"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Kamiyama Elementary School Edition (Aired on July 5, 2025) ~ Exploring the Charm of Kamiyama Elementary School Surrounded by the Beautiful Nature of Takahashi River!

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 neighborhoods, as well as their big dreams. Through the voices of the children, we can rediscover the charm of the community.

In the broadcast on July 5, 2025 (Saturday), the situation at "Kaminari Elementary School" in Tamashima Otsushima, Kurashiki City was introduced.

We will deliver 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 "Neighborhood 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 also deliver heartwarming interviews that can move even adults to tears.

This time, the visited school is Kaminari Elementary School.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Takahashi River, and watched over by warm local people, the children are enjoying their school life to the fullest.

We asked the children to share the charm of Kaminari Elementary School.

About Kaminari Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Kanato Tsukamoto. Although a bit shy, he presented energetically.

Here are three unique features of Kaminari Elementary School that Tsukamoto shared.

The first is the beauty of the Takahashi River visible from the school.
In particular, the view of the Takahashi River from the music room is so beautiful that it moves the heart, and it is Tsukamoto's recommended scenery. Last year (2024), during an interview, the staff of FM Kurashiki were also drawn to its beauty and went to see it from the music room. If you have the opportunity, be sure to check it out.

The second is the greeting movement.
The "greeting cards" that can be received for making proper greetings can be exchanged for a teacher's badge after collecting ten. He mentioned that this initiative makes greeting fun.

And the third is the friendship group activities.
There are two activities: "friendship group cleaning," which involves 20 minutes of cleaning three times a week, and "friendship group play," where sixth graders enjoy games they devised. Both are fun activities that strengthen bonds with friends.

With its unique and beautiful scenery and initiatives that make school life enjoyable, Tsukamoto's introduction conveyed the charm of Kaminari Elementary School even more.

Students of Kaminari Elementary School Talk About "School & Neighborhood Pride"

Next, we introduce the "School & Neighborhood Pride" that the children are proud of.

Three elementary school students shared three impressive prides that reflect the deep connection with the community.

1. Experience the Blessings of Nature at Takahashi River

Hinata Kawai proudly talked about the Takahashi River visible from the school, which was also mentioned in the school introduction.

According to Kawai, the Takahashi River flowing through the Kaminari area is a rare brackish water area, where the sea and river mix, and it is a special place that is home to creatures not found in ordinary rivers. The sight of a large bird called an osprey catching fish can also be seen, attracting many people who come to take photos.

On sunny days, the Takahashi River sparkles on the surface, and in the morning and evening, the colors of the sky reflect, creating a picturesque scene, Kawai shared.

The Takahashi River is a pride of the Kaminari area where one can feel the power and beauty of nature. It is wonderful to have such a calming and beautiful view right next to the school.

2. The Changing Colors of Suidoyama (Shirogane Mountain) with the Seasons

Karen Akazawa mentioned the pride of Suidoyama (commonly known as Shirogane Mountain), which is near Kaminari Elementary School.

The view from the top of Suidoyama is very beautiful, especially at night when the city lights sparkle, making it even more beautiful than in the morning, she told us.

Additionally, the trees on Suidoyama change colors with the seasons. Every spring, cherry blossoms bloom all over the mountain, turning it into "Sakura Mountain" dyed in pink. In summer, it is lush green, and in autumn, it displays vibrant autumn leaves, showing different expressions each time you visit.

Suidoyama is said to be easily accessible for anyone, making it tempting to visit throughout the seasons.

3. The Greatest Pride of the Kaminari Area is the Local People

Kaho Hirano concluded by sharing the pride of the kind local people who always watch over them warmly.

The local people stand in front of the school gate every morning, regardless of hot or cold weather, greeting the students with a cheerful "Good morning." Hirano shared that hearing those greetings makes her feel, "energized and able to have a good day."

And when they go home, they are greeted with kind words like "Welcome back" and "Be careful," watching over them.

Moreover, the local people actively cooperate in events such as sports days and festivals.

The students of Kaminari Elementary School strongly feel that they are supported daily by such local people. Hirano stated, "The presence of the local people is the greatest pride of the Kaminari area."

The fact that children can enjoy school life safely and happily is thanks to the presence of the local people. The gratitude towards the local community was conveyed in their heartfelt presentation.

Voices of Children Looking Towards the Future

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

Twenty students responded to the interview.
The dreams they shared were diverse, including aspirations to become professional athletes, teachers, and hairdressers. Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting.

Their determination to challenge themselves driven by "what they love" brought warm courage and inspiration to us adults as well.

Thank you, everyone at Kaminari Elementary School.