"Gather Around! Elementary School Edition: Yatada Elementary School (Aired on October 4, 2025) - The Secret of 'Energetic Children' Lies in the Community! Introducing Yatada Elementary School and the Treasures of the School District

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 October 4, 2025 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Yata Elementary School" located in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City.

We will share 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 the sixth graders of the visited elementary schools, delving deeply into the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment introduces the good and favorite aspects of the community from the perspective of elementary school students.

They share 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 Yata Elementary School located in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City. With about 238 students, everyone from first to sixth grade gets along well, creating a bright atmosphere in the school.

The charm of Yata Elementary School was shared by the children right away.

About Yata Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Hayato Moriki.
With everyone warmly watching, he presented his information clearly.

What Moriki first taught us was about the history of Mabi-cho, where Yata Elementary School is located.

Yata Elementary School is situated in the center of Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City.
It is known as the birthplace of Kibi no Makibi, who was active as a member of the Japanese envoy to Tang China about 1,300 years ago, and there are many famous spots related to Kibi no Makibi, such as "Makibi Park" and "Kibinomakibi Station" around the school.

Next, he introduced the educational goals of Yata Elementary School.
They have three goals: "Healthy Children", "Compassionate Children", and "Children Who Learn Actively", and the students, in accordance with these goals, continue to support each other in their school life despite the challenges posed by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.

Additionally, the various school events are also a charm of Yata Elementary School. In spring, there is a Sports Festival, and in autumn, there are many events such as Learning Presentation, Field Trip, and Social Studies Excursion that align with the seasons.

In the sixth grade, students participate in a "Historical Exploration Walk Rally" in cooperation with local residents, where they enjoy learning about the history of their hometown.

Finally, they also told us about the new covered pool that was built in the 2022 fiscal year. Being able to swim comfortably without worrying about the weather is great news for the children.

Yata Elementary School is a wonderful school that values history and tradition while allowing children to grow up healthily with goals.

Children of Yata Elementary School Talk About "Pride in Their School & School District"

Next, the children will introduce what they are proud of about their school and school district.

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

1. The exquisite bamboo shoots of Mabi-cho

The first presenter is Yuki Haji. He shared two charms of the bamboo shoots, a specialty of Yata.

The first is the texture.
They can be crunchy or soft, and the various textures of the bamboo shoots from Mabi-cho are deliciously enjoyable. If I ever get the chance to eat them, I want to pay attention to the texture.

The second is that they go well with any dish.
Sometimes bamboo shoots are served in the school lunch at Yata Elementary School, and they can be enjoyed in various dishes, from crunchy miso soup to salads with a soft texture.

While bamboo shoots are commonly eaten locally, the bamboo shoots from Yata are actually a famous brand nationwide. I hope they will remember the deliciousness of local ingredients enjoyed in school lunches even when they grow up.

2. "Makibi Park," a place of relaxation for the local people

Next, Kanon Itsui introduced Makibi Park. She shared three charms of Makibi Park.

The first is Hatta Shrine.
During the New Year, many people visit to pray. Since they can try their luck with a lottery, it is bustling with local people.

The second charm is the Takenoko Chaya, where you can eat ice cream. The ice cream at Takenoko Chaya changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy it without getting bored all year round.

And the third is the rich nature.
There are koi fish in the beautiful pond, and cherry blossoms bloom in spring, showcasing the beauty of the four seasons. Photographers and cosplayers often visit for the beautiful scenery.

Itsui expressed her love for Yata, where Makibi Park is located. It is clear that it is cherished by the children as a place of relaxation in the community.

3. "Mabi Fureai Park," a strong ally during disasters

Finally, Chinatsu Nakahara presented about Mabi Fureai Park.

Mabi Fureai Park is a newly established park that serves as a playground for children, featuring play equipment and a grass slide. A notable feature of the park is the "Bamboo Gate," a building designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma.

However, Mabi Fureai Park is not just an ordinary park; it also serves as an evacuation center during disasters. There are places to drink water, making it a reliable disaster prevention base that can be used with peace of mind in emergencies.

Mabi Fureai Park was also the venue for the 2024 Mabi-Funao Grand Dance Festival. Nakahara shared, "There were many shops, but the most fun part was running and playing with my friends."

Mabi Fureai Park is a beloved playground for children and a place that protects the safety of the community.

From the delicious specialties of Yata to the parks loved by children, we have thoroughly introduced the charms of Yata.

If you visit Makibi Park or Mabi Fureai Park, you might meet the energetic children of Yata Elementary School. Let's all watch over them warmly.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

Twelve students participated in the interview.
Some children expressed their aspirations for jobs they have seen up close, such as convenience store clerks and Komeri employees, while others had unique answers like influencer, public servant, veterinarian, and clothing store owner. Many also wanted to become nursery teachers. Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting.

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

Thank you, everyone at Yata Elementary School.

Conclusion

Through "Gather! Elementary School Students," we will continue to deliver the charms of schools and communities through the voices of children.

Every time we visit an elementary school, we feel that the children are growing every day with the warm support of their teachers and the local community.

FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can live healthily and happily.