"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Otsushima Elementary School Edition (Aired June 27, 2026) ~ The festival where everyone is the main character runs up 170 steps! Otsushima Elementary School with over 120 years of history

"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" is broadcast every Saturday from 8 AM to 9 AM on FM Kurashiki.

The program features personality Asuka Abe visiting elementary schools in Kurashiki City, interviewing children who share the charm of their schools and neighborhoods, as well as their big dreams. Through the genuine voices of the children, the appeal of the community can be felt anew.

In the broadcast on June 27, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at Otoshi Elementary School located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.

We will deliver 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 from the article published in July 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School Students"

In "Gather Around! 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, we highlight the "Neighborhood Pride" shared from the perspective of elementary school students.

We will also present heartwarming interviews that make even adults' hearts swell, as children talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always by their side.

This time, we visited Otoshi Elementary School located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.

The Charm of Otoshi Elementary School was shared by the children right away.

About Otoshi Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Sari Tanaka. She carefully explained what kind of school Otoshi Elementary School is.

Otoshi Elementary School is located on the west side of the mouth of the Takahashi River, on a small hill. It is a very historic school founded during the Meiji era. In 2024, it will celebrate its 120th anniversary, with events such as a "120th Anniversary Celebration" and a "Thank You Gathering" being held.

As of 2026, there are 328 students happily spending their days. There are mixed-age groups where first to sixth graders can play together, which is said to be a major charm of the school.

Tanaka introduced the four school mottos of Otoshi Elementary School.

Brightly greet everyone with "strong>Smiling Greetings"
Proactively think and engage in learning with "strong>Active Learning"
Use the spacious playground to move freely with "strong>Free Exercise"
Actively challenge various things with "strong>Enthusiastic Activities"

With these four mottos in mind, the children are actively engaged every day.

In closing, Tanaka said with a smile, "I love Otoshi Elementary School where I can play freely in the spacious playground."

Children of Otoshi Elementary School Talk About "School & Neighborhood Pride"

Next, we will introduce the "School and Neighborhood Pride" that the children are proud of.

Three children presented the charms of Otoshi Elementary School and the neighborhood.

1.Everyone is the Star at "Otoshi Festival"

The first pride of Otoshi Elementary School is the "Otoshi Festival," as shared by Waka Kameyama.

This festival, held on the last Sunday of October at Toshima Shrine, features numerous stalls and brings smiles to the entire community, from children to adults. Kameyama participates as a member carrying the portable shrine, running up the shrine's stairs in sync with the signal, and energetically lifting the portable shrine.

The Otoshi Festival is an essential event for the local people, and it is a tradition that we hope will continue.

2. A Local Treasure with a History of About 700 Years: "Toshima Shrine"

The second pride is "Toshima Shrine," introduced by Mari Fukutake.

Toshima Shrine has a long history of about 700 years and is designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset of Kurashiki City. Fukutake stated, "It is a treasure of the community and a true tradition."

During the aforementioned autumn Otoshi Festival, you can see people running up the 170 steps carrying the "Senzairaku" portable shrine. The powerful festival can be enjoyed thanks to the existence of Toshima Shrine.

Regardless of the festival season, the view from the shrine grounds is breathtaking throughout the year, making it a place that symbolizes the charm of Otoshi.

3. The Warm Community and People Who Watch Over Us

The last presentation was by Hyouma Yokohata. He introduced the "Townscape and Local People."

In Otoshi, there are many attractive spots, such as the Otoshi Shopping Street, where the "Saturday Night Market" is held on Saturdays in July. The Saturday Night Market is bustling with many stalls and local people.

Moreover, the charm of the town is not just in its scenery. The people living in Otoshi gently watch over the safety of the children and the town through morning greetings and other interactions.

Yokohata concluded by saying that he hopes everyone will visit Otoshi, which is filled with warm people, delicious shops, and beautiful scenery.

The children of Otoshi Elementary School continue to cherish history and tradition. With the four mottos in their hearts, we hope to watch them grow freely in Otoshi.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

The 21 children who answered the interview included aspiring professional athletes, bakers, mechanics, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and doctors. Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting!

The sight of children challenging themselves with their "favorite things" as motivation gave adults great courage and inspiration.

Thank you, everyone at Otoshi Elementary School.

From the Editor

Through the voices of children, "Gather Around! Elementary School Students" will continue to deliver the charm of schools and communities to everyone.

Every time we visit the elementary school, we feel the warm support of the teachers and local community as the children grow day by day.

FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can spend their days healthily and happily.