Return of the Forest When Veny and Kengo’s time at ARI came to an end in 2012, they had no plans to make a food forest in the tropics of North Sumatra, Indonesia—Veny’s hometown. Both of them are ARI graduates
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.
In April 2025, directorship of the Asian Rural Institute changed from Tomoko Arakawa to Osamu Arakawa. Osamu, formerly the Farm Manager and Education Director, assumed the role while Tomoko shifted into a Director of Development & Outreach role. As part of the transition, the two staff members spoke with Jack Lichten, Ecumenical Relations Coordinator, about the challenges and successes of leading ARI.
Jack: Tomoko, thank you for your ten years of service. What stands out the most from this past decade?
Tomoko: When I became director in 2015, the campus was being rebuilt after the earthquake, and we were working to restart our programs. Five years later, COVID-19 disrupted everything. It wasn’t just a financial challenge—the borders closed, and people couldn’t come. I never imagined such a situation! It wasn’t something I could handle alone, so I had to consult with everyone and find ways to move forward together. Even in such difficult times, I had to trust that this was the place and the opportunity that God had given us.
Jack: From an educational and agricultural perspective, how has ARI evolved?
Tomoko: The farm has become more integrated. It used to be divided into separate departments, but now everything is learned in a more holistic way. Recently, a graduate from Thailand told me that back in his time, he only learned food processing, but now students gain a much broader understanding.
Former Director: Tomoko Arakawa (~March 2025)
Tomoko Arakawa became director of ARI in 2015, during the final year of ARI’s 2011 Tohoku Earthquake reconstruction project. Under her leadership, ARI’s training program was renewed with enhanced facilities and an upgraded global vision. She is deeply grateful for the resilience and support that made sustained growth and overcoming challenges possible.
Jack: Osamu-san, in your work as the farm manager and assistant director, what do you think has been most successful over the past ten years?
Osamu: The integration of the farm has been significant. In addition, working closely with volunteers to observe, plan, and reflect on the farm’s operations has been valuable. This has improved mutual understanding among the farm staff as well.
Jack: What are your concerns about becoming the director?
Osamu: Previously, I was in direct contact with students and could listen to their concerns closely. As director, I won’t have the same opportunities for one-on-one interactions. I’m thinking about how to stay connected—not just with students, but also with volunteers and staff.
Jack: How can you apply your experience as a staff leader in your new role?
Osamu: The key is listening. When people, especially students, feel unwell or troubled, having someone to listen to them is essential.
Tomoko: What about accompanying students to the hospital? We often don’t have enough staff to handle it.
Osamu: That could be one approach—supporting them when they are most vulnerable. But not all cases end up in the hospital… (laughs).
Tomoko: Haha, true! But at ARI, there are plenty of opportunities to connect—like sharing meals and doing dishes together. Don’t worry.
When I first became director, I thought I needed to focus outward, traveling more to represent ARI. However, in 2016, while I was away on a business trip, there was an incident on campus, and we struggled due to the lack of a system for handling such situations. That made me realize that before focusing outward, I needed to strengthen our internal structure. Now that those foundations are in place, I hope to deepen ARI’s external relationships as a Managing Director moving forward.
New Director: Osamu Arakawa (From April 2025)
Osamu Arakawa has worked in Tanzania, Nepal, and East Timor with the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and the Japan Lay Missionary Movement. Since 2001, he has lived and farmed at ARI, drawing inspiration from the land and its rhythms. His work is rooted in a lifelong dedication to connecting with nature, people, and the essence of life.
Jack: Osamu, do you have a message for the staff?
Osamu: We are already doing this, but I want to further cultivate a culture of mutual appreciation. When we focus on people’s strengths, we encourage them to contribute even more. If staff embody this culture, it will naturally extend to students and volunteers.
Jack: Tomoko, after 10 years, what would you like to say to ARI’s supporters?
Tomoko: I deeply appreciate your generosity and support. The impact of ARI isn’t always immediately visible. However, it is truly remarkable that our alumni, working hard for society around the world, continue to trust and support us. They see their dreams in ARI, and having such friends is what keeps ARI moving forward.
Jack: Any final words?
Tomoko: Listening to Osamu-san, I realize that ARI’s core values have always been here, but we are now articulating them more clearly. In the past, experiencing ARI required being here in person, but now, with more publications and social media, people can express ARI’s value in their own words. Especially when alumni share their experiences and insights from their own communities, I have come to appreciate an incredibly rich and vast world. This has been a major revelation for me.
Osamu: ARI is a place to learn about all forms of life. It offers an experience that connects to the core of existence—not just the life within natural ecosystems, but also the human spirit. I hope many people will come and experience this for themselves.
Interested in learning more about Director Osamu Arakawa's dreams for the future of ARI? Donate to ARI through our US-based supporters group, American Friends of ARI, and receive a copy of our English-language newsletter, Take My Hand. More information here.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch all our online events again!
Join the ARI life with family and friends!
We're looking for on-campus volunteers
Tsukinukizawa 442-1
Tochigi, Nasushiobara
329-2703 JAPAN
Campus & Facilities
Access Info
Downloads
ARI Becquerel Center (ABC)
Employment
Opportunities
Privacy Policy
