"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Episode on Daiyon Fukuda Elementary School (Aired on October 11, 2025) ~ The Warm Charm of Daiyon Fukuda Elementary School, Inheriting Over 150 Years of Tradition

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 11, 2025 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School", located in Kitahune, 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 sixth graders at the visited elementary schools to deeply explore the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment, where good and favorite aspects of the community are shared from the perspective of elementary school students, 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 Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School, located in Kitahune, Kurashiki City. Established in 1873, it has been watching over the children of the community for over 150 years.

The charm of Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School was shared by the children right away.

About Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Himeka Nakagawa.
She shared the charm of the school in a relaxed manner without feeling nervous.

Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School is a school with over 150 years of history. As of October 2025, about 600 students are enrolled, and they enjoy a lively school life every day.

In the past, there was a poplar tree that was cherished as a symbol of the school. However, that poplar tree grew too tall, and considering safety, it was unfortunately cut down.

Ms. Nakagawa also mentioned that the local people always watch over the children's daily commutes warmly, which is another charm of the school. An environment where children can commute safely is in place.

Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School, which has inherited a long history and tradition, is a school where children can grow in a safe and secure environment with the cooperation of the local community.

Students of Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School 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 charm of their school and school district.

1. Energetic Greetings

The first to present was Ryogo Ogura. He taught us about the active greeting culture at Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School.

Every morning, children from the management committee stand at the school gate and take the initiative to greet others. The greetings are not one-sided; the children who are greeted also respond properly, making it an important form of communication within the school.

Energetic greetings fill the school from the morning. It seems like a good start to the day.

2. Four Mascot Characters Representing the School

The second presenter was Nao Katayama. She introduced the four mascot characters of Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School.

The main character, a bear named Shifukuma
A rabbit named Warausa who is always smiling and laughing
A fox character who is always energetic and bright named Tsunegen
A cute jellyfish named Shifukurage who is very popular among the students

Each mascot character was chosen through a drawing contest held among all the students, followed by a vote.

Having four mascot characters in one school may be rare. This unique group of four enhances the school's vibrancy and charm.

3. Initiatives of Mizushima Rinkai Railway that Bring Smiles to the Community

The last presenter was Yohei Kawabata. He shared with us the initiatives of the local railway, Mizushima Rinkai Railway.

Mizushima Rinkai Railway decorates its trains for seasonal events such as Halloween trains and Christmas trains, greatly enlivening the community.

Kawabata mentioned that he has ridden the Mizushima Rinkai Railway many times. He expressed pride in the fact that this familiar railway is working to entertain the local people.

The decorations for events on the Mizushima Rinkai Railway are handmade one by one by the railway staff. The fun and convenience, along with the warmth and color it brings to daily life, may be unique to the local Mizushima Rinkai Railway.

With the unique four mascot characters and the warm community watching over them, the children of Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School will surely grow up freely. We also want to continue watching over them so they can enjoy their school life with peace of mind.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

After learning a lot about the charm of the school, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.

Twelve students participated in the interview this time.
Imagining their future selves as chefs, police officers, nursery teachers, nurses, and athletes is exciting.

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

Thank you to everyone at Dai-shi Fukuda Elementary School.

Conclusion

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

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 they can spend their days healthily and happily.