On August 22, we hosted ARI Friends Day thanks to the generous support of many people. We are deeply grateful to all the visitors who joined us despite rain starting and stopping throughout the day.
A new initiative this time was the sale of handmade food and products created by our participants. Highlights included West African-style peanut soup and fufu, donuts, ice cream, cookies branded under “5 Bread and 2 Fish” (https://ari.ac.jp/en/a-time-to-heal-summer-2026-pts-cookies/), organic fertilizer, and a knitting workshop using recycled waste plastic.
Many of these items were created as individual projects during training, with all proceeds going toward funding the Western Japan Study Tour. It was a valuable learning opportunity for the participants to experience every stage of the process, from production to sales.
The day was packed with activities, including Graduate Talk, “Chocotto Farm & Forest” (tree climbing), the Ohinata Marche, and the Used Book Market. Unfortunately, the afternoon tree climbing session had to be cancelled due to rain… We hope those who missed out will have another chance to try it in the future!
It was a day that truly reminded us of our connection with all the “Friends” who support ARI in so many ways. We look forward to continuing to cherish and nurture these connections with everyone who walks alongside us.
■ We are currently running a crowdfunding campaign! (~September 30th)
Thanks to your generous support, we successfully reached our target of 2.2 million yen for the West Japan Study Tour—thank you so much! Our fundraising efforts will continue through the end of September to support our participants’ remaining learning journey this year. Please continue to support us!
https://ari.ac.jp/en/campaign/update
■ Meet ARI’s current participants!
Check out our Stories on SNS to watch their self-introduction videos and support their Western Japan Study Tour!
