“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” Yanaihara Elementary School Edition (Broadcast May 2, 2026) 〜 The Misaki Shrine Festival and Kintoki carrots. Yanaihara Elementary School, surrounded by nature’s bounty and exchange with the community

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

Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to cover what makes each school and school district special, as well as children who talk about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.

The May 2, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured “Yanagibara Elementary School” in Funao, Kurashiki City.

Here are the voices of these energetic children.

This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. The editorial team at Haretoco General Incorporated Association edited and published it.

The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in September 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

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

On “Gather Around! Elementary School Students,” we interview sixth graders at the elementary schools we visit to take a closer look at what makes their schools special. Also featured is “School District Pride,” which introduces the good things about the area and what the children like about it, from an elementary school student’s perspective.

The program also features heartwarming interviews that may even move adults, as children talk about their exciting dreams for the future and express gratitude to the family members who are always by their side.

This time, we visited Yanagibara Elementary School in Funao, Kurashiki City.

We asked the children to tell us what makes Yanagibara Elementary School special.

About Yanagibara Elementary School

First to introduce the school was Uneda Karin. She spoke clearly and enthusiastically about what makes the school special.

Yanagibara Elementary School is surrounded by abundant nature. Uneda said that the total number of students has increased since she started school, making daily life even livelier and more vibrant. She told us that everyone greets one another cheerfully each morning, making it a pleasant way to start the day.

The school’s spacious playground is another point of pride. It has also been used for a joint track and field meet with Funao Elementary School.

She also said that there are many classes involving local residents, which is another major attraction. The school values warm exchange with the community, with classes where students enjoy disc golf and ground golf with local residents, as well as a “Gratitude Gathering” to express their thanks to them.

“What We Love About Our School and School District,” According to Yanagibara Elementary School Students

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

Three children shared what they love about Yanagibara Elementary School and its school district.

1. The lively “Misaki Shrine Festival”

Okada Nene told us about the annual festival held at Misaki Shrine.

The autumn festival is especially fun, with rows of food stalls in the shrine grounds selling tempting treats such as fried chicken, yakitori, yakisoba, and candy apples. There are also goldfish scooping and yo-yo fishing games, as well as a raffle with fabulous prizes, making it a lively event enjoyed by children and adults alike.

On festival days, elementary and junior high school students play energetically at the Second Park next to Misaki Shrine.

Misaki Shrine also holds a summer festival. If you’re interested, be sure to visit.

2. Funao Winery, which sells local wine

Oka Yoichiro introduced “Funao Winery,” located on a hill, as one of the area’s points of pride.

Funao Winery sells fragrant wines made from locally grown grapes, a regional specialty, as well as delicious ice cream. It’s a favorite place for both adults and children, packed with the region’s appeal.

What’s more, it’s not just a tourist attraction; it is also used as a venue for Yanagibara Elementary School’s evacuation drills. It’s a reassuring local point of pride that supports the community in times of need.

3. A local specialty alongside muscat grapes and other grapes: Kintoki carrots

Fujita Kohei spoke about Funao-grown Kintoki carrots. Funao is famous for its grapes and muscat grapes, but Kintoki carrots are just as well known.

Every year, third graders at Yanagibara Elementary School spend a full year carefully growing Kintoki carrots. Watering them every day is hard work, but the joy of harvesting large carrots after tending them so diligently is exceptional.

I think growing local specialties is an activity unique to Yanagibara Elementary School. These nutritious Kintoki carrots from Funao have made me want to try them.

Surrounded by the blessings of abundant nature and warm exchange with local residents, the children of Yanagibara Elementary School enjoy their school life every day. Let’s continue to watch over them as they grow freely and happily.

Children’s voices as they look to the future

After hearing all about what makes the school special, we also asked about everyone’s dreams for the future.

Two children answered our questions this time.
The children said they want to turn what they love into a career, such as becoming an illustrator or pastry chef. It’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for them.

The children’s determination to take on challenges, driven by the things they love, gave the adults great courage and inspiration, too.

Thank you to everyone at Yanagibara 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 see how children grow day by day with the warm support of teachers and local residents.

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