Cows as a Counterpoint
Just a few days ago, we paid a delightful visit to a small dairy farm operation about an hour or so away from ARI by bus. We were treated to some beautiful weather (falling snow), and some very cute cows. I mean, just look at them. This little dairy farm in the middle...
Reflections at the Watarase Basin
I stand out in the wetlands of the Watarase Basin. All around me, the swaying grasses, circling hawks, and expansive blue skies make me think of Minnesota. I breathe in the fresh air and, for a moment, let myself relish in the sunshine and natural setting. But only...
Wilderness vs Satoyama: Nature in the United States and Japan
Wilderness vs Satoyama: Nature in the United States and Japan On January 19th our class made a day-trip out to Nikko National Park. It was a thought-provoking trip which succeeded in raising more questions than answers as we continue to strive for a deeper and...
Atalier Nonelectric and the DIY Life
Revisiting What Good Food Is
The very first prompt we were tasked to answer was “what is good food？” and throughout our time here in Japan I have been able to add to our definition every single day. My initial answer was focused specifically on how the food is prepared and how it is enjoyed. This...
Best Meal Ever at the Yotsuba Co-op!!
Today had a rough start, I felt tired, frustrated and nervous for the future. Little did I know that a trip to the Yotsuba Co-op would not only leave me with a full belly, but a positive attitude and hope for the future. The Yotsuba Co-op located in the Tochigi...
The Components of Good Food
While on the surface “What is good food?” appears to be a rather simple question, the progression of this course has challenged an easy, one-dimensional answer. Our time in Japan problematizes a straightforward response of something along the lines of "food that...
What We Can Learn From Community and The Local
Nudging away a confident rooster while spreading chicken feed that I mixed the week prior, I have never been closer to the process of food production. Shoveling silage into a barrel and mixing chicken feed not only harbored an appreciation for hard work, but also an...
Nikko: Not Tokyo or ARI
Nikko is a small but culturally rich town, located about a two-hour train ride southwest of our home at ARI. Possessing the extremely unique status as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nikko is a wonderful place to explore historical Japanese culture, and, in our case,...
Nature, Agriculture, and Environmental Policy
Our experiences at ARI, visits with organic farmers, and readings have really emphasized the interconnectedness of nature and agriculture. Osamu-san, Asami-san, and Masanobu Fukuoka all discussed the importance of organic farming methods, especially as our planet...