Today, August 1st, we launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the Asian Rural Institute’s (ARI) "Western Japan Study Tour."
Every November, ARI conducts the Western Japan Study Tour as the culmination of our 9-month Rural Leaders Training Program. It is a 12-day, 3,000 km round-trip journey by minibus.
Participants visit sites reflecting Japan’s history of "pain and regeneration"—including pollution, discrimination, and the scars of war. There, they meet people who have stood by their neighbors to live together in harmony.
Our 22 rural leaders from 13 countries often reflect:
"Although I was looking at Japan, it felt like I was looking at my own country."
Realizing that the pain people carry shares common ground across borders, participants return home to act as leaders who "live kindly with neighbors," uplifting their communities.
However, a grant we anticipated was not awarded this year. Combined with inflation and the weak yen, we need your support more than ever. We aim to raise 1 million yen for transportation costs out of the total 2 million yen budget.
▼ Campaign & Donations:
https://ari.ac.jp/en/campaign/update
Period: Aug 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2026
Please support our 22 participants and share this post with your network. Thank you!
"Fuel for 1 Student to Travel 1 Day to the Field"
1,000円
Fuel support to move the minibus 25 km forward (or parking fees/miscellaneous costs for safe parking and rest stops).
Fuel cost (¥40/km) × 25 km. An accessible tier that directly supports a student’s daily travel, as well as safe parking and rest during the journey.
"Safe Infrastructure Support for the 3,000 km Journey"
3,000円
Highway toll and parking fee support for safe long-distance travel (or fuel costs for 75 km).
Covers 75 km worth of fuel or practical expenses needed to secure a safe driving environment (highways and parking facilities) throughout the trip.
"Highway Tolls for 1 Participant across the Entire 3,000 km Journey"
5,000円
Highway toll fees for 1 participant to travel safely and on schedule to training sites across Western Japan.
By easing the physical strain of long-distance travel, this creates an environment where participants can focus 100% on their hands-on experiences and dialogue at each destination.
"Overnight Ferry & Warm Breakfast Support for 1 Participant"
10,000円
Ferry fare (bed accommodation) between Osaka and Moji plus breakfast for 1 participant.
Crucial support to help participants stay healthy and well-rested during long travel, ensuring they reach their next training site in peak condition.
"Microbus Rental Fee for 1 Day (A Mobile Learning Hub)"
30,000円
Equivalent to approximately 1 day of vehicle rental out of the total ¥400,000 minibus rental cost.
Secures 1 day of a "classroom on wheels" where active discussion and reflection take place on the road, supporting meaningful growth and mutual inspiration among participants.
"Full Travel Expenses for 1 Participant to Complete the Western Japan Study Tour (3,000 km)"
50,000円
All transportation costs for 1 student to complete the 3,000 km Western Japan Study Tour (bus rental portion, fuel, highway tolls, ferry, and parking fees).
Comprehensive support that backs the entire journey of a participant confronting real-world issues in the field and growing into a leader who transforms themselves to transform the world.
"1/4 of the Microbus Rental Cost Connecting Learning Sites Across Western Japan"
100,000円
Covers 25% of the ¥400,000 total minibus rental cost.
This major support underpins the foundational infrastructure of the project, strongly sustaining the mobility essential for all participants to travel, learn, and connect across Western Japan.
