“Gather Around, Elementary School Students!” Sugo Elementary School Edition (Aired November 8, 2025)～Waterwheels, Peaches, and Jack the Peacock! Children Share What Makes Sugo Elementary School Special

On FM Kurashiki, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” is broadcast every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to report on the appeal of the schools and their districts, and interview children who talk about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s charms.

The November 8, 2025 (Saturday) broadcast introduced life at Sugao Elementary School in Nishisaka, Kurashiki City.

We bring you the lively voices of the children.

This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. It was edited and published by the editorial team of Haretoco General Incorporated Association.

The information presented was current when the article was published in December 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.

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

“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” interviews sixth graders at the schools it visits, taking an in-depth look at what makes their school special. Also worth noting is “District Pride,” which introduces the good things about the area and what the children like about it, as seen from an elementary school student’s perspective.

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

This time, the program visited Sugao Elementary School in Nishisaka, Kurashiki City. With mountains nearby, Sugao Elementary School has abundant water, and many waterwheels can be found in its district. How do children spend their days at a school in such a nature-rich setting?

The children were eager to tell us what makes Sugao Elementary School special.

About Sugao Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Okada Ichika. Although nervous, she confidently shared what makes Sugao Elementary School special.

The first thing she introduced was Jack, the peacock kept at the school.
Many elementary schools keep small animals such as rabbits, but it is unusual for a school to have a peacock, and she said Jack is one of Sugao Elementary School’s points of pride. Jack is loved by everyone.

Next, Okada told us about how close all the students are.
During breaks, they actively play and deepen their friendships with children in other classes and grades. The sixth graders help the first graders and plan activities to bring paired grades closer together, continuing to find ways to strengthen the bonds among everyone.

Finally, she talked about the abundant nature surrounding the school.
Sugao Elementary School is surrounded by mountains, and she said students can enjoy a variety of experiences in nature. Spending school days amid nature that changes with the seasons is one of the school’s greatest charms.

Sugao Elementary School is home to Jack, who is like a school mascot, warm exchanges across grade levels, and beautiful natural surroundings. The introduction captured all the school’s charms.

Sugao Elementary School students share what makes their school and district special

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

Three elementary school students told us what makes their school and district special.

1. Heartwarming exchanges with local volunteers

The first student, Sakamoto Sena, said the thing she was most proud of about her district was the kindness of the local people.

When children walk to and from school, local volunteers are always watching over them. Sakamoto says that when local people greet her, she cheerfully greets them in return.

Volunteers also sometimes come to read books aloud.

The watchful care that lets children travel to school with peace of mind, along with efforts to nurture their hearts, are major points of pride for the Sugao district.

2. Unusual waterwheels, fun events, and locally grown peaches

The second student, Imada Yasufumi, presented the attractions of the Sugao Elementary School district in a ranking.

Third place went to the many waterwheels..
He said the distinctive scenery, rarely seen in other areas, is something to be proud of.

Second place went to the abundance of local events.
He told us that there are lots of events, such as summer festivals and Christmas parties, where “everyone can have fun together.” Imada’s favorite event is apparently the bowling tournament.

And first place went to the peach orchard in Asahara.
At Sugao Elementary School, third graders get the valuable experience of putting bags on peaches. He said it is a special point of pride that they can experience precisely because they are in the Sugao district.

3. Spacious and lively Nishioka Park

The final presenter was Miyanaga Airi. The place she introduced as a point of pride was Nishioka Park.

Nishioka Park is very spacious, and one of its attractions is that many children gather there after school to enjoy all kinds of games. It is not only a place for everyday play; it is also cherished as a venue for important local events, including the summer festival held there.

For the children of Sugao Elementary School, Nishioka Park is a place to relax. It is a spot filled with smiles and energy.

The children’s introductions showed that Sugao Elementary School is a school full of unique charms. It’s wonderful that it has so many features unique to the school, such as Jack the peacock and the waterwheels.

Thank you, everyone at Sugao Elementary School.

Children’s voices as they look to the future

After hearing all about what makes the school special, we also asked about everyone’s dreams for the future.

Twenty students answered the interview this time.
They shared fun dreams, such as becoming nail artists, illustrators, nurses, baseball players, judges, and craftspeople who build motorcycles. It’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for them.

The children’s determination to take on challenges, driven by the things they love, gave us adults great courage and moved us deeply.

Thank you, everyone at Sugao Elementary School.