Thank you for the warm support and messages we have received from all of you every day.
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."
🚌Please support us to make the Western Japan Study Tour a reality!
Give 22 Rural Community Leaders from Around the World a Chance to Learn from "Pain and Rebirth"!
世界の農村コミュニティリーダー22名に「痛みと再生」を学ぶチャンスを！あなたの寄付が隣人とやさしく生きる世界を作ります。
"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.
