“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. on FM Kurashiki.
Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to explore what makes each school and its district special, and to interview children about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.
The June 27, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured “Otojima Elementary School” in Tamashima, 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 July 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
FM Kurashiki’s “Gather Around! Elementary School Students”
On “Gather Around! Elementary School Students,” the hosts interview sixth graders at the schools they visit to take a closer look at what makes their schools special. Also featured is “What We Love About Our District,” where children share what they like about their local area from their own perspective.
The program also features heartwarming interviews that may move even adults, as children talk about their exciting dreams for the future and express their gratitude to the family members who are always by their side.
This time, the program visited Otojima Elementary School in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
The children were eager to tell us what makes Otojima Elementary School special.
About Otojima Elementary School
First to introduce the school was Sari Tanaka. She carefully explained what Otojima Elementary School is like.
Otojima Elementary School is located on a small hill west of the mouth of the Takahashi River. Founded during the Meiji era, it has a long history. In 2024, it celebrated its 120th anniversary with events including a “120th Birthday Celebration” and a “Thanksgiving Gathering.”
As of 2026, 328 students attend the school. Students from grades one through six take part in mixed-grade groups, where they can play together across grade levels—one of the school’s great attractions.
Tanaka introduced the four school mottos of Otojima Elementary School.
- “Cheerful greetings”—greet everyone brightly
- “Enthusiastic learning”—think for yourself and engage in learning
- “Energetic exercise”—get moving to your heart’s content on the school’s spacious playground
- “Eager activities”—actively take on all kinds of challenges
Guided by these four mottos, the children are full of energy every day.
Tanaka ended with a smile: “I love Otojima Elementary School because I can play freely on its spacious playground.”
“What We Love About Our School and District,” as Told by Otojima Elementary School Students
Next, we’ll introduce what the children are proud of about their school and district.
Three children shared what they love about Otojima Elementary School and its district.
1. The Otojima Festival, where everyone takes center stage
The first thing the children are proud of about Otojima Elementary School is the Otojima Festival, introduced by Waka Kameyama.
Held every year on the last Sunday in October at Tojima Shrine, this festival features many food stalls and brings smiles to the whole community, from children to adults. Kameyama takes part as one of the people carrying the mikoshi. At the signal, they race up the shrine steps and hoist the portable shrine with great enthusiasm.
The Otojima Festival is an essential part of life for local residents. It is one of the traditional events they hope will continue for years to come.
2. Tojima Shrine, a local treasure with a history of about 700 years
The second point of pride is Tojima Shrine, introduced by Mari Fukutake.
Tojima Shrine has a history stretching back about 700 years and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kurashiki City. Fukutake described it as “a local treasure and an authentic tradition.”
At the Otojima Festival in autumn, mentioned earlier, people can be seen carrying a senzairaku and racing up a flight of 170 steps. The festival’s thrilling spectacle is possible thanks to Tojima Shrine.
Regardless of the festival season, the view from the shrine grounds is spectacular all year round, making it a place that embodies Otojima’s appeal.
3. The townscape and local people who continue to watch over us warmly
The final presentation was by Hyua Yokohata, who spoke about the townscape and local people.
Otojima has many appealing spots, including Otojima Shopping Street, where a Saturday night market is held on Saturdays in July. The night market is lined with food stalls and draws crowds of local residents.
The townscape isn’t the only thing that makes the area special. Through morning greetings and other everyday interactions, Otojima residents kindly watch over the children and help keep the neighborhood safe.
Yokohata concluded by inviting everyone to visit Otojima, a place packed with attractions—from warm-hearted people and delicious shops to scenic spots.
The children of Otojima Elementary School continue to cherish and protect their history and traditions. We hope to watch them grow and thrive in Otojima, guided by the school’s four mottos.
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-one children took part in the interviews. Their dreams include becoming professional athletes, bakers, mechanics, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and doctors. It’s exciting to imagine the futures that lie ahead for them.
The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave the adults great courage and inspiration, too.
Thank you to everyone at Otojima Elementary School.
From the Writer
Through “Gather Around! Elementary School Students,” we’ll continue sharing the appeal of schools and local communities through the voices of children.
With every school visit, we’ve seen how children grow day by day with the warm support of their teachers and local communities.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the children of the region and support them in living healthy, happy 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 |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
You can also listen to “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” on the FM Kurashiki website.