"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Otsushima Higashi Elementary School Edition (Aired on July 4, 2026) ~ Friends as Warm as Family! The Charm of Otsushima Higashi Elementary School Learning Local Jobs and Taking Pride in Their Community

"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 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 appeal of the community can be felt anew.

In the broadcast on July 4, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the "Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School" located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.

We will deliver the lively voices of the energetic 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 August 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 6th graders at the visited elementary schools, delving deeply into the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "District Pride" segment introduces the good and favorite aspects of the community from the perspective of elementary school students.

Children share their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... Heartwarming interviews that can even move adults will also be featured.

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

The Charm of Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School was quickly shared by the children.

About Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Ayana Tani. She spoke clearly about Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School.

Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School is a cozy school with a total of 159 students. Although there is only one class for each grade except for 6th grade, the children are so close that they can recognize each other's faces and names, boasting a strong bond like a family.

During recess on sunny days, many children gather on the playground to enjoy playing with equipment and balls, transcending grade levels.

Additionally, the school is known for its abundance of fun events throughout the year. The "Sports Festival," held every May, sees all students unite to strive for good results. In November, the "Learning Presentation" showcases the fruits of their daily learning in front of a large audience.

Tani shared, "I feel a bit nervous when presenting, but when I do well, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment," teaching us about the growth gained through these events.

Moreover, there are many enjoyable events such as autumn field trips, learning about the sea and mountains, and school trips that allow children to connect with nature.

Because of the small number of students, each child can take the lead, and everyone supports each other at Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School. Through warm exchanges, the children will continue to grow healthily.

Children of Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School Talk About "School & District Pride"

Next, we will introduce the "pride in our school and district" that the children are proud of.

Three children ranked the charms of Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School and its district.

3rd Place: "Numerous Large Factories" Expanding Children's Learning

The 3rd place was announced by Ranka Nishii, who proudly mentioned the many large factories in the district.

Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School is located on the southern side of the Tamashima district, and nearby are the factories of Kuraray, the Chugoku Electric Power Company, and Sumitomo Heavy Industries, representing Okayama Prefecture and Japan.

In higher grades, students conduct research on these factories during "Comprehensive Learning Time." Nishii also visited Chugoku Electric Power Company in 5th grade.

By actually touring the factories, students can learn in detail about local industries, which is a valuable experience unique to the Otoshiima area. The environment allows children to feel the work that supports society up close, greatly nurturing their intellectual curiosity.

2nd Place: "The Abundance of Shops" Supporting Daily Life and Classes

The 2nd place was announced by Rentaro Nagahisa, who highlighted the abundance of shops in the district.

Along the major road called Industrial Road, there are numerous supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores, providing many opportunities to go shopping with family members.

In 2nd grade, during the "Town Exploration" learning activity, students visited these shops, where they were shown the behind-the-scenes of the sales floors that they usually don't see and learned directly from the shopkeepers about their ingenuity, which left a deep impression on them.

Local shops serve as learning spaces for the children.

1st Place: "Otoshiima Festival," a Source of Community Pride, with 170 Steps to Climb

The 1st place pride was shared by Aito Fujioka, who told us about the "Otoshiima Festival," held every October.

The Otoshiima Festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Kurashiki City and is a traditional event loved not only by the local people but also by many others.

Each district has its own "boats," "Chitose-raku," and "danjiri," parading through the Otoshiima area throughout the day. The highlight occurs at night when people work together to carry the portable shrine, climbing the steep 170 steps, which is truly impressive.

Fujioka expressed, "I am looking forward to this year's Otoshiima Festival," with a smile, conveying the passion for the community's festival.

The children of Otoshiima Higashi Elementary School deepen their learning about the community in collaboration with local shops and businesses. I hope they continue to grow healthily while cherishing traditions.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

Ten children participated in the interview this time.
Imagining their future selves as nail artists, cat café managers, and CEOs of large companies is exciting.

The sight of children challenging themselves with "what they love" as their driving force gives great courage and inspiration to adults as well.

Thank you, everyone at Otoshiima Higashi 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.

Each time we visit an elementary school, we feel that the children are growing daily with the warm support of teachers and community members.

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