News

Announcement of the Passing of the Rev. Dr. Toshihiro Takami, Honorary President

Glory be to God in the Highest! It is with great sadness that we bring this announcement.  The Rev. Dr. Toshihiro Takami, Honorary President of the Asian Rural Institute (Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Japan) passed away at the Maronie Nursing Care Facility at 10:18pm on Thursday, September 6th.  He was 91 years old.  His was a life sacrificed for the Lord and for the Asian Rural Institute. The Rev. Dr. Toshihiro Takami was born in the Northeast Part of the Chinese People’s Republic, formerly known as Manchuria, and returned to Japan at the age of 10.  He attended College at Doane University, Seminary at Yale Divinity School and Fuller Seminary. An ordained … Read more…

46th Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration（Oct.13th and 14th）

One of our biggest events of the year “Thanksgiving Celebration” is coming on October 13 and 14!  Come and enjoy the celebration of this year’s harvest with us! “Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration (HTC)”  is held every autumn. We will welcome you with all the members of ARI, with unusual and delicious dishes from around the world, performances of singing and dancing, bazaar and kids’ corner. 【Date】 October 13 (Sat) and 14 (Sun) 【Time】 Open 9: 30 ~, Worship 10: 00 ~,  Meal / Bazaar / Shops 11: 00 ~,  Performance of singing and dancing 13: 00 ~ 【Venue】 Asian Rural Institute Campus · Shuttle bus service is available on both days … Read more…

The 45th Commencement Service

With the grace of God, we are happy to announce the Commencement Service of the Asian Rural Institute this year to be held on December 9th, Saturday. We would like to welcome you to join this Commencement Service to encourage participants who will be returning to their countries with what they have learnt and also with a full of hope.   Date: Saturday, December 9th 2017, 13:30 – 15:00 Place: the Asian Rural Institute, Koinonia House *After the service, we will hold a small tea party.   Nearest Station: Nasushiobara Station, Tohoku Shinkansen *We have a bus service from west exit of Nasushiobara Station for Shinkansen arriving at 12:22. 442-1 … Read more…

The Class of 2017

This year 2017 we have 25 participants from 14 countries (including one training assistant). It is always the goal of ARI to have a 50/50 male-female ratio; however, it is not always possible to achieve this due to conservative and often discriminatory policies of some organizations or societies. The most important point about the international participants is their devotion to their people and their commitment to utilize their training at ARI for the positive development of their home communities. Open PDF: The Class of 2017

Memorial – Sep. 18, 13:30, at ARI

Farewell to Rev. Kenichi Otsu Rev. Kenichi Otsu, Chair of ARI Board of Directors and Trustees, passed away in the afternoon on Thursday, 22 June 2017 at the Red Cross Hospital in Otawara, Tochigi prefecture, Japan. He was 73 years old. Rev. Otsu was born in Osaka, Japan, graduated from the theological division of Doshisha University (M. Th.) and Pacific School of Religion (CA, USA, M. Div.). An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ), he served as former Executive Secretary for Development and Service of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), Director of Japan Christian Academy Kanto Activity Center and Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of World Conference … Read more…

Rural Leaders:  The Work and Community Impact of Graduates of the Asian Rural Institute

Whether you are new to ARI or a long-time supporter, you may find that explaining ARI – what it is, who it serves, and how it accomplishes its goals – is difficult.  This new book makes such conversations easier.  Through enriching stories and vibrant photographs, it takes the reader on a journey around the world into the homes and communities of ARI graduates, showing how they use what they learned at ARI to effect positive change.

“My ARI” ARI Community Photo Contest 2016 Summer!!

The first ARI Photo Contest is complete! We received several photographs from ARI community members (participants, volunteers, interns, working visitors, staffs). Their perspective on the daily life of ARI was captured beautifully! Visit our official Facebook page and vote for your favorite picture! ARI Official Facebook Page: “My ARI” Photo Contest 2016 Summer 4 best pictures are selected for 4 different categories: “Best Group shot”, “Best Landscape shot”, “Best Snap shot”, and “Best Supporters’ choice” Best Group Shot “It’s Fun in ARI” by Annie Jane Lagwan (Philippine) Comment from Committee: Happy, cooperative, joyful, good relationship. Those are the words that describe well about this picture. A shot from the community rice … Read more…

The Class of 2016

This year 2016 we have 28 participants from 14 countries (including two Japanese graduate interns, and one training assistant). It is always the goal of ARI to have a 50/50 male-female ratio; however, it is not always possible to achieve this due to conservative and often discriminatory policies of some organizations or societies. The most important point about the international participants is their devotion to their people and their commitment to utilize their training at ARI for the positive development of their home communities. Open PDF: The Class of 2016

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