“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs on FM Kurashiki every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to cover what makes each school and its district special, and to hear children talk about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.
In the episode broadcast on Saturday, December 27, 2025, we introduced what was happening at Chayamachi Elementary School in Chayamachi, Kurashiki City.
Here are the lively voices of the children.
This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. The Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team edited and published it.
The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in February 2026. 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 to take a closer 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 may move adults, too, as children talk about their exciting dreams for the future and express gratitude to the family members who are always by their side.
This time, the program visited Chayamachi Elementary School in Chayamachi, Kurashiki City.
Chayamachi Elementary School celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025. With more than 1,000 students, it is the second-largest school in Kurashiki City by enrollment.
The children were eager to talk about what makes Chayamachi Elementary School special.
About Chayamachi Elementary School
The first to introduce the school was Nakagami Junki. With classmates watching, he gave a clear and confident presentation.
Chayamachi is known as a town famous for oni, and an oni statue stands in front of the station. Accordingly, Chayamachi Elementary School’s building has a unique shape inspired by oni, and one of its distinctive features is the “Oni Taiko Club,” a special club found only at this school.
In 2025, the school celebrated its 150th anniversary and introduced “Chakimaru,” a commemorative character inspired by oni.
Nakagami said that his sixth-grade class has the year-group goal “Be the sun of Sunshine Chayamachi” and works hard every day to grow through school events and learning. On their school trip to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, they saw with their own eyes the places where the history they study in social studies unfolded, making it an unforgettable and enjoyable memory.
The unique culture associated with oni is, I think, a special feature of Chayamachi Elementary School that no other school can imitate. Their presentation conveyed the children’s cheerful spirit.
“What We’re Proud of About Our School and District,” in the Children’s Words
Next, we’ll introduce what the children are proud of about their school and district.
Three children told us what makes Chayamachi Elementary School and its district special.
1. Minki Isozaki Memorial Hall, preserving the history of Kinkanen
Horio Wakana introduced the Minki Isozaki Memorial Hall, where visitors can learn about the achievements of Isozaki Minki.
Isozaki Minki invented Kinkanen, a “flower mat” regarded as a work of art, and is a local hero of whom Chayamachi is proud. In third grade, the entire class visits the building where Isozaki Minki actually lived and learns about its history.
For children in Chayamachi, hanagoza (woven rush mats) are a familiar part of their local traditional culture. Having a place where they can experience history and romance is a great source of pride for the community.
2. Oni everywhere—in town and at school! A scene unique to Chayamachi
The second presenter was Ikemoto Honoka. She shared what she is proud of about the oni, a symbol of Chayamachi.
There is a plaza in front of the station with an impressive oni statue, and a lively “Oni Festival” is held there in autumn.
As mentioned in the school introduction, Chayamachi Elementary School’s building is also shaped to resemble an oni. Even the classroom signs have oni designs with horns.
This unique “oni everywhere” environment, unlike that of any other school, is part of the children’s everyday lives and something they feel proud of.
3. Colorful express trains running on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line
The final presenter, Kajita Natsuki, is proud of the beautiful view of the JR Seto-Ohashi Line, which runs just north of the school.
She says that during class, if she happens to look toward the station, she sees various express trains go by, including the “Anpanman Train” and the “Nanpu.” The brightly colored trains pass one after another, making for a beautiful view that is one of Kajita’s favorites.
It was clear how the view of the JR Seto-Ohashi Line brightens everyday school life.
The children at Chayamachi Elementary School enjoy their daily school life while cherishing the history and culture of their community. Their oni-filled school is sure to inspire fond memories and stories even when they grow up.
Thank you to everyone at Chayamachi 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.
Fifteen students took part in the interviews. It’s exciting to imagine their futures as professional athletes, police officers, YouTubers, origami artists, and more.
The children’s determination to take on challenges fueled by the things they love gave us adults great courage and inspiration, too.
Thank you to everyone at Chayamachi Elementary School.
From the Writer
“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” will continue to share the appeal of schools and local communities through the voices of children.
Each time we visit an elementary school, we see how children grow every day with the warm support of their teachers and local community. They learn
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the children in the community and support their healthy, happy lives.
Articles about FM Kurashiki
FM Kurashiki “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” Information
| Name | FM Kurashiki “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” |
|---|---|
| Address | 520-28 Hakurakucho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-430-0828 |
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“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” can also be heard on the FM Kurashiki website.