“Investing in One Changes a Thousand” — 1 Month into Our Crowdfunding & Sharing Graduate Stories this September!
2026/9/2 09:19

One month has passed since the launch of our crowdfunding campaign.
Thanks to your warm support, we have successfully achieved our goal of raising 2.2 million yen for the Western Japan Study Tour expenses. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of you.
While we introduced the destinations for the study tour last month, in September, we would like to share the activities of ARI graduates. The true impact of our training programs—including the Western Japan Study Tour that you are supporting—is demonstrated in the dedicated work our graduates carry out once they return to their respective communities.
A graduate from India reflected on the significance of the human resource development provided by ARI:
“It would be difficult to provide ongoing support if they invested the same amount in a single project. But my scholarship organization invested in me. And I’ve been alive and working for people for the last 25 years.” “…The whole world needs change, and it needs everyone’s participation. But we cannot all be leaders and live in rural areas. Each one of us is equipped with our own work and abilities, and investing 100 yen or 1,000 yen in one participant can change the lives of 1,000 people behind him or her. It’s not just 100 people, it’s 1,000 people!”
Source: Spring 2025 Donation Campaign Article https://ari.ac.jp/en/great-journey-vol-01/
All of us on staff hope that this remaining month will serve as an opportunity for more people to learn about ARI and connect with our community. We humbly ask for your continued support and encouragement until the very end.
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。
■ On our social media stories and reels, we will be sharing messages received from our supporters. Please stay tuned!


"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.


