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 May 16, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School" located in Tsurugata, Kurashiki City.
We will deliver 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 everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment, where children share the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective, is also noteworthy.
They talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... We will also present heartwarming interviews that will surely touch the hearts of adults.
This time, we visited Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School located in Tsurugata, Kurashiki City.
The Charm of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School was quickly shared by the children.
About Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School
Fuka Tanimoto introduced the charm of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School in detail.
Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is a historic school founded in 1873 (the 6th year of the Meiji era) in the precincts of Gyozenji Temple. In 2023, it celebrated a significant milestone of its 150th anniversary.
To the south of the school building is Mt. Tsurugata, and students are dedicated to their studies while experiencing the changing seasons in a rich natural environment.
The school's mascots, "Shirakabe-kun" and "Shirakabe-chan", are beloved by all students as symbols of the school. They often appear at school events and announcements, and the children say they are important figures that brighten up the entire school.
Additionally, the "Friendship Groups," where all 330 students interact beyond grade levels, is a significant feature of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School. By cleaning and playing together in these groups, a spirit of helping and cooperating naturally develops among students, regardless of their grade.
Tanimoto-san shared that they are fully committed to their studies and events with the motto "Kurashiki Sakuraka School". This motto embodies the idea that "each individual should demonstrate their abilities and create a fun school together."
Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, where each individual possesses autonomy and vibrancy. It is evident that the children are enjoying their school life energetically and freely.
Children of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"
Next, we will introduce the "School and School District Pride" that the children are proud of.
Three children presented the charms of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School and its school district.
1. Lively Children
Aoto Shirakami was the first to present his pride, which is "liveliness".
During recess between classes, many children rush out to the playground to enjoy outdoor play. Shirakami's favorite game is dodgeball.
When we visited for this recording, it was impressive how energetically the children greeted us.
2. The Bikan Historical Area Where History and Culture Can Be Felt Up Close
Next, Rio Osumi introduced as a pride the proximity of the Bikan Historical Area right next to the school.
Among elementary schools in Kurashiki City, Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School is particularly close to the Bikan Historical Area. Just passing through a tunnel leads to a historical townscape, making it a very fortunate location.
There are also opportunities to visit the Ohara Museum of Art during school events, allowing the children to grow up while regularly being exposed to history and tradition.
3. The Proximity of Ohara Museum of Art Allows Us to Feel World-Famous Masterpieces Up Close
Finally, An Saito presented her pride, which is the Ohara Museum of Art, a pride of Kurashiki.
Having a museum with world-famous masterpieces right near the school enriches the children's sensibilities. The experience of appreciating top-notch artworks is an invaluable treasure for the children of Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School.
At Kurashiki-Higashi Elementary School, which boasts over 150 years of history, children are growing up in a town where history and culture, such as the Bikan Historical Area and the Ohara Museum of Art, are alive. Let us continue to watch over the children as they enjoy their school life freely.
Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future
After learning about the school's charms, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.
The 20 children who answered the interview shared their aspirations.
Imagining their future selves as pharmacists, cake shop owners, manga artists, and professional soccer players 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 Kurashiki-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 elementary schools, we feel that the children are growing day by day with the warm support of teachers and community members.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can grow up healthily and happily.
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FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Data
| 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.