“Gather Around, Elementary School Students!” Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School Edition (Broadcast April 25, 2026)～The School Closest to the Seto-Ohashi Bridge in Japan! Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School, with a 153-Year History

“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs on FM Kurashiki every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m.

Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to explore what makes the schools and their districts special, and to interview children about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.

The April 25, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured “Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School” in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City.

Here are the lively voices of the children.

Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School closed at the end of March 2026.
On April 1, it merged with Shimotsui Nishi Elementary School and Shimotsui Junior High School to open Kurashiki Municipal Shimotsui Gakuen, the first compulsory education school in Kurashiki City.

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 is as of its publication in August 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

FM Kurashiki’s “Gather Around! Elementary School Students”

“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” interviews sixth graders at the schools it visits to take a closer look at what makes their school special. It also features “What We Love About Our District,” highlighting the things children like about their community from their own perspective.

The program also features heartwarming interviews that may even move 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 Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City. It closed in March 2026 and is now continuing its journey as Kurashiki Municipal Shimotsui Gakuen.

The children who would become the school’s final graduating class shared what they loved about Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School.

About Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School

The first to introduce the school was Sara Takeshita. She shared what makes Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School special, with its long history of 153 years since its founding.

Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School is close to Washuzan Hill and Shimotsui Port, where students can enjoy the rich natural surroundings. It is also “the school closest to the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.” The bridge looks impressive from the classrooms, and the students can enjoy beautiful scenery every day.

Another attraction is the close-knit community made possible by having just 35 students in the entire school. Students plan activities themselves across grade levels and enjoy games together as a whole school, creating warm bonds throughout the school.

Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School closed in March 2026. “There aren’t many days left to spend at school, but I want to make lots more memories,” said Takeshita, sharing her feelings about the precious time they had left.

“What We Love About Our School and District,” as Told by Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School Students

Next, we’ll introduce what the children are proud of: what makes their school and district special.

Three children shared what they love about Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School and its district.

1. The Many Festivals That Bring Color to Shimotsui

Daiki Shimizu talked about the many festivals held throughout the community.

For example, there is the Fukiage Festival, where various food stalls line the streets and crowds gather, as well as a spectacular festival in the Obatake district where mikoshi are vigorously crashed into one another.

At the end of some festivals, sweets are tossed into the crowd. Shimizu shared a charming anecdote: “My dad worries about me and keeps me toward the back, so I can hardly catch any sweets.”

“I want to carry on the festival traditions,” Shimizu said. The children who grew up at Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School will surely help bring Shimotsui’s festivals to life in the future.

2. Enjoying the Natural Beauty of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and Washuzan Hill

Next, Momoka Kodama introduced the rich natural surroundings and beautiful scenery around the school.

The Seto-Ohashi Bridge, visible from the classroom windows, is listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest road-and-rail bridge. She proudly explained that Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School is “the school closest to the Seto-Ohashi Bridge in Japan.”

Every April, it is also a tradition for students from first to sixth grade to climb Washuzan Hill in mixed-grade groups for their spring field trip. Looking out at the beautiful scenery from the top of the hill, eating lunch together, and playing became precious memories for the children.

3. Warmhearted Local People Who Support Learning and Events

The final presenter was Yae Kodama. She talked about the local people who are always there to support the school.

Local people teach the children many things as guest teachers in class and as instructors at the “Calculation Dojo.” Thanks to their active cooperation with the school’s activities, events and lessons are more enjoyable and enriching.

The children at Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School also received warm greetings every day and were able to enjoy school life with peace of mind. The local people who support the school are a great treasure.

Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School has closed its doors after 153 years of history and is taking a new step forward.
The bonds among the children, nurtured under the watchful gaze of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, will surely be cherished and carried on at the newly established Shimotsui Gakuen. Let’s continue to warmly support the children as they move toward a bright future.

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.

Five children answered our questions this time.
Baseball player, tennis player, baker, professional gamer, a job using computers… It’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for them.

The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave the adults great courage and inspiration, too.

Thank you to everyone at Shimotsui Higashi Elementary School.

From the Writer

Through the voices of children, “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” will continue to share the appeal of schools and local communities with you.

Every time we visit an elementary school, we are reminded that children grow day by day with the warm support of their teachers and local communities.

FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the children in the community so they can grow up healthy and enjoy their lives.