During September, we are highlighting the global impact of ARI training through the work of our graduates.This week, we share an activity report on Mimi, a 2017 graduate from the
In September, we will be highlighting the global impact of ARI’s training through the work of our graduates! For our first story, we introduce Jonah, who is promoting environmental education
One month has passed since the launch of our crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to your warm support, we have successfully achieved our goal of raising 2.2 million yen for the Western
2026.8.1.-9.30.
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
We held our midterm presentations. The theme was “What is your biggest learning so far?” As usual, the use of computers is prohibited during presentations at ARI. Participants used the
“About ten years ago, I had the privilege of connecting with ARI and have been involved as a commuting volunteer ever since. From a volunteer’s perspective, I have actively proposed
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for everyone’s warm support. We reached our original goal of ¥1,000,000 for the Western Japan Study Tour’s travel costs on the very
On August 12, we visited Hidamari Farm and NPO Bato Noson Juku, run by Yohei Hamanaka, a 2013 graduate. He said, “using local resources,” “the importance of nurturing the next
Since its founding in 1973, ARI has welcomed 1,472 graduates from 63 countries. The countries with the highest number of graduates include India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Notably, these
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.
