"Gather Around! Elementary School" Ni-man Elementary School Edition (Aired on April 4, 2026) ~ The secret to the close bonds across grades at Ni-man Elementary School with 57 students is "Red and White Teams" and "Wakuwaku Time"!

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 children's genuine voices, we can once again feel the charm of the community.

In the broadcast on April 4, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Nima Elementary School" located in Mabi, 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.

The information provided is based on the information at the time of the article's publication in May 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

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, the "School District Pride," where children share the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective, is also a highlight.

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 Nima Elementary School located in Mabi, Kurashiki City. Although the number of students is small at 57, the school has a rich vertical group activity system, and the overall friendliness of the school is its charm.

The Charm of Nima Elementary School was quickly shared by the children.

About Nima Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Haruto Inoue. He presented his information clearly and energetically.

The first charm mentioned about Nima Elementary School is its warmth unique to a small number of students.
There are many opportunities for interaction across grades, and they spend time together very amicably. In particular, the vertical group activity called "Akashiro Group" is characteristic, and by playing with members of this group, they foster strong bonds that transcend grade levels.

Additionally, the spacious playground is also a charm, allowing for free use. The playground, which can be freely used during recess, is truly the best playground for the children.

Furthermore, Inoue-san also shared about the rich natural environment.
In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, vibrant foliage colors Nima Elementary School. As spring approaches, the beautiful singing of the bush warbler can sometimes be heard during class, making it an environment where nature can be felt closely.

Surrounded by rich nature, Nima Elementary School is filled with the smiles of children who get along well across grades.

Children of Nima 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 presented the charms of Nima Elementary School and the school district in a ranking format.

3. A Place Rich in Nature

Tomoki Tabuchi announced the third place, which is "The Rich Nature Surrounding Nima Elementary School".

The school is surrounded by mountains, and it is common to see wild animals such as rabbits and deer nearby, making nature very close. Additionally, there are many fields, and particularly, fruit cultivation, such as grapes, is actively carried out.

Furthermore, Tabuchi-san mentioned that from the summit of a nearby mountain called "Kanayama," you can see the Seto-Ohashi Bridge. On clear days, it becomes a scenic spot where you can overlook the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.

Having a place nearby where you can enjoy wonderful scenery is a significant pride unique to a nature-rich school district.

2. Wampaku Time

Announcing the second place is Yuna Fujita.
The second place is "Wampaku Time," a unique initiative of Nima Elementary School.

Fujita-san explained that Wampaku Time is "a vertical group activity that can only be done at Nima Elementary School because of its small number of students." About ten students from grades one to six mix together in a vertical group and gather every Wednesday during lunch break to play. They decide together what to play.

The children were very much looking forward to this time when they could play with friends from other grades with whom they usually do not interact. The fulfilling vertical group activities seem to create the warm atmosphere of Nima Elementary School.

1. Strong Connections with the Community

Rin Hasegawa announced the prestigious first place, which is "Strong Connections with the Community".

During school commutes, local crime patrol members watch over the children, and once a month, community members come to read stories to them, allowing the children to grow under warm community interactions. There have also been instances where they came to conduct interviews during class.

Moreover, community interactions do not stay within the school. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with community members, such as enjoying yoga together at the Community Center and displaying art works at cultural festivals. The support from the entire community for the children's learning and safety is the greatest pride of Nima Elementary School.

Nima Elementary School is blessed with rich nature and warm connections with the community. We hope to continue watching over the children so they can enjoy their school life freely.

Thank you, everyone at Nima Elementary School.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

The three children who answered the interview shared their dreams: "I want to go abroad," "I want to go to a concert," and "I want to be a person who creates things." Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting.

The sight of children challenging themselves with "what they love" as their driving force gave us adults great courage and inspiration.

Thank you, everyone at Nima Elementary School.

From the Editor

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 they can live healthy and enjoyable lives.