Our behind the scenes producer Kendyl Silveus produced a quick video to show a little of what we were doing and a little of what she was doing during our trip to Japan.
Japan Documentary Film Class
Fourteen students from the Communication Department travel to Nasushiobara, Tochigi-ken in Japan for a documentary project. They will spend three weeks at Asian Rural Institute (ARI). ARI trains a cohort of students for a year in sustainable agriculture and business practices. These students come from all over the world from rural areas of developing nations. ARI has been an NGO for over 50 years. Our students will be telling the story of ARI through the eyes of their participants and graduates.
2023 - Led by Kyle Hufford
Last Days in Japan Exploring Tokyo
by Kyle Hufford – Associate Professor of Communication For the last few days our students have been enjoying themselves in the wonderful city of Japan. Quite the contrast to what we have been doing for the last few weeks. It is a large and busy city but has such rich culture and history. I think … Keep reading »
Saying Goodbye to ARI
by Kyle Hufford – Associate Professor of Communication I cannot believe our two plus weeks is over. It has been a hectic, crazy, challenging and rewarding two weeks. We really feel like we became a part of the Asian Rural Institute community. Like I said last night during our presentation, I cannot be more proud … Keep reading »
Perspective from a Non-Film Major
by Peri Mast-Hochstedler – First Year Psychology Major Hello! My name is Peri Mast-Hochstedler (aka Shepherd) and I’m a freshman psychology major at Goshen College. If you have been reading the previous blog posts, you should know that we are in Tochigi, Japan at ARI, and I am currently having a great time! The morning … Keep reading »
Sanctuary in Japan
by Courtney Templeton – Senior Film Production Major Today started out like every other day. We went down for morning exercise, and afterwards, we filmed the participants working with the chickens—all before the breakfast bell rang. Afterwards, we went straight into setting up for our interview with Bev Abma, a board member for American Friends … Keep reading »
Weeds, But The Legal Kind
by Alyssa McDonald – Sophomore Broadcasting Major Hi! My name is Alyssa McDonald (Slayer). I am a sophomore broadcasting major, though I assume many of you will know me from the softball team at Goshen. I’m not sure what other people have said in these blog posts, but I feel like I am thriving in Japan. … Keep reading »
Weekend Odyssey: A French Toast Tale
by Joshua Garcia – Junior Film Production Major Saturday began as any other day at ARI. Morning exercise at 6:30 sharp (I was late), morning chores (wiping the dining hall tables), and morning foodlife (weeding plant beds). It was after breakfast where the schedule differed as we had an interview schedule with an ARI graduate … Keep reading »
Field Field Trips, Callsigns, and Japanese Cuisine
by Mike Murrell – Senior Broadcasting Major I want to start by stating that it is an absolute honor and privilege to represent Goshen College in Japan this May Term. We are halfway through our adventure and time is moving far too quickly. After a long week of filming at the Asian Rural Institute, we … Keep reading »
Work, but in the best possible way
by Kate Bodiker – First Year Film Production Major Friday was nothing but work, but in the best possible way. We got up and followed the usual morning routine of exercise and daily chores and then moved on to harvest beans, chard, and lettuce. It’s amazing to see the impacts that ARI’s farming and work … Keep reading »
Differences and a Curry Feast
by Kendyl Silveus – 2nd year Film Production Major Our trip to Japan has not been identical to what I expected. By no means does this indicate that the trip has been negative. Rather, I have been very pleased with the current state of this course. As part of the crew for the documentary, I … Keep reading »