"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Toyosu Elementary School Edition (Aired on December 13, 2025) ~ Creating a Smiling School Surrounded by Rich Nature with Everyone at Toyosu Elementary School

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 December 13, 2025 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Toyosu Elementary School" located in Nishida, Kurashiki City.

We will deliver the lively voices of the children.

This article is a contributed piece by FM Kurashiki. 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, deeply exploring the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, we highlight the "School District Pride," 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 with them.

This time, we visited Toyosu Elementary School located in Nishida, Kurashiki City.
Toyosu Elementary School, which has been in operation since the Meiji era, is a traditional school with a history of over 150 years. In the 2025 academic year, 301 students are enrolled.

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

About Toyosu Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Yuna Ogihara. She carefully explained the charm of Toyosu Elementary School.

Ogihara mentioned that one of the good things about Toyosu Elementary School is "that everyone is working together to create a school filled with smiles."
Through events like the Friend Festival and Friendship Group Play, the students deepen their bonds. She also mentioned that each committee and class is planning events to further enliven the school.

Additionally, the school mascot character, Toyoppi, is an indispensable part of school life. During the lunchtime TV broadcast, Toyoppi appears alongside the principal to introduce the good aspects of each grade, bringing smiles throughout the school.

Moreover, the rich natural environment is one of the school's prides.
In Toyosu Forest, students can observe insects and trees throughout the seasons, and in the two playgrounds located to the north and south, they can freely move their bodies and play during recess and physical education classes.

Ogihara expressed, "While cherishing our 150-year history, we want to continue being a school filled with smiles," making it a school introduction that encourages support for their collaborative school-building efforts.

Children of Toyosu 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 children shared the charms of Toyosu Elementary School and its district.

1. Experience Growing Mochi Rice in Nature Through the Seasons

The first to present was Akari Zushi. Zushi talked about the rich nature and vast rice fields surrounding the school.

The scenery of the rice fields, which changes with the seasons, always heals the students.
At school, under the guidance of local people, they experience "rice planting" in spring, "rice harvesting" in autumn, and "mochi pounding" using the mochi rice they grew themselves in winter. Zushi happily shared, "The freshly pounded mochi is very soft and delicious."

Learning and experiencing the natural cycle with all five senses is a significant pride of the Toyosu school district.

2. Plenty of Playgrounds! Parks Connecting People

The second to present was Taiga Nakatsuka, who proudly mentioned the numerous parks in the school district.

There are many parks in the district, where people of all ages, from small children to the elderly, spend their time leisurely. Nakatsuka shared that he enjoys playing on the playground equipment and playing ball with friends after school and on holidays. His top recommendation is Rokken River Park, which is spacious enough to enjoy ball games to the fullest.

He mentioned that the parks are not just playgrounds but are integrated into daily life as places where people in the community can connect.

3. Heartwarming Interactions with Local People

Capping off the presentations was Jinta Nanseki, who spoke about the warmth of the local people.

There is daily interaction with local people, who greet the children with smiles saying "Good morning" and "Welcome back" during their commutes. Because they watch over the children warmly, the students can attend school with peace of mind. When younger students cry during their commutes, local people immediately ask, "What’s wrong?" and help them.

Additionally, during events like the Sports Festival, local people volunteer to help with preparations and clean-up. They are a reassuring presence, cheering them on with warm encouragement.

Nanseki expressed gratitude for the deep love and watchfulness of the local people, which allows them to enjoy a safe school life.

In the rich nature and warm watchfulness of the community, the children are learning and playing energetically every day, aiming for a "school filled with smiles." The sight of children growing straight toward their future dreams while cherishing tradition is a treasure of the community. Let us continue to watch over the school and district so that the circle of smiles can expand.

Thank you, everyone at Toyosu Elementary School.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

Twenty children participated in the interview this time.
They aspire to be athletes, police officers, registered dietitians, architects, voice actors... some even dream of becoming elementary school teachers, inspired by their homeroom 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 Toyosu Elementary School.