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 27, 2025 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Chayamachi Elementary School" located in Chayamachi, Kurashiki City.
We will share 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 they attend. Additionally, we highlight the "School District Pride," where children share the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective.
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 Chayamachi Elementary School located in Chayamachi, Kurashiki City.
Chayamachi Elementary School, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025, has over 1,000 students, making it the second largest school in Kurashiki City in terms of student numbers.
The charm of Chayamachi Elementary School was immediately shared by the children.
About Chayamachi Elementary School
The first to introduce the school was Junki Nakagami. With his classmates watching, he presented confidently.
Chayamachi is known as a town famous for "Oni," and there is a statue of an Oni in front of the station. Therefore, the school building of Chayamachi Elementary School has a unique shape inspired by Oni, and there is a special club activity called "Oni Taiko Club" that is unique to this school, which is a significant feature.
In 2025, the school will celebrate its 150th anniversary, and a commemorative character inspired by Oni, "Chakimaru," was also born.
The sixth graders, including Nakagami, have set a grade goal of "Sunshine Chayamachi" and are working hard every day to grow through events and learning. During their school trip to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, they were able to see the historical sites they learned about in social studies with their own eyes, creating invaluable and enjoyable memories.
The unique culture related to Oni is a charm that only Chayamachi Elementary School possesses, which cannot be imitated anywhere else. It was a presentation that conveyed the bright charm of the children.
Children of Chayamachi Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"
Next, we will introduce the "School and School District Pride" that the children are proud of.
Three children shared the charm of Chayamachi Elementary School and its school district.
1. History of "Kinkanen" Preserved at Minki Isozaki Memorial Hall
Wakana Horio introduced the "Minki Isozaki Memorial Hall," where you can learn about the achievements of Minki Isozaki.
Minki Isozaki is the person who invented "Kinkanen," a type of flower mat that is also called a work of art, and is a great person that Chayamachi is proud of. When they reach the third grade, all the students in the class go on a field trip to learn about the history by visiting the building where Minki Isozaki actually lived.
For the children of Chayamachi, the local traditional culture of "flower mats" is a familiar presence. Having a facility where history and romance can be felt is a significant pride for the community.
2. Town and School Full of "Oni"! Unique Scenery of Chayamachi
The second presenter was Honoka Ikemoto. She shared her pride related to the symbol of Chayamachi, the "Oni."
In front of the station, there is a splendid square with a statue of an Oni, and in autumn, a lively "Oni Festival" is held there.
As mentioned in the school introduction, the building of Chayamachi Elementary School is also shaped like an Oni. The classroom signs are designed with Oni horns, showcasing their thoroughness.
The unique "Oni-filled" environment that is not found in other schools is a part of daily life for the children and a point of pride for them.
3. Colorful Limited Express Trains Running on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line
The last presenter, Natsuki Kajita, shared her pride in the beautiful scenery of the JR Seto-Ohashi Line that runs just north of the school.
During class, when she glances toward the station, various limited express trains such as the "Anpanman Train" and "Nankaze" pass by. The colorful trains that go by one after another create a beautiful view, which has become one of Kajita's favorites.
It was conveyed that the scenery of the Seto-Ohashi Line brightens their daily school life.
The children of Chayamachi Elementary School enjoy their daily school life while cherishing the history and culture of their community. The school filled with Oni will surely be a topic of fond memories even when they grow up.
Thank you, everyone at Chayamachi Elementary School.
Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future
After learning about the charm of the school, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.
Fifteen children participated in the interview this time.
Imagining their future selves as professional athletes, police officers, YouTubers, origami artists, and more 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 Chayamachi Elementary School.
Conclusion
In "Gather! Elementary School Students," we will continue to deliver the charm of schools and communities through the voices of children.
Every time we visit an elementary school, we feel that the children are growing every day with the warm support of the teachers and the community.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can spend their days healthily and happily.
Articles About FM Kurashiki
Data of FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School Students"
| Name | FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School Students" |
|---|---|
| Address | 520-28 Shirakuratown, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-430-0828 |
"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" can also be listened to from the FM Kurashiki website.