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 February 28, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Kotoura Higashi Elementary School" located in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
We will share 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 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 share heartwarming interviews that will surely touch the hearts of adults.
This time, we visited Kotoura Higashi Elementary School in Kojima, Kurashiki City. The children, who lead vibrant and unique school lives, are watched over by humorous teachers and warm community members.
The charm of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School was shared by the children right away.
About Kotoura Higashi Elementary School
The first to present were Waka Akashi and Mahiro Takata. They clearly introduced three charms of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School.
The first charm is the importance of greetings.
There is a unique greeting called "Koto Higashi Aisatsu," which emphasizes three points: "with a smile," "looking at the other person," and "with a voice that reaches the other person." It seems that all sixth graders, including Akashi and Takata, actively participate in this greeting movement every morning.
The second charm is the effort put into cleaning.
They have established catchphrases like "Mokuro" for silent cleaning and "Mitsukero" for finding dirt on their own, and everyone works together to keep the school clean. Furthermore, they mentioned that a new catchphrase, "Kiwamero," aiming for perfect cleaning, has been added.
The third charm is friendly teachers.
They talk about how there are many approachable and fun teachers, as well as teachers who play with the children. Kotoura Higashi Elementary School, where children can spend time happily with their teachers, is wrapped in a warm atmosphere.
Finally, they introduced the sixth graders of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School.
The sixth graders are described as unique, strong in performances, and capable of switching on and giving their all when it matters. As school leaders, they expressed their positive feelings, saying, "We will do our best to lead everyone until the end."
Children of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"
Next, we will introduce the "pride in their school and school district" that the children are proud of.
Three children presented the charms of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School and its district.
1. Many textile-related companies, such as uniform factories
The first to present was Ruan Yoshida.
Yoshida proudly mentioned textile companies in the district, such as "KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD." and "Akashi Clothing".
The uniforms that the children of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School wear every day are carefully made one by one locally. They are known for being very durable and long-lasting.
The sixth graders also had the opportunity to interact with staff and technical trainees from KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU. They feel very proud that Japan's representative textile industry is in their hometown.
The school uniforms, which are essential to school life, have become a significant source of pride for the children.
2. Many locals contribute to the community
Next, Sosuke Jinba introduced local people who contribute to the community.
Many adults support school life, such as the patrol team that watches over the safety of children during their commute and volunteers who teach sewing machine usage in home economics classes.
Jinba expressed gratitude, saying, "We are able to grow because of the support from the local people."
The environment where the school and community work together to nurture the children is the greatest pride of the school district.
3. The Autumn Festival of Kohachiman Shrine
The last to present was Kaho Kayama. She taught us about the traditional "Autumn Festival of Kohachiman Shrine" in the school district.
During this festival, "shagiri" performances are showcased with floats from each neighborhood, and the lively sounds of drums and bells resonate. It has been cherished as a local autumn tradition for a long time and seems to create exciting memories for the children.
Kayama expressed her wish, saying, "I want to continue to cherish the traditions that have been passed down." I felt a desire to support the children of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School as they continue to uphold the festival as part of the community.
The children of Kotoura Higashi Elementary School showed their sincere attitude of valuing local traditions and not forgetting their gratitude to the community. I believe that such positive children will continue to build a school filled with smiles in the future.
Thank you, everyone at Kotoura Higashi 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.
From dancers and hairdressers to child welfare workers and dinosaur-specialized archaeologists... 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 Kotoura Higashi Elementary School.
Conclusion
In "Gather! Elementary School Students," we will continue to deliver the charms 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 community members.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can grow up healthy and happily.
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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.