“Gather Round, 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 each school and school district special, and to hear children talk about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.
The October 10, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured Okada Elementary School in Mabi, 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 is current as of the article’s publication in October 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
FM Kurashiki: “Gather Round, Elementary School Students!”
On “Gather Round, Elementary School Students!,” the hosts interview sixth graders at each school they visit, taking a closer look at what makes their school special. Also worth watching is “What We Love About Our School District,” where children share what they like about their community from their own perspective.
The program also features heartwarming interviews that may move adults, too, 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 Okada Elementary School in Mabi, Kurashiki City.
The children were quick to tell us about what makes Okada Elementary School special.
About Okada Elementary School
First to introduce the school was Kawakami Kazushi. He shared three things that make Okada Elementary School special.
The first is the grand piano, passed down through generations.
It was once badly damaged, but was restored with donations collected by local residents. This grand piano has been cherished and passed down in the community for 69 years.
The second is the camphor tree, a symbol of Okada Elementary School.
It has watched over the children for more than 150 years. The school’s mascot, “Kusupi,” which combines the camphor tree and the grand piano, is also beloved by everyone.
The third is its historic setting.
We were told that Okada Elementary School stands on the former site of Okada Domain’s castle, and that a well and an irori hearth from that time still remain on the school grounds.
That was an introduction to Okada Elementary School, a place full of charm, surrounded by the community’s warm affection and rich history.
Okada 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 school district.
Three children shared what they love about Okada Elementary School and its district.
1. A Place Connected to Seishi Yokomizo, Creator of Kindaichi Kosuke
Itoshima Kanon shared that one thing to be proud of is that the area is connected to Seishi Yokomizo.
The school district is home to the wartime residence associated with mystery novelist Seishi Yokomizo.
Yokomizo moved there from Tokyo during the war and wrote more than 100 works at the residence. The famous detective Kindaichi Kosuke was also born here.
The event “1000 Kindaichi Kosuke” is still held every year. Participants dress up as Kindaichi Kosuke and walk a 4–5 km route in this walking event that fans will love.
The history of great works once created here is now carried on as a fun local event—a source of great pride.
2. The Hugely Popular Takeout Sweet: “Neko no Taiyaki”
Next to present was Fujiwara Masahiro. He introduced the cute “Neko no Taiyaki.”
Neko no Taiyaki are shaped like cats holding fish in their mouths. Their ears are crispy, while the inside is delightfully chewy. They come in a wide variety of flavors, including azuki bean, custard, chocolate, and zunda, as well as seasonal flavors.
It is a takeout-only shop that is open for a limited time, from October through May.
Fujiwara told us that custard is his favorite flavor. With their cute appearance and delicious taste, these are a local favorite and a source of pride.
3. “Furusato History Museum,” a Place of Learning That Carries Local History and Lessons into the Future
The final presenter was Yamada Ryota. He introduced the Kurashiki City Mabi Furusato History Museum.
The Kurashiki City Mabi Furusato History Museum is an engaging facility where visitors can learn in depth about local history. On display are historical documents about Okada Domain in the Edo period, as well as valuable materials connected to writer Seishi Yokomizo.
There is also a “Flood Disaster Legacy Corner,” which passes on the memories and lessons of the July 2018 heavy rains to future generations.
The children visit this facility to take part in activities such as a walking rally, learning about local history and disaster preparedness. It was an important place they were proud of, where they could learn about history and reflect on disaster awareness.
Okada Elementary School is located in a place steeped in history and romance. We hope the children will continue to thrive, watched over by the camphor tree, which is more than 150 years old, and the school mascot Kusupi.
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.
Nine children answered our questions this time.
Hearing about their dreams for the future—working for a company, becoming an aquarium keeper, a video creator, a fashion reformer, and more—is exciting.
The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave the adults great courage and moved them deeply.
Thank you to everyone at Okada Elementary School.
From the Writer
Through the voices of children, “Gather Round, Elementary School Students!” will continue to share the appeal of schools and local communities with everyone.
Each time we visit an elementary school, we see how children grow day by day with the warm support of their teachers and local communities.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the children in the community, so they can grow up healthy and enjoy their lives.
Articles About FM Kurashiki
FM Kurashiki “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” Information
| Name | FM Kurashiki “Gather Around! Elementary School Students” |
|---|---|
| Address | 520-28 Hakurakucho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-430-0828 |
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“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” can also be heard on the FM Kurashiki website.