“Gather Around, Elementary School Students!” Daigo Fukuda Elementary School Edition (Broadcast August 15, 2026)～ The children of Daigo Fukuda Elementary School grow freely under the watchful eyes of “Daigo-kun” and “Yutaka-chan.”

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

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

In the episode broadcast on Saturday, August 15, 2026, we featured Daigo Fukuda Elementary School in Mizushima, Kurashiki City.

Here are the voices of these energetic children.

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

The information in this article was accurate when it was published 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 schools we visit to take a closer look at what makes their schools special. Also featured is “What We’re Proud of About Our District,” in which children share what they 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 gratitude to the family members who are always by their side.

This time, we visited Daigo Fukuda Elementary School in Mizushima, Kurashiki City.

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

About Daigo Fukuda Elementary School

First to introduce the school was Makalalado Jana. She told us about the mascot characters and student council flag, two of the things that make Daigo Fukuda Elementary School special.

Daigo Fukuda Elementary School has two beloved mascot characters. Daigo-kun is strong and works hard at exercise every day, while Yutaka-chan cherishes kindness and consideration for others. The children were developing kind hearts and healthy bodies under the watchful eyes of Daigo-kun and Yutaka-chan.

Another source of pride is the “student council flag,” filled with everyone’s hopes. It carries the heartfelt wish that “children with strong bodies and generous hearts will spread their wings and fly brightly and energetically into the future.”

The flag is raised on major event days, such as Sports Observation Day and the Gofuku Elementary School Festival, to cheer everyone on.

These two cherished symbols support Daigo Fukuda Elementary School in helping its students grow up healthy in both mind and body.

“What We’re Proud of About Our School and District,” as Told by Daigo Fukuda Elementary School Students

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

Three children shared what they love about Daigo Fukuda Elementary School and its district.

1. The Saturday Night Market that brings the local shopping district to life

First, Teramoto Rikuto told us about the Saturday Night Market, held in the shopping district of his hometown, Mizushima.

The Saturday Night Market is lined with stalls offering takoyaki, fried chicken, refreshing shaved ice, and other delicious treats, as well as games and activities such as target shooting, goldfish scooping, and yo-yo fishing that adults and children alike can enjoy.

“The shopkeepers are all kind, and it’s great that we can play safely and have fun,” Teramoto says. He also always buys his favorite baby castella cakes when he goes to the Saturday Night Market.

It’s a lively festival beloved by the community that makes everyone look forward to summer.

2. Kameshima-yama, a scenic spot with abundant nature and beautiful night views

Next, Kishida Yume told us about Kameshima-yama, a school-district treasure surrounded by abundant nature.

As its name suggests, this uniquely shaped mountain resembles a turtle. Its grounds are said to contain a historic shrine and air-raid shelters. She also told us that one of its greatest attractions is the sweeping view of the beautiful nightscape of the Mizushima Industrial Complex from the mountaintop.

It’s a beloved spot for relaxation where you can enjoy a stroll and nature during the day, then take in the sparkling night views after dark.

3. Tsurajima Lotus Root, a local specialty served in school lunches

Hakata Kisato proudly introduced Tsurajima Lotus Root, a local specialty.

Packed with nutrients and good for you, Tsurajima Lotus Root is also served in school lunches. It’s a local specialty that lets students experience locally grown food firsthand. It’s served in dishes such as lotus root with ume plum paste, giving students a chance to enjoy delicious lotus root dishes.

Hakata also explained that locally grown food, which travels shorter distances, helps prevent global warming.

It’s a delicious local food that’s kind to the planet, too.

Daigo Fukuda Elementary School is full of local attractions, from events and nature to food. Along with their generous hearts, the children will surely continue to grow up healthy. We hope to keep watching over them as they enjoy school life to the fullest.

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.

Fifteen children took part in the interviews. It’s exciting to imagine their futures as drummers, illustrators, professional athletes, animal caretakers, picture-book authors, and more.

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

Thank you to everyone at Daigo Fukuda Elementary School.