"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 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, the charm 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 Co., Ltd. and is edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.

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 to deeply explore the charm of the schools they attend. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment introduces the good and favorite aspects of the community 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 with them.

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, and events such as the "120th Anniversary Celebration" and "Thank You Event" were held.

As of 2026, there are 328 students happily attending. 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 principles of Otoshi Elementary School.

"Cheerful Greetings" - Greet everyone with a smile.
"Active Learning" - Engage in learning proactively.
"Active Exercise" - Use the spacious playground to move freely.
"Enthusiastic Challenges" - Actively take on various challenges.

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

Tanaka concluded by saying, "I love Otoshi Elementary School, where I can play freely in the spacious playground," with a smile.

Children of Otoshi 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 Otoshi Elementary School and the school district.

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 indispensable tradition for the local people. It is one of the traditional events that we hope will continue in the future.

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 exciting 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 Community 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 and uphold their history and traditions. With the four school principles 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 participated in the interview shared their aspirations.
Imagining their future selves as professional athletes, bakers, mechanics, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and doctors 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.