— Your Catalyst for Change Starts Here —
Food is Life. Learning Together, Living Together.
Located in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is a unique community where rural leaders from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific gather to study organic farming and community leadership.
- “I’m interested in international cooperation, but I’m not sure what I can do.”
- “I want to practice sustainable living and organic farming in a diverse cultural environment.”
- “I want to engage in deep dialogue with peers from around the world using English.”
To all Japanese citizens who share these passions: Why not join our 2027 Rural Leaders Training Program and learn alongside grassroots leaders from across the globe?
1. Open Campus Overview
We invite you to our Open Campus to experience the unique atmosphere of ARI firsthand. This is a precious opportunity to engage your five senses and see our mission in action.
Open Campus & Introduction to Servant Leadership
- First Event: Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Asian Rural Institute Campus (Nasushiobara, Tochigi)
- Schedule:
- 10:50 – Meet at Campus
- 11:00 – Opening
- 12:30 – Organic Lunch (Sourced directly from our farm)
- 13:30 – Introduction to Servant Leadership Workshop
- 14:30 – Reflection & Information Session for Japanese Students
- 15:00 – Closing
- Fee: 2,500 JPY (Includes organic lunch)
- Capacity: Max 10 participants per session
- Registration: Email [email protected] (Please register at least one week before each date)
Upcoming Dates (Full Series):
- May 30 (Sat) | 2. June 27 (Sat) | 3. July 25 (Sat) | 4. Aug 22 (Sat) | 5. Oct 31 (Sat) | 6. Nov 28 (Sat) | 7. Jan 23 (Sat) Shuttle service is available from Nasushiobara Station.
2. Recruitment for Japanese Participants
ARI is looking for Japanese participants to join our 9-month residential program alongside international participants. (The total duration is approximately one year, including a 50-day “Asia Internship Program” overseas after graduation).
Learn from the Soil, Build through Dialogue. At ARI, leadership is not just taught in a classroom. Through daily farm work and communal living, we challenge you to rediscover the true meaning of leadership.
- Training Period: Starting April 1, 2027 (Approx. 1 year, including overseas internship)
- Curriculum: Organic Farming, Livestock Management, Community Development, Servant Leadership, Sustainable Energy, and more.
- Eligibility:
- Healthy in mind and body, with a strong motivation for communal living.
- A desire to communicate in English (We value motivation and the “will to try” over current language proficiency).
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2027 (Must arrive by this date)
Japanese Paticipants: [Click here for Application Details & Brochure Requests]
International Participants: [Click here for Application Details & Brochure Requests]
3. What You Will Gain at ARI
- A Lifelong Global Network: Build family-like bonds with rural leaders from over 15 countries.
- Practical Skills: Beyond theory, you will master the “Organic Way of Life” through hands-on experience.
- Self-Discovery: By engaging with diverse values, you will gain clarity on your own career path and life’s purpose.
Contact Us
We welcome your questions and are happy to provide individual consultations. Please feel free to reach out.
Asian Rural Institute (ARI)
- Phone: 0287-36-3111
- Email: [email protected]
