This September, get to know the ARI participants you're supporting through this campaign — and the learning happening on campus.
Why do rural community leaders from around the world come to Asian Rural Institute in Japan— and what exactly do they learn there?
What participants learn at ARI goes beyond farming techniques or knowledge. Coming together from all over the world, participants spend nine months living communally — and part of that is making time to care for both mind and body. "Retreat" is an essential part of that.
That's because daily life at ARI — between hands-on training, classes, and communal living — is busy and full of stimulation. That's exactly why ARI has come to believe that having a quiet place and time, surrounded by rich nature, is so necessary.
We asked Kuriko, a part-time staff member, why ARI has taken up retreat.
"Life at ARI is so busy and full of stimulation — that's exactly why we need a quiet place and time here, surrounded by rich nature. That's why we started this effort."
"In particular, the participants who come here have lived through extremely severe circumstances. Some of them lead their communities, constantly facing war or regional conflict in their daily lives."
"So if our participants can experience this retreat, and go on to share that same kind of peaceful time with their communities after returning home, nothing would make us happier."
The video also shows participants spending time in retreat, surrounded by ARI's rich natural surroundings. Please take a look at our participants stepping away from their daily training and communal life to spend a quiet moment together.
Through time like this — caring for both mind and body — ARI's rural community leaders also build the strength to become leaders who protect and nurture peace and dignity in their own communities after they return home.
"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.
