"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School Edition (Aired on April 25, 2026) ~ Children Growing in Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School in a Town Where the Breathtaking Scenery and History of the Seto Inland Sea Come to Life

"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 appeal of the local area can be felt anew.

In the broadcast on April 25, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School located in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City.

We will deliver the lively voices of the children.

Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School closed at the end of March 2026.
Subsequently, on April 1, it was integrated with Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School and Shimotsui Junior High School, and the first compulsory education school in Kurashiki City, "Kurashiki City Shimotsui Gakuen," was opened.

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 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 everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment, where good and favorite aspects of the local area are shared from the perspective of elementary school students, is also noteworthy.

Children express their exciting future dreams and convey their gratitude to their families who are always with them... Heartwarming interviews that even adults can't help but feel moved by will also be delivered.

This time, we visited Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School located in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City. It closed in March 2026 and is now progressing as Kurashiki City Shimotsui Gakuen.

The Charm of Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School was shared by the last graduating students.

About Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Akari Takata. She presented three good points about Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School.

The first point she introduced is the wonderful view from the school building.
Especially from the second and third floors, the view is spectacular, and on sunny days, the Seto Inland Sea sparkles as it reflects the sunlight, creating a beauty reminiscent of glitter. The view of the islands and Seto-Ohashi Bridge from the school building captivates the children.

The second point is that children can play together regardless of gender.
During recess, lower grade students play tag, while upper grade students play dodgeball, and they all enjoy their time together regardless of gender.

Finally, the third point is that they are good at greetings.
All the students are conscious of "looking the other person in the eye and speaking loudly," and they strive to deliver cheerful greetings to teachers, friends, and even local residents.

There are 67 students in total at Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School. The warm atmosphere unique to a small school and the warm charm rooted in the community were evident.

Children of Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"

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

Three children shared the charm of Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School and its district.

1. Beautiful Townscape of Shimotsui, Where History Lives

Kosuzu Osaki shared her pride in the townscape with old buildings such as the namako wall.

Among the scenery that evokes a sense of history, the Gion Shrine, which has been around since the Muromachi period, is an indispensable presence. Local children love the Gion Shrine's summer festival and look forward to it every year.

The picturesque townscape is also a treasure for the children.

2. Scenic View of Seto-Ohashi Bridge from Shiroyama

Next, Nagito Onishi shared his pride in the view from Shiroyama behind the school building.

When you climb to the top of the mountain, there is nothing to obstruct your view, and the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea can be seen beautifully. In October, as part of their comprehensive learning, all sixth graders climbed Shiroyama. It seems that climbing was a bit challenging, but the wonderful view that can only be seen through that effort has become one of the children's prides.

3. Experience the History of Kitamaebune at the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum

The last to present was Momoka Okamoto. She talked about the "Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum," which is also a tourist spot in Shimotsui.

The Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum is a facility that displays materials related to the Kitamaebune, which thrived from the Edo period to the Meiji period. It has become a valuable spot where one can experience the local history, and Okamoto and her friends have visited it during their town exploration.

As an important place to connect the history and traditions of Shimotsui to the next generation, it is a place cherished by the children.

Right next to the school building, there are breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and a townscape rich in local history at Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School. Surrounded by the warm atmosphere of the town, many children have grown up healthy and happy. Now that it has become Shimotsui Gakuen, let us all watch over the children as they spread their wings even further.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

Five children participated in the interview this time.
Fisherman, game creator, baseball player, glove craftsman... Imagining everyone's future selves is exciting.

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

Thank you to everyone at Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School.