On FM Kurashiki, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m.
Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to report on 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.
The May 9, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured Tamashima Elementary School in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
Here are the lively voices of the children.
This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. The editorial team at Haretoco General Incorporated Association edited and published it.
The information in this article is as of its publication in June 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
FM Kurashiki’s “Gather Around! Elementary School Students”
On “Gather Around! Elementary School Students,” the host interviews sixth graders at each school in person, taking a closer look at what makes their school special. Also featured is “What We’re Proud of in Our School District,” where children share what they like and appreciate about their community from an elementary school student’s perspective.
The program also features heartwarming interviews that may even move adults, 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, we visited Tamashima Elementary School in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
We asked the children to tell us what makes Tamashima Elementary School special.
About Tamashima Elementary School
First to introduce the school is Tejima Kotoha. She shared three things that make Tamashima Elementary School special.
The first is “greetings that make everyone smile.”
At Tamashima Elementary School, students make a point of greeting not only people at school but also local residents. Through their greetings, they bring smiles not only to themselves but to those around them as well.
The second is “taking care when cleaning.”
Every day, students clean quietly and with focus, making their school a cleaner place. They carefully wipe every corner of the stairs with cloths and clean even the hard-to-see spots in their classrooms. This attention to detail is something Tamashima Elementary School is proud of.
The third is “all the students getting along.”
There are club activities and Nakayoshi Town Council activities that help students from first through sixth grade build friendships across grade levels. Thanks to these efforts, the whole school gets along very well.
Greetings, cleaning, and friendship. The qualities Tejima told us about are wonderful treasures that Tamashima Elementary School can be proud of.
Tamashima Elementary School students share what makes their school and district special
Next, we’ll introduce what the children are proud of about their school and district.
We asked three children to tell us what makes Tamashima Elementary School and its district special.
1. A soothing spot with history and spectacular views overlooking Tamashima: Entsu-ji Temple
The first place Rino Yasuhara told us about was Entsu-ji Temple, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery.
The Takahashi River viewed from Entsu-ji Temple sparkles, and its beauty is something the school district is proud of. There is an observation deck on the temple grounds, where you can ring the “Bell of Hope” while taking in a panoramic view of Tamashima’s townscape. Yasuhara also told us how much she loves the scenery along the path as she walks up to the temple.
Many children apparently visit Entsu-ji Temple to play. It is a place of relaxation where they can enjoy the rich natural surroundings and open views.
2. Haguro Shrine, beloved by local residents and said to bring business prosperity
Next, the place Juna Okamoto introduced as something to be proud of was Haguro Shrine, which watches over the town of Tamashima from atop a small hill.
Haguro Shrine is open to visitors at any time and has long been beloved as a shrine that brings good fortune in business. Its pleasant atmosphere is one reason people love it, as is its cute mascot character, “Haguron.” The shrine also offers limited-edition goshuin stamps that change each month.
Rooted in the local community, Haguro Shrine has become one of the things Tamashima Elementary School’s children are especially proud of.
3. Tamashima Shopping Street, with its charming Showa-retro streetscape
The final place Shiori Tabuchi told us about was Tamashima Shopping Street, with its Showa-retro streetscape.
A lively Bitchu Tamashima Minato Morning Market is held on the first Sunday of every month, and events abound, including the “Saturday Night Market” held in summer. Some students pass through the area every day on their way to school. It is an area packed with Tamashima’s appeal, where nostalgic old-fashioned scenery and new energy coexist.
New shops have also been opening recently, and the nostalgic atmosphere attracts people from outside the area, too. Hearing Tabuchi’s presentation made us want to visit Tamashima Shopping Street.
Surrounded by historic streets and rich nature, the children of Tamashima Elementary School enjoy a carefree school life. We hope to continue supporting these children as they bring energy and cheer to the people and town of Tamashima.
Thank you, everyone at Tamashima Elementary School.
Children’s voices looking toward the future
After hearing all about what makes their school special, we also asked about everyone’s dreams for the future.
Eighteen children took part in the interviews this time.
Animal keeper, car mechanic, hairdresser, schoolteacher, professional soccer player—the thought of what everyone might become in the future is exciting.
The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave us adults great courage and inspiration, too.
Thank you, everyone at Tamashima Elementary School.
From the Writer
Through the voices of children, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” will continue to share what makes schools and local communities special.
Every time we visit an elementary school, we see how the children grow day by day with the warm support of their teachers and local residents.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the children of the community so they can grow up healthy and enjoy their 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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You can also listen to “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” on the FM Kurashiki website.