【ARI and World War II: Western Japan Study Tour (WJST) at the Theological Seminary for Rural Mission in Machida, Tokyo】
2026/8/15 20:00
Thanks to everyone's generous support, we have successfully reached our next target goal of 2.2 million yen. Thank you so much for your warm support!
On today's anniversary of the end of World War II, we would like to share how ARI reflects on World War II—which formed the core of its founding—and introduce the Theological Seminary for Rural Mission, which marks the very origins of ARI.
Since its founding in 1973, ARI has welcomed 1,472 graduates from 63 countries. The countries with the highest number of graduates include India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Notably, these are also countries that suffered deep scars from Japan’s invasion during World War II.
The late Rev. Toshihiro Takami, one of the founders of ARI, previously served at the Southeast Asia Course (SEAC) of the Theological Seminary for Rural Mission —the predecessor to ARI. There, he met participants from Taiwan, South Korea, Myanmar, and the Philippines who had personally experienced harm inflicted by Japanese soldiers. Though some had seen their loved ones killed before their eyes, bore bayonet wounds on their bodies, or had lost hearing in one ear from beatings, they all spoke of their experiences calmly, with gentle expressions on their faces. In his writings, Rev. Takami reflected that he received their stories with a profound sense of solemnity and gratitude rather than mere pain. This pivotal encounter later led to the establishment of ARI—a school dedicated to teaching servant leadership under the motto "That We May Live Together".
Every year, as the first destination of the WJST, participants visit the seminary. There, they connect with the Institute's roots, tour the farm, and engage in meaningful fellowship.
Even as memories of the war fade, we remain committed to confronting our responsibility as a nation that inflicted harm, guided by the Peace Declaration we issued last year.
https://ari.ac.jp/en/ari-peace-declaration-80th-anniv-of-end-of-wwii/?ari=join
🚌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。
Photo: SEAC students with Rev. Toshihiro Takami (left, circa ‘62-64)
"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.
