JOCS Worker Naomi Iwamoto’s Presentation at Asian Rural Institute

January 14, 2026
Makiko Abe

On Saturday, February 7, a presentation titled “Peace That Comes from the little ones” will be held at ARI, featuring the work of Ms. Naomi Iwamoto, a JOCS (Japan Christian Overseas Medical Cooperative Service) worker.

Since 1993, Ms. Iwamoto has been dispatched by JOCS to Bangladesh as a nurse, supporting children with disabilities and their families. Since July 2022, she has been assigned to Dinajpur District, where she provides developmental support for children with intellectual disabilities or physical challenges caused by autism or cerebral palsy through daycare programs. She also works to create a place of belonging for parents who often find themselves isolated. Believing in the inherent abilities of each individual, she lives and works alongside people at the grassroots level, guided by prayer. We invite you to come and hear her story.

About JOCS (Japan Christian Overseas Medical Cooperative Service) Founded in 1960, JOCS is Japan’s first NGO. Guided by the spirit of Christ’s love, it works toward a world where the health and lives of all people are protected, engaging in health and medical cooperation in countries across Asia and Africa. Website: https://www.jocs.or.jp/

Date & Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 13:30–16:00
Venue: Asian Rural Institute, Classroom Building (442-1 Tsukinukizawa, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Interpretation will be provided.
Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
Please register through ARI.

On the following day, Sunday, February 8, Ms. Iwamoto will also speak at UCCJ Nishinasuno Church, after the worship service (from 11:20). This event does not require prior registration and is open to everyone (Interpretation will be provided).

Men's Dormitory & Guest House

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.

Poultry House

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.

Pig Pen

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 House

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.

Forest

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.

Fields

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 Paddies

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.

Workshop

The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.

Feed Mixing Room

Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.

Administration Building

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.

ARI Shop

The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.

Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room)

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.

Oikos Chapel

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.”

Manna House (Food Processing Room)

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 Ponds

Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.