"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" Kashiwajima Elementary School Edition (Broadcast on October 3, 2026) ~ In a region where history breathes, the children of Kashiwajima Elementary School grow straight and strong like Metasequoia.

Kashiwajima Elementary School featured image

"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" is broadcast every Saturday from 8 AM to 9 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 genuine voices, you can feel the charm of the community once again.

In the broadcast on October 3, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at Kashiwajima 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.

The information provided is from the article published in October 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School Students"

In "Gather Around! Elementary School Students," we conduct direct interviews with sixth graders at the visited elementary schools, deeply exploring the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment, where children share the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective, is also a highlight.

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

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

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

The Charm of Kashiwajima Elementary School was immediately shared by the children.

About Kashiwajima Elementary School

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

The first to introduce the school is Shinya Yamamoto. He spoke clearly and loudly about the charm of the school.

Kashiwajima Elementary School is a wonderful school filled with the bright smiles and greetings of its 220 students.

One of the school's prides is that many children participate in volunteer activities every morning. They actively engage in greeting activities, cleaning, and helping first graders. This active volunteer work has been recognized, and in the 2025 fiscal year, they received an award for good deeds.

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

Another major pride is the symbol tree, the Metasequoia, which has grown taller than the three-story school building. A sign that says "Children who grow straight" is displayed on the tree trunk. With this phrase as a common goal, the children say they enjoy their school life while uplifting each other every day.

Mr. Yamamoto concluded by saying, "I want to do my best to achieve my goals."

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

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

Next, we will introduce the "pride of the school and school district" that the children are proud of.

Three children presented the charms of Kashiwajima Elementary School and its school district.

1. A Place for the Community to Relax! "Zai no Yama Park"

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

Marino Takagoshi was the first to introduce the pride of "Zai no Yama Park," which is located within the school district.

Zai no Yama Park is about the same size as the school and has large playground equipment and open spaces. It is a beloved place for the community where people of all ages, from small children to adults, gather to relax.

Ms. Takagoshi's favorite spot is the long stone slide, where she enjoys sliding down with her friends. She also plays tag in the spacious area and enjoys playing on other equipment.

"I want to continue to cherish this important place in the community," says Ms. Takagoshi. I hope it remains a lively place for many people in the future.

2. The Site of the "Genpei Mizushima Battle" Between the Genji and Heike Clans

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

Next, Koto Yano presented about the historical "Genpei Mizushima Battle" that is passed down in the region.

In the area where the school district is located, the Genji clan set up camp on the Tamashima side and the Heike clan on the Kashiwajima side, leading to fierce battles across the Tamashima Bridge. It is said that the Heike clan won decisively in this battle, and a monument has been erected in a place where the Tamashima Bridge can be seen today.

Yano, who has not yet visited the monument, hopes to see it someday and learn more about the battle tactics of that time. It was a historical spot that piqued the curiosity of the children.

3. Loved Across Eras, Ryokan and Entsu-ji Temple

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki

The final presentation was by Misaki Harada. She talked about Ryokan, a monk from the Edo period, and Entsu-ji Temple, known for his training.

Entsu-ji Temple features thatched-roof buildings and gardens, as well as a statue of Ryokan playing with children. There are also open spaces and parks within the grounds, making it a beloved place for the community where small children can play.

Entsu-ji Temple, with many trees planted, shows different expressions with the changing seasons. Ms. Harada particularly loves the cherry blossom season. From the temple located on the mountain, one can enjoy a wonderful view of the full-bloom cherry blossoms along with the Mizushima Bridge Line, Mizushima Industrial Complex, and the Seto Inland Sea.

I felt compelled to visit Entsu-ji Temple, where one can experience history and the changing of the seasons.

Entsu-ji Temple - An ancient temple in Tamashima where the famous monk Ryokan trained. Azaleas, maples, and cherry blossoms are also highlights.

Kashiwajima Elementary School, a charming school district where history thrives and there are many places to play. The children will surely grow up straight and freely like the Metasequoia. We want to continue supporting the children as they strive toward their goals.

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.
Thinking about everyone's future dreams, such as becoming a groomer, editor, soccer player, math teacher, or professional fisherman, 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 to everyone at Kashiwajima Elementary School.

From the Writer

Through "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 warm support of the teachers and the community as the children grow day by day.

FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can spend their days healthily and happily.

Articles Related to FM Kurashiki

How to Listen to Radio Sources

"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" can also be listened to from the FM Kurashiki website.

Data for FM Kurashiki "Gather! Elementary School Students"

Image courtesy of FM Kurashiki
NameFM Kurashiki "Gather! Elementary School Students"
Address520-28 Shirakumacho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact086-430-0828

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FM Kurashiki
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