“Gather Around, Elementary School Students!” Daisan Fukuda Elementary School Edition (Broadcast August 29, 2026) 〜 Children at Daisan Fukuda Elementary School Practice Energetic Greetings with Sanfuku Lion

“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs on FM Kurashiki every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to cover what makes the schools and their districts 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 August 29, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured “Daisan Fukuda Elementary School” in Hiroe, Kurashiki City.

Here are the lively voices of the 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 was current when this article was published in September 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, taking a closer look at what makes their school special. Also featured is “What Makes Our District Special,” where children share what they like about their community from their own perspective.

The program also brings you heartwarming interviews that may move even 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, the program visited Daisan Fukuda Elementary School in Hiroe, Kurashiki City.

The children were quick to tell us about what makes Daisan Fukuda Elementary School special.

About Daisan Fukuda Elementary School

Kameyama Kento and Komiyama Shu were the first to introduce their school. The two gave their presentation together as good friends.

One of the things that makes Daisan Fukuda Elementary School special is that all the students play happily together, regardless of gender.

They told us that the school mascot, “San-Fuku Lion,” is a familiar presence who cheers the children on with a smile. The character combines the sun and a lion, and was created long ago to encourage everyone to greet one another.

Another thing that makes Daisan Fukuda Elementary School special is its motto: “Give it a try, see it through, and be full of kindness.” The children told us that everyone works hard together, whether trying a new swimming stroke in the pool or spending time happily with students from other grades.

With San-Fuku Lion watching over them, they keep taking on challenges with the motto in their hearts.

Daisan Fukuda Elementary School Students Share What Makes Their School and District Special

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

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

1. Mt. Kamogatsuji and Sunagawa, where you can enjoy the seasons and see fireflies

Miyake Reitaro named the abundance of beautiful nature as something special about the district.

Near the school are the lush green Mt. Kamogatsuji and Sunagawa River, where students can feel the changing seasons on their way to and from school. He said that Mt. Kamogatsuji is so green that simply taking time to look at it brings a sense of calm, and that beautiful autumn leaves spread across the mountain in fall.

He also said that the magical glow of fireflies can be seen along Sunagawa in summer, which is very soothing. Fourth graders learn a lot from the nature around them, exploring Sunagawa, interacting with living creatures, and studying the environment.

2. Lively greetings exchanged throughout the community

Next, Endo Sota told us about the greetings exchanged with great energy.

During the morning greeting campaign organized by the student council, each grade takes turns greeting everyone enthusiastically. They also make a conscious effort to ensure that greetings are exchanged throughout the community, not just at school. As symbolized by San-Fuku Lion, who also appeared in the school introduction, greetings are important at Daisan Fukuda Elementary School.

When the children greet people cheerfully on their way to and from school, local residents return their greetings with smiles. The children told us that this custom of exchanging warm words is something the entire district, not just the school, can be proud of.

3. School life surrounded by the warmth of local residents

Kajita Mio spoke about the warmth of local residents.

She said that local residents always watch over the children as they travel to and from school, helping them get to school safely every day. They kindly call out “Welcome home” and quickly lend a hand when someone is in trouble. She also told us that some people volunteer to protect the school’s rich natural environment, and that there are opportunities for them to share their commitment with the children.

This environment, where the entire community gently supports the children, was also a great source of pride for them.

The children at Daisan Fukuda Elementary School enjoy a carefree school life, surrounded by abundant nature and warm-hearted local residents. We hope their lively greetings will continue to ring out throughout the community.

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.

Ten children took part in the interviews this time.
It’s exciting to imagine their dreams for the future, which include becoming doctors or veterinarians, professional athletes, YouTubers, and working in entertainment.

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

Thank you to everyone at Daisan Fukuda Elementary School.