“Gather Around, Elementary School Students!” Manju Higashi Elementary School Edition (Aired October 24, 2026) 〜 Children of Manju Higashi Elementary School, Warmly Watched Over by Local Residents and Keyakky

On FM Kurashiki, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m.

Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to cover what makes each school and school district special, as well as children who talk about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.

In the episode broadcast on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the program introduced Manju Higashi Elementary School in Fukushima, Kurashiki City.

Here are the lively voices of the children.

This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. The editorial team at Haretoco General Incorporated Association edited and published it.

The information in this article was current when it was published in November 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

FM Kurashiki’s “Gather Around! Elementary School Students”

On “Gather Around! Elementary School Students,” the hosts interview sixth graders at the schools they visit, taking a closer look at what makes their schools special. Also worth noting is “School District Pride,” which introduces the good things and favorite aspects of the area from the children’s perspective.

The program also features heartwarming interviews that may move adults, too, as children talk about their exciting dreams for the future and express gratitude to the family members who are always by their side.

This time, the program visited Manju Higashi Elementary School in Fukushima, Kurashiki City.

The children were quick to tell us what makes Manju Higashi Elementary School special.

About Manju Higashi Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Aoi Sakamoto. She shared three things that make it special.

The first is the 12 zelkova trees planted on the school grounds.
The school’s mascot, “Keyakky,” inspired by the zelkova, is also popular with everyone.

The second is rice planting, which has become a traditional school event.
Every year, fifth graders plant rice with help from local residents, then enjoy the delicious rice they harvest. Sakamoto said, “It was hard to keep my footing in the mud, but the rice we harvested with help from local people tasted delicious.”

The third is the Manju Higashi Elementary School Festival, organized by the PTA.
There are various stalls, including yakisoba and shooting galleries, and everyone also enjoys dancing to the “Manju Higashi Ondo.” The festival is one of the children’s favorite events of the summer and something they are proud of.

That was an introduction to Manju Higashi Elementary School, where warm exchanges with local residents are evident.

Manju Higashi Elementary School students share what they love about their school and district

Next, we’ll introduce what the children are proud of about their school and school district.

Three children shared what they love about Manju Higashi Elementary School and its district.

1. A proud school district packed with attractions: nature, shopping, and caring neighbors

Hibito Ono told us what makes the entire Manju Higashi school district wonderful.

There are rice fields and vegetable gardens near the school, so nature is close at hand. At the same time, JR Kurashiki Station and the Bikan Historical Area are nearby, making it a convenient and comfortable place to live. Local residents watch over the children on their way to and from school and also help with school activities.

He told us that the district’s great appeal lies in being surrounded by nearby nature, a convenient location, and warm-hearted local people.

2. Easy shopping and a comfortable place to live

Next, Naoshiro Sakamoto shared the district’s exceptional livability.

The Manju Higashi Elementary School district has many supermarkets and convenience stores, so residents can get by without traveling far. Sakamoto said that being able to shop for groceries as easily as going for a walk has also given him more opportunities to get outside.

Not having to worry about daily shopping must be a major benefit for residents of the district.

3. Brightening the neighborhood with cheerful greetings

Finally, Rikuto Matsunaga introduced a local tradition he is proud of: the culture of greeting one another.

On their way to and from school, children cheerfully greet local residents and one another. Everyone greets each other in loud voices, creating a bright, warm atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.

It’s wonderful how a simple greeting can bring smiles to people’s faces.

The children at Manju Higashi Elementary School enjoy school life, warmly supported by local residents. We hope they continue to grow up healthy while enjoying school events.

Children’s voices as they look to the future

After hearing all about what makes the school special, we also asked the children about their dreams for the future.

Nineteen children took part in the interviews this time.
Some want to become nurses or hairdressers, work in animal rescue, or become theme park cast members. It’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for them.

The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave us adults great courage and moved us deeply.

Thank you to the children of Manju Higashi Elementary School.

From the Writer

Through the voices of children, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” will continue to share the appeal of schools and local communities with everyone.

Each time we visit an elementary school, we are reminded that children grow every day with the warm support of their teachers and local residents.

FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over local children and support them in living healthy, happy lives.