"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Hoida Elementary School Edition (Broadcast on May 2, 2026) ~ Children of Hoida Elementary School Enjoying Local Traditional Events to the Fullest, Including Pencil Sharpener Competition and Warabi Foraging

"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" is broadcast every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 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 children's voices, we can once again feel the charm of the community.

In the broadcast on May 2, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced "Hoidai 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. 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 directly interview sixth graders at the visited elementary schools to deeply explore the charm of the school everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride," where children introduce the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective, is also a highlight.

They talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... We will also present heartwarming interviews that will surely touch the hearts of adults.

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

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

About Hoidai Elementary School

The first to introduce the school is Kanon Kimoto.
Ms. Kimoto mentioned that there is a warm interaction across grades at Hoidai Elementary School. Students actively engage in play and study together with peers from various grades, fostering lively interactions on a daily basis.

Furthermore, a major charm is the numerous school events and activities. The children joyfully prepare for events and activities together, constantly challenging themselves in various ways. The gymnasium and classrooms serve as important places not only for studying but also for these various events and extracurricular activities.

By cooperating together, they can freely take on new challenges. The vibrant charm of Hoidai Elementary School was conveyed.

Children of Hoidai Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"

Next, we will introduce the "School and School District Pride" that the children are proud of.

The charm of Hoidai Elementary School and its school district was presented by Roa Ise, Miku Kondo, and Nayuki Nakagawa.

1. There are many events where everyone can get along due to the small number of students

The first pride is the warm and homely atmosphere that arises from the small number of students. Everyone gets along very well, and when doing something, they cooperate together to engage in many events.

The school has a cherished rule called "Hoida." It states that "Ho is for cheerful and energetic children," "I is for children who work hard," and "Da is for children who get along with everyone."

As this phrase suggests, the children seem to be enjoying their days freely while being considerate of each other, taking advantage of the benefits of a small group.

2. The rich natural environment surrounding the school

The second pride shared is the abundant nature surrounding the school.

Not only do they play in nature, but they also engage in activities where they learn deeply about nature in class and actually explore the community, which is a significant charm unique to Hoidai Elementary School. The rich nature itself serves as a large textbook and the best playground for the children.

In this green-rich environment, the children are growing up healthily and freely.

3. Various traditional events that color school life

The last pride is that there are many traditional events that are hard to experience at other schools.

From agricultural experiences such as "rice planting," "rice harvesting," and "threshing," which they challenge with the help of local people, to "bracken picking," unique to the rich nature of Hoidai, attractive events are held throughout the year.

Additionally, the "pencil sharpening competition," which challenges how beautifully one can sharpen a pencil, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 and is cherished as a historical event of Hoidai.

Supported by the warm cooperation of the community, these traditional events have provided the children of Hoidai Elementary School with special experiences that will remain in their memories for a lifetime.

The children of Hoidai Elementary School are growing up robustly while engaging in various traditional events and school activities. Surrounded by lush nature, we hope they can continue to enjoy their school life.

Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future

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

Five children participated in the interview this time.
They expressed aspirations to become nurses, pet shop employees, YouTubers, artists, and mentioned wanting to join the track and field club in junior high school. 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, everyone at Hoidai Elementary School.