"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Akasaki Elementary School Edition (Aired on August 9, 2025) ~ The Bonds of Akasaki Elementary School with Over 150 Years of History Foster Unity Through Warm Interactions with the Community, Teachers, and Friends

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 rediscover the charm of the community.

In the broadcast on August 9, 2025 (Saturday), the situation at "Akazaki Elementary School" in Kojima, Kurashiki City was introduced.

We will deliver the lively voices of the energetic 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 conduct direct interviews with 6th graders at the visited elementary schools, deeply exploring the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride," where children introduce the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective, is also a highlight.

They share their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... We will also deliver heartwarming interviews that can make even adults feel emotional.

This time, the visited school is Akazaki Elementary School, established in 1874 (Meiji 7) in Kojima, Kurashiki City. The school name has changed several times, and before 1948, it was called "Ajino Minami Elementary School."

Let's hear from the children about the charm of Akazaki Elementary School, which has a history of over 150 years.

About Akazaki Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Takamasa Onaka. Although he seemed a bit nervous, once he started, he spoke brightly and clearly.

As of 2025, Akazaki Elementary School has a total of 373 students, 17 classes, and 45 teachers.

Mr. Onaka introduced three unique features of Akazaki Elementary School.

The first is the story related to the school's symbol, the sumo ring.
Akazaki Elementary School has a splendid sumo ring in its playground. This ring was built to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the school's founding in 1984 (Showa 59).

The sumo ring was created by Yoshikazu Washuyama, a former sekiwake (a rank in sumo) who is an alumnus of Akazaki Elementary School.
It was donated with the hope that students would "build their physical strength and grow robustly." Approximately 2,000 local people visited to witness the opening ceremony of the sumo ring, which was held with the presence of Washuyama.

The second is the warm interactions with local people.
Mr. Onaka mentioned that Akazaki Elementary School has active exchanges with the community. During school commutes, local residents watch over the children's safety on both hot and cold days, and they also come to teach in home economics classes and math classes. To express their gratitude, a "Thank You Meeting" was held in February 2025, inviting local residents.

The third is the energetic elementary school's motto.
At the lively Akazaki Elementary School, there is a motto: "Akazaki Elementary's friends, let's get along anywhere, anytime." Supported by the local community, the children are working hard to practice this motto in their daily school life.

Finally, 6th grader Mr. Onaka declared, "As a leader of Akazaki Elementary School, I will do my best to lead everyone." It was an introduction to the school that makes you want to support everyone at Akazaki Elementary School.

Children of Akazaki Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"

Next, we will introduce the "School & School District Pride" that the children are proud of.

Three elementary school students presented it in a ranking format.

3rd Place: The Presence of Community Volunteers

Hayato Ishikawa mentioned as the 3rd place pride that there are many community volunteers at the school.

Community volunteers include the children's parents, and they are a reassuring presence. They stand on the school route during commutes to watch over the children's safety.

With the eyes of not only the school teachers but also parents and local people, the children can enjoy their school life with peace of mind.

2nd Place: Reliable and Kind School Teachers

Kaisei Kitamura mentioned as the 2nd place pride that all the teachers at Akazaki Elementary School are kind.

Mr. Kitamura honestly shared, "When the teachers get angry, they are very scary," but on the other hand, he said, "They help us with all their might when we are in trouble."

He explained that the charm of Akazaki Elementary School lies in being surrounded by reliable teachers who have a loving strictness.

1st Place: Warm Interactions Across Grades

Sho Oguro proudly mentioned as the 1st place pride that everyone in the school gets along and cooperates with each other.

Mr. Oguro, a 6th grader, also mentioned that he sometimes plays with younger friends. He explained that the ability to help each other and play together across grades is the greatest charm of Akazaki Elementary School.

With the support of local people, school teachers, and friends across grades, through numerous warm interactions, the children of Akazaki Elementary School are growing significantly every day.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

Twelve students responded to the interview.
The dreams they shared were diverse, including sports players, actors, dentists, architects, and YouTubers. Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting.

Their determination to challenge themselves driven by "what they love" delivered warm courage and inspiration to us adults as well.

Thank you, everyone at Akazaki Elementary School.