"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Sugō Elementary School Edition (Aired on November 8, 2025) ~ Waterwheel, Peaches, and Jack the Peacock! The Unique Charms of Sugō Elementary School as Told by the Children

In the broadcast of "Gather! Elementary School Students," which airs every Saturday from 8 AM to 9 AM on FM Kurashiki, personality Asuka Abe visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to interview children who talk about the charm of their schools and neighborhoods, as well as their big dreams. Through the genuine voices of the children, we can once again feel the appeal of the community.

In the broadcast on November 8, 2025 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at Sugo Elementary School, located in Nishizaka, Kurashiki City.

We will share the lively voices of the energetic 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 conduct direct interviews with sixth graders at the visited elementary schools, delving deeply into the charm of the schools they attend. Additionally, we highlight the "Neighborhood Pride" segment, where children share the good things and their favorite aspects of the community from their perspective.

We will also present heartwarming interviews that make even adults' hearts swell, as children talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always by their side.

This time, we visited Sugo Elementary School in Nishizaka, Kurashiki City. Surrounded by mountains, Sugo Elementary School has abundant water, and there are many waterwheels in the neighborhood. How do the children spend their time in such a nature-rich environment?

We immediately asked the children to talk about the charm of Sugo Elementary School.

About Sugo Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Okada Ichika. Despite being nervous, she confidently presented the charm of Sugo Elementary School.

The first thing she introduced was Jack the Peacock, who is raised at the school.
While many elementary schools keep small animals like rabbits, it is rare to have a peacock, which is a point of pride for Sugo Elementary School. Jack is loved by everyone.

Next, Okada shared about the friendliness among all the students.
During recess, they actively play with friends from other classes and different grades, deepening their interactions. Sixth graders help first graders and plan games that allow paired grades to bond, continuously working to strengthen everyone's ties.

Finally, she talked about the rich nature surrounding the school.
Sugo Elementary School is surrounded by mountains, allowing for various experiences in nature. The school life spent in nature, where one can feel the changing seasons, is a significant charm of Sugo Elementary School.

With Jack the Peacock, a symbol of the school, warm interactions that transcend grades, and the beautiful nature surrounding Sugo Elementary School, this was a school introduction filled with charm.

Children of Sugo Elementary School Talk About "School & Neighborhood Pride"

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

Three elementary school students shared the charms of their school and neighborhood.

1. Warm Interactions with Community Volunteers

The first to speak was Sakamoto Sena, who shared that the greatest pride of the neighborhood is the kindness of the local people.

When children commute to and from school, local volunteers are always watching over them. Sakamoto said that when greeted by local people, she cheerfully returns the greeting.

Additionally, there have been instances where volunteers come to read books to the children.

The watchful care that allows children to commute safely and the efforts to nurture a rich heart are significant points of pride for the Sugo neighborhood.

2. Unique Waterwheels, Fun Events, and Local Peaches

The second speaker, Imada Yasufumi, presented the charms of the Sugo Elementary School neighborhood in a ranking format.

In third place is the abundance of waterwheels.
He mentioned that the scenery unique to the Sugo neighborhood, which is rarely seen in other areas, is a point of pride.

Next, in second place is the rich variety of local events.
He shared that there are many fun events where everyone can play together, such as summer festivals and Christmas parties. Imada's favorite event is the bowling tournament.

And in first place is the peach orchard in Asahara.
At Sugo Elementary School, third graders have the rare opportunity to experience peach bagging. He mentioned that this is a special pride that can only be experienced in the Sugo neighborhood.

3. Spacious and Lively "Nishioka Park"

The final presenter was Miyanaga Airi, who introduced her pride in Nishioka Park.

Nishioka Park is very spacious, and after school, many children gather to enjoy various games, which is its charm. It is not only a place for daily play but also cherished as a venue for important community events, such as summer festivals in the summer.

For the children of Sugo Elementary School, Nishioka Park serves as a place of relaxation, a spot filled with smiles and energy.

Through the children's school introduction, it became clear that Sugo Elementary School is a school full of unique charm. The presence of Jack the Peacock and the waterwheels, among other features unique to Sugo Elementary School, is wonderful.

Thank you to everyone at Sugo Elementary School.

Voices of Children Looking to the Future

After learning about the school's charm, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.

Twenty students participated in the interview this time.
They shared fun dreams of becoming nail artists, illustrators, nurses, baseball players, judges, and motorcycle craftsmen. 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 to everyone at Sugo Elementary School.

Conclusion

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

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

To ensure that local children can spend their time healthily and joyfully, FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over them.