Every October, ARI holds HTC (Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration). This year, it will take place on October 17th (Sat) and 18th (Sun). HTC is a day to share the joy of
Our Summer Donation Campaign: “Living Kindly with Neighbors” has officially kicked off!Today, we’d like to share a message from Mei Goto, the representative of the “Doshisha ARI Project”. The “Doshisha
Last week, Participants went on a short trip to Ogawa Town to meet 3 organic farmers who have supported ARI for a long time. The strong philosophy of promoting self-sufficiency
In June, ARI Participants learned about Global Agroecology, taught by Dr Frida Endinjok, a guest lecturer from Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA). Participants learned what is agroecology, and how
On June 18, we were thrilled to welcome over 20 members of the Industry Co-Creation (ICC) community and local friends to ARI! ICC is a network of entrepreneurs, business leaders,
At our recent “Morning Gathering,” I shared my thoughts on “the meaning of waiting.” While I am by no means good at “waiting,” I have come to understand its importance
With the cooperation of the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the National Federation of UCCJ Women’s Society, ARI has been running the “Kyodan Homestay Program” in the Tokyo metropolitan area since
Want to take a break from your daily work or studies for a while?Thinking about how you want to live your life?Want to encounter things you’ve never experienced before? Volunteering
5 participants of MESA (Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture) program are currently taking part in a short-term training at ARI. This program brings together people working in the agricultural sector
Our participants’ May essay topic was “Food,” and it truly highlighted their interest in nutrition! My nutrition classes aim to add a valuable dietary perspective to the agriculture and community
The 3rd Organic School Lunch Forum is coming to Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, on Saturday, July 25th, and Sunday, July 26th! This inspiring event will feature an incredible lineup of
This is where the community gathers to share meals and fellowship together. More than just a dining hall, it also serves as a venue for events, meetings, and learning activities. Koinonia is a Greek word meaning “fellowship” or “sharing.”
At peak times, meals are prepared for as many as 100 people at once. Students, staff, and volunteers all take part in cooking and meal preparation. The kitchen is not only a place for preparing food but also a space for learning, serving others, and building relationships within the community.
Participants attend classes in these classrooms throughout the training program. The library contains a wide range of English and Japanese books, audiovisual materials, and magazines covering agriculture, social issues, community development, and many other fields of study.
Participants and volunteers live in separate dormitories for men and women. The dormitory includes shared lounges, kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is not available.
The poultry facilities include free-range chicken coops and a brooding house. More than 400 chickens are raised, producing over 80,000 eggs and approximately one ton of chicken meat each year.
Participants learn a variety of pig farming techniques through hands-on practice. Both deep-litter and concrete-floor systems are used, and manure is recycled into biogas and fertilizer.
Goat milk (over 200 liters annually) and meat are used for food, while manure is used as fertilizer. During the day, the goats roam freely in the pasture.
The forests surrounding the campus are managed through selective thinning for firewood and charcoal production. Leaves and other organic materials are collected for use in agriculture.
On 2.5 hectares of farmland, approximately 100 varieties of vegetables and crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The entire community helps manage the fields as part of its commitment to learning and self-sufficiency.
Rice is cultivated in paddies both on and off campus. Various organic rice-growing methods are studied and practiced, including weed control and fertilization using ducks.
The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.
Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.
The first floor houses the reception area and administrative offices, while the second floor contains staff offices and the Director’s office. The Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room) is located adjacent to the building.
The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.
The facility serves as the hub of agricultural activities at ARI. It includes classrooms, storage for tools and farming materials, and facilities for drying and storing crops.
Originally a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse, the chapel has been renovated into a place of worship. Daily morning gatherings are held here, along with meditation, dialogue sessions, gospel choir practice, and other community activities. Oikos is a Greek word meaning “home.”
This facility is used for producing and storing processed foods such as cookies and jam. The ground floor also contains a poultry processing facility.
Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.
