“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 and brought to life various initiatives over the years. These
We are finally just about one week away from the launch of our crowdfunding campaign on August 1st! Today, we would like to introduce our study in Osaka.
In Osaka, participants are divided into groups based on their preparatory study sessions to engage with human rights issues and the history of discrimination faced by homeless individuals, as well as people from Korea and Okinawa who have migrated to Osaka.
Upon hearing the story of a Zainichi Korean individual living under a Korean name, a participant shared, “When Bengalis—the majority in Bangladesh—mispronounced my name, I never corrected them. But from now on, I decided I will tell people its correct pronunciation.” Both the curriculum staff and his group members were genuinely delighted to hear his words. As a member of an ethnic minority in Bangladesh who also struggled with English at ARI, he had rarely voiced his opinions, often remaining quiet with a gentle smile beside his Bengali classmates.
Manosi Abe Chatterjee, Curriculum Coordinator, reflects on the significance of the training in Osaka:
“Having the opportunity to listen directly to those on the front lines of poverty and discrimination, as well as to the affected individuals themselves, is invaluable. Learning that such issues exist even in a so-called developed country like Japan comes as a profound shock to participants. Furthermore, when local high school students in Osaka who join the fieldwork frequently remark that they were unaware of these issues until now, participants realize just how hidden these problems remain. This experience teaches them the importance of looking closely at the people within their own communities to uncover underlying struggles, while also providing an opportunity to reflect on their own internal biases—making it a deeply meaningful lesson in servant leadership.”
■ Crowdfunding Campaign Starts August 1st!
We will be launching our crowdfunding campaign on the “Syncable” platform.
https://ari.ac.jp/en/campaign/update
■ Seeking “Support Funding Partners” (July 1st-)
Would you be willing to set up your own personal sub-campaign page on Syncable? You can help us to raise donations from your friends!
If you’re interested in, please contact us at [email protected].
On July 10th and 11th, I had the honor of attending the 65th Summer University Lecture on Rural Medicine at Saku General Hospital in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, where I accepted the Wakatsuki Award on behalf of (ARI. In addition to receiving the certificate and supplementary prize, I was also privileged to deliver a commemorative lecture.
The Wakatsuki Award was established to honor the legacy of Dr. Toshikazu Wakatsuki (1910–2006), a pioneer who dedicated his life to the development of regional healthcare and rural medicine at Saku General Hospital. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding grassroots contributions to health, medicine, and welfare.
You might wonder, “What is the connection between rural medicine and ARI?” Yet, we found that our goals are in perfect harmony: protecting the health and welfare of people living in rural communities and directly linking that to the well-being and peace of the entire region.
Dr. Wakatsuki left behind the beautiful words, “The rural village is our mother,” cherishing rural areas as the very source of life and the place that nurtures it. The venue’s Rural Health Education Hall also proudly displays the slogan: “Together with Rural People.”
Engaging with these profound philosophies, I deeply felt that many of the core values we hold dear at ARI are beautifully reflected there.
This weekend is Marine Day in Japan. When you think of the sea, what comes to your mind?
Today, we are thrilled to share a supporter’s voice from Nahoko Osawa of “Karatachi”, who has been graciously hosting our West Japan Study Tour in Minamata City, Kumamoto!
“Karatachi” was founded by Nahoko’s parents to support Minamata disease patients, through cultivating and selling organic citrus fruits.
“More than 40 years have passed since we first began hosting participants from ARI here in Minamata. As my parents grew older, I stepped in to carry on their legacy. When the ARI participants come here to learn from Minamata, I feel that I’m not just teaching those who are present but also reaching the countless people standing behind them in their home communities. It is truly a deeply rewarding experience. As long as ARI continues to visit Minamata, I want to keep our doors open and welcome them.”
This year marks the significant 70th anniversary since Minamata disease was officially recognized. This Marine Day, why not take a moment to learn more about Minamata, its history, and its journey?
■ Crowdfunding Campaign Starts August 1st!
