"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 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 children's genuine voices, you can feel the charm of the community once again.

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. 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 directly interview sixth graders at the visited elementary schools to deeply explore the charm of the school everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment introduces the good and favorite aspects of the community from the perspective of elementary school students.

We will also share heartwarming interviews that make even adults feel emotional, as children talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them.

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

The Charm of Hoidai Elementary School was immediately 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 exchange that transcends grade levels at Hoidai Elementary School. Students actively engage in play and study together with peers from various grades, fostering vibrant interactions on a daily basis.

Additionally, a major charm of the school 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.

Through cooperation, everyone 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 Nayu 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 number of students.

2. The rich natural environment surrounding the school

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

In addition to playing in nature, activities such as deeply learning about nature in classes and exploring the local area are also significant charms 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 the many traditional events that are hard to experience at other schools.

From agricultural experiences such as "rice planting," "rice harvesting," and "threshing," which are taught by 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 pencils can be sharpened, 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 as lifelong memories.

The children of Hoidai Elementary School are growing up robustly while engaging in various traditional events and school activities. I hope they can continue to enjoy their school life under the watchful eye of the lush nature.

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 a nurse, a pet shop employee, a YouTuber, an artist, 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 adults great courage and inspiration.

Thank you, everyone at Hoidai Elementary School.

From the Editor

In "Gather Around! Elementary School Students," we will continue to deliver the charm of schools and communities through the voices of children.

Every time we visit an elementary school, we feel the daily growth of the children supported by the warm assistance of teachers and community members.

FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so they can grow up healthily and happily.