“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 school district special, and interview children about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.
The May 16, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, located in Tsurugata, Kurashiki City.
Here are the lively voices of the children.
This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. It was edited and published by the editorial team of Haretoco General Incorporated Association.
The information in this article was current when it was published in June 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, taking an in-depth look at what makes their school special. Also worth noting is “What We Love About Our School District,” which introduces the good things about the area and what the children like about it, 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, the program visited Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School in Tsurugata, Kurashiki City.
The children were quick to share what makes Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School special.
About Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School
Fuka Tanimoto gave us a detailed introduction to what makes Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School special.
Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is a historic school founded in 1873 on the grounds of Gyokusenji Temple. In 2023, it marked the major milestone of its 150th anniversary.
Tsurugata Mountain lies south of the school building, and students study in a lush natural setting, experiencing the changing seasons throughout the year.
The mascots “Shirakabe-kun” and “Shirakabe-chan” are beloved by all the students as symbols of the school. They often appear at school events and in announcements, and are an important presence that brings cheer to the whole school, the children say.
Another distinctive feature of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is its “Friendship Groups,” where all 330 students interact across grade levels. By cleaning and playing together in these groups, the children naturally learn to help and cooperate with one another, regardless of grade.
Tanimoto told us that the students give their all in their studies and school events, guided by the motto “Kurashiki Sakuraku School.” The motto embodies the idea that “each person should make the most of their abilities and work together to create a fun school.”
At Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, each student takes initiative, and the school is full of energy. You can tell that the children are enjoying school life freely and enthusiastically.
Kurashiki-Higashi 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 school district.
Three children shared what they love about Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School and its district.
1. Lively children
The first thing Aoto Shiraga shared as a point of pride was the students’ high energy.
He said that during breaks between classes, many children rush out to the playground all at once to enjoy playing outside. Shiraga’s favorite game is dodgeball.
When we visited to record the program, we were struck by how enthusiastically the children greeted us.
2. The Bikan Historical Area, where history and culture are close at hand
Next, Rio Osumi told us that having the Bikan Historical Area right next to the school was something to be proud of.
Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is one of the elementary schools in Kurashiki City closest to the Bikan Historical Area. Just beyond a tunnel, a historic streetscape opens up—a truly fortunate location.
The children also have opportunities to visit the Ohara Museum of Art as part of school events, growing up with regular exposure to history and tradition.
3. The Ohara Museum of Art is nearby, bringing world-famous masterpieces within reach
Finally, An Saito shared her point of pride: the Ohara Museum of Art, a source of pride for Kurashiki.
Having a museum filled with world-famous masterpieces right near the school helps nurture the children’s sensibilities. The experience of viewing first-rate works of art is an irreplaceable treasure for the students of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School.
At Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, with its history spanning more than 150 years, children grow up in a city where history and culture live on in the Bikan Historical Area and the Ohara Museum of Art. Let’s continue to watch over these children as they enjoy school life to the fullest.
Children’s voices as they look to the future
After hearing all about what makes the school special, we also asked the children about their dreams for the future.
Twenty children took part in the interviews. It’s exciting to imagine their futures—as pharmacists, cake shop owners, manga artists, professional soccer players, and more.
The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave us adults great courage and moved us deeply.
Thank you to everyone at Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School.
From the Writer
Through the voices of children, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” will continue to share what makes schools and 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 community.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the children in 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.