"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Kojima Elementary School Edition (Aired on September 27, 2025) ~ The Symbol is the Anbaku Cherry Blossom! What are the Charms of Kojima Elementary School, Where Energetic and Cheerful Students Gather

On FM Kurashiki, every Saturday from 8 AM to 9 AM, we broadcast "Gather! Elementary School Students".

The personality, Asuka Abe, visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to interview children who talk about the charm of their schools and school districts, as well as their big dreams. Through the genuine voices of the children, we can once again feel the charm of the community.

In the broadcast on September 27, 2025 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Kojima Elementary School" located in Kojima, Kurashiki City.

We will deliver the lively voices of the children.

This article is a contributed piece by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. It has been edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.

FM Kurashiki "Gather! Elementary School Students"

In "Gather! Elementary School Students," we directly interview sixth graders at the visited elementary schools to deeply explore the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment, where children share the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective, is also noteworthy.

They talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... We will also present heartwarming interviews that will surely touch the hearts of adults.

This time, we visited Kojima Elementary School in Kojima, Kurashiki City. About 488 students are enjoying their school life energetically.

We asked the children to share the charm of Kojima Elementary School.

About Kojima Elementary School

The first presenter of the school introduction is Yuto Ishihara.
Let's hear from Ishihara about three charms of Kojima Elementary School, as he says, "I'm looking forward to presenting."

The first charm is the Usuzumi Cherry Blossom.
The Usuzumi Cherry Blossom tree is also the title of the school newsletter issued by the principal. During the entrance ceremony season, the Usuzumi Cherry Blossom in the school blooms beautifully, warmly welcoming the new first graders along with all the students.

The second charm is the traditional motto "Three As," which has been carefully passed down from previous generations.
The "Three As" refer to greetings, tidying up, and thank you, and all students are working towards making the school a better place. They strive daily to ensure that simple things like greetings and arranging shoes are done properly.

And the last charm is that not only classmates but also friends from different grades get along well.
For example, during the "Friendship Week" held in June, they enjoyed exchanging happy letters and pairing up with upperclassmen and underclassmen to play together, fostering interaction across grades.

Ishihara said, "I want to make the lively and bright Kojima Elementary School an even more wonderful school in the future."

Kojima Elementary School Students Talk About "School & School District Pride"

Next, we will introduce the "pride of the school and school district" that the children are proud of.

Three elementary school students shared the charms of their school district.

1. Nakayama Park, Active in School Events and Private Life

The first presenter is An Hatabe.
Hatabe proudly shared about Nakayama Park.

Nakayama Park is located almost in the center of the Kojima district and has facilities for active play, including tennis courts, baseball fields, and a beautiful pond. The spacious athletic field is used as the venue for the athletic record meeting for sixth graders in the Kojima district.

With attractive playground equipment, the children of Kojima Elementary School often go to play there after school and on holidays. It has become an irreplaceable and important playground for local children.

2. Watching Over the Safety of the Town! The First Pedestrian Bridge in Kojima District

Next, Sumire Katayama proudly shared about the pedestrian bridge in front of Kojima Elementary School.

This pedestrian bridge is a historic bridge built in 1968 (Showa 43) and is the first pedestrian bridge in the Kojima district. As of 2025, it is still in active use, continuing to watch over the safe commutes of local children.

It is a proud spot that has been part of the community's history and continues to support safe school commutes for everyone.

3. Kojima Marine Pool, Where Summer Memories Are Made

Finally, Yuina Yamachi presented about Kojima Marine Pool.

Kojima Marine Pool has both indoor and outdoor 50-meter pools, allowing for enjoyment regardless of the weather. The outdoor area also features a fountain, making it safe and fun for small children to play in the water.

Although the pool is located at the southernmost part of the school district, it is closer than the beach, making it an attractive option for friends to visit during summer vacation. It is an essential place for the children of Kojima Elementary School to create summer memories.

The pride spots in the Kojima school district that the children shared are filled with facilities where they can play actively and freely. I feel like I have gained some understanding of why the children of Kojima Elementary School grow up so energetically.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

After learning about the charms of the school, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.

This time, 16 students answered the interview.
From firefighters and beauticians to nail artists and bassists, and even "karate world champions," we received a variety of unique answers. Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting.

The sight of children challenging themselves with "what they love" as their driving force gave us adults great courage and inspiration.

Thank you, everyone at Kojima Elementary School.