The Latest

Sports and Teamwork Shine at Volunteer-Led ARI Community Event

ARI held a community event focused on teamwork and physical activity in June. This time, it was a sports tournament coordinated by volunteers and held at the Minami Nasu B&G Marine Center

The theme of this event was “Cooperation.” In addition to familiar sports like volleyball and dodgeball, we included unique activities that could only be completed through team collaboration, and all participants gave it their full effort.

The day after the event, the participants were suffering from muscle aches, but it was a wonderful day that refreshed both mind and body through sports and allowed everyone to reaffirm the importance of working together.

ARI Strengthening Local Bonds Through Soccer

Recently, ARI and Ohtawara High School faced off in an exciting soccer match. Both teams showcased intense and thrilling play, captivating the spectators. However, the game was more than just about the score; it served as a valuable opportunity to deepen international exchange through sports.
Throughout the match, the players exchanged encouragement and engaged in a technical rivalry, transcending language and cultural differences. Soccer, with its universal appeal, helped strengthen the bond between the two teams. After the game, both teams celebrated each other’s efforts, and the atmosphere was filled with smiles and friendship, making for a memorable experience.

International University Researchers Present on the ARI Model

Since 2023, an international group of researchers led by Dr Albert Park of Claremont McKenna College has been studying “Rural Futures” — with ARI as a base for study. Researchers have visited several times over the last two years, interviewing Participants and surveying graduates on their work.

This month, the team returned to ARI to present their findings to the community. Powerful learnings and new suggestions for the future. We’re extremely thankful for all their hard work and amazed at the results!

Learning about Women’s Health and Hygiene!

At the Asian Rural Institute, participants recently came together for an eye-opening session on Women’s Health & Hygiene – a powerful mix of learning, sharing, and connecting across cultures.

Through interactive quizzes and hands-on workshops, participants explored vital topics like menstruation, self-care, and the cultural perspectives that shape women’s health around the world.

The session wasn’t just educational – it sparked meaningful conversations about women’s health.

Participants left inspired and equipped to bring this knowledge back to their own communities.

ARI Participants Learn to Make Dishwashing Soap from Used Oil!

This week, ARI participants learned how to make dishwashing soap using only three ingredients: caustic soda, water, and used cooking oil. This method, shared by an ARI graduate, is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

By reusing old oil that would otherwise be discarded, the participants practiced a sustainable way of living that they can bring back to their home communities. The activity was not only a practical skill-building session but also a step toward reducing environmental waste and promoting self-reliance.

The soap takes several weeks to cure, but once ready, it will be used in daily life at ARI.

Diverse Voices Resound: First Participants Presentation

ARI Participants gave their first presentation of the school year this week. Each participant gave a presentation about their home cultures, agricultural practices, and various social issues they experience. The audience was lively as well, asking many questions to each presenter.

Through this opportunity, the participants were able to reflect on their individual missions, and their future contributions are eagerly anticipated.

ARI Holds Special Dignity Workshop

Last week, ARI held a special workshop on the topic of “Dignity”.

The instructor was Jeffrey Mensendieck, an associate professor at Oberlin University, with whom ARI has had a longstanding relationship, and the class provided an opportunity to learn deeply about human dignity.

During the class, participants shared with each other situations and experiences in their own countries and discussed how poverty, discrimination, and conflict affect human dignity. They also deeply examined what is lost when dignity is taken away, and conversely, how healthy and sustainable a society can be when dignity is protected.

ARI will continue to work toward the realization of a society where people from diverse cultural backgrounds understand and support each other through this kind of dignity education.

Participants learn how to make FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice) at ARI!

FPJ is a natural farming technique, also called “Tenkei Green Juice”, which is a liquid fertilizer made by extracting and fermenting plant nutrients, and is a method of growing crops without relying on chemical fertilizers.

Though the class started early in the morning, the participants showed great concentration and enthusiasm.

ARI will continue to train rural leaders who can contribute to the sustainable development of local communities and the world while learning environmentally friendly agricultural technologies, and making FPJ is a practical learning opportunity for participants to realize such a vision, providing them with a deep learning experience.