest with us!

At ARI, a PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) class was held, where participants were divided into groups based on their home regions to discuss challenges faced in their communities. PRA is a method often used in development work, where local people identify problems and think about solutions using their own knowledge and experiences.In the class, participants also worked on organizing the “causes” and “effects” of the issues they discussed. One common topic raised by many groups was waste management. Participants shared how inadequate waste disposal has led to river and soil … Read more