We will be launching our crowdfunding campaign on the “Syncable” platform.
https://ari.ac.jp/en/campaign/update
■ Seeking “Support Funding Partners” (July 1st-)
Would you be willing to set up your own personal sub-campaign page on Syncable? You can help us to raise donations from your friends!
If you’re interested in, please contact us at [email protected].
ARI partner organization Kibo Alliance (formerly American Friends of ARI) recently premiered a video showcasing the work of ARI graduates.
Kibo Alliance provides yearly scholarships and institutional support to the Asian Rural Institute. In addition, they provide microgrants to selected ARI graduates through regional learning hubs, and additional grants and professional development through the Tarr Fellowship. Their work helps complete the cycle of rural development transformation: leadership training at ARI, followed by project implementation after returning home.
Learn more about Kibo Alliance at their website.
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 the harvest with everyone and God, and for the participants, it is also a process of learning leadership.
The first HTC meeting was held on July 7th. After an orientation session where we learned “What is HTC?”, we split into groups to activities such as “Please draw what ‘celebration’ means to you,” “How can you contribute to HTC?”, and “What do you want guests to take away with them?”
Next step is to decide the Theme and coordinators. We are going to prepare step by step.
(Yukiko Oyanagi, Associate Director / Curriculum Assistant)
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 ARI Project (duari)” was born out of Doshisha University’s international volunteer club, the “International Habitat Association.” Deeply inspired by ARI’s values, duari works to support and raise awareness of ARI’s mission.
Mei didn’t just spend time on campus at ARI—in February 2026, she also joined the ARI-organized study tour to Indonesia to visit our graduates! Witnessing their incredible work firsthand inspired her to become our very first Support Funding Partner.
“Spending time with participants at ARI and seeing the graduates thrive back in Indonesia has taught me one profound truth: they learn and act entirely ‘for their communities and the future of our planet.’
I truly hope ARI can continue to provide the same high-quality education it always has. Because I believe with all my heart in their potential to return home and spark real social change. It would be a tragic loss to narrow or cancel this invaluable study tour due to a lack of funds, closing the door on these rural community leaders’ potential.
Our power might be small. But by launching this Support Funding project, we hope to introduce ARI to as many people as possible and grow the network of supporters backing these incredible leaders worldwide. That’s why we decided to take on this challenge!”
■ Crowdfunding Campaign Starts August 1st!
We will be launching our crowdfunding campaign on the “Syncable” platform.
https://ari.ac.jp/en/campaign/update
■ Seeking “Support Funding Partners” (July 1st-)
Would you be willing to set up your own personal sub-campaign page on Syncable? You can help us to raise donations from your friends!
If you’re interested in, please contact us at [email protected].
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 and circulation guide many of the organic farming practices in Ogawa Town.
Many participants noted the connections between turning waste into biogas and biogas liquid which further can be used on fields to promote soil health. They also learned core methods that promote biodiverse fields such as the use of banker plants and living mulch on land, and the work of tadpole shrimps in the paddies. From securing fuel self-sufficiency through the use of straight vegetable oil on the farm, to reducing the use of single use plastic mulches; participants shared that they gained many valuable real-life examples that they hope to try in their home communities.
We hope they keep 1996 graduate Mr. Muneo Kaneko’s words in mind during their future endeavours, “Organic farming nurtures the community”.
Many thanks to Shimosato Farm, NPO Fudo, Kaze no Oka Farm, and Watanabe Tofu Store for their valuable time and knowledge.
(Manosi Abe Chatterjee, Curriculum Coordinator)
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 seed sovereignty is an important part of securing farmers rights and futures.
This topic is important for participants because global projections indicate that over 90% of Earth’s soils could become degraded by 2050.
When farmers have limited access to seeds, and their ability to save seeds is limited – due to laws, access to seeds, and types of seed (patented/terminator seeds) – their way of growing food is controlled, and finally their right to grow food is handed over to corporations.
Many, if not all, of our foods start from seed. Therefore, it is important to be able to choose the food you grow and eat.
“You control the seed, you can control the food system. You control the food system, you can control the people”
Participants could find ways to strengthen their role in addressing a growing problem.
(written by Manosi Abe Chatterjee, Curriculum Coordinator)
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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.
