"Gather Around! Elementary School Students" is broadcast every Saturday from 8 AM to 9 AM on FM Kurashiki.
The program features personality Asuka Abe visiting 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 genuine voices of the children, you can once again feel the charm of the community.
In the broadcast on June 13, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School, located in central Kurashiki City.
We will deliver the lively voices of the children.
This article is a contributed piece by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. and is edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.
FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School Students"
In "Gather Around! Elementary School Students," we conduct direct interviews with 6th graders at the visited elementary schools, deeply exploring the charm of the schools everyone attends. Additionally, the "School District Pride" segment introduces the good and favorite aspects of the community from the perspective of elementary school students.
Children share their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... We will also present heartwarming interviews that will surely touch the hearts of adults.
This time, we visited Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School, located in central Kurashiki City.
The Charm of Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School was shared by the children right away.
About Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School
Ichika Kato shared five charms of Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School.
The first is the fun events held throughout the year.
Events such as the Sports Festival, field trips to Mukaiyama Park, and overnight learning experiences at the sea and mountains enrich school life.
The second is the interaction group activities where students from 1st to 6th grades mix and participate.
During recess, they play together and cooperate in cleaning, fostering friendships across grades.
The third charm mentioned is the greeting activity at the school gate.
Led by 6th graders, they actively greet everyone in the morning, starting the day off on a positive note.
The fourth is the surrounding environment of the school.
Near Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School, there are the Bikan Historical Area, the city hall, and museums, providing a wonderful environment where the history and culture of the region can be felt closely. In particular, the Bikan Historical Area is often visited for events and classes, and Kato-san described it as "always lively and wonderful."
The final fifth charm is the lush nature.
Within the school, there is a "Green Forest" where cherry blossoms bloom and a courtyard that is home to various living creatures. The pond and many plants in the courtyard are managed by the Environmental Committee. It may be because of this nature-filled learning environment that the children can spend their time freely.
Children of Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"
Next, we will introduce the "school and school district pride" that the children are proud of.
Three children presented the charms of Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School and its district in a ranking format.
3rd Place: "Kurashiki Central Library," a Learning Hub with Approximately 570,000 Books"
Chiaki Okamoto announced the 3rd place as Kurashiki Central Library.
The Central Library is located just a few minutes' walk from Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School and is frequently used by the children.
According to data from the 2021 fiscal year, the Central Library has approximately 571,000 books in its collection, and Okamoto-san shared, "It's convenient because I can look up anything I want to know right away."
It's a library that is easy to visit even when you have a little extra time, closely aligned with the lives of the community.
2nd Place: Achi Shrine, Bustling with the Spring Grand Festival
Next, Daiki Takayama shared his pride in the Achi Shrine, highlighting the "Spring Grand Festival" held in spring as a major attraction.
During this festival, artworks and calligraphy from various schools are displayed, attracting many visitors. There is also a traditional ritual where the displayed works are burned as a prayer to the gods, making it a place that cherishes the culture of the community.
Achi Shrine is deeply rooted in the hearts of the children as a kind and reassuring presence that protects the lives of everyone living in Kurashiki.
1st Place: Bikan Historical Area, Rich in History and Art, Popular Even from Overseas
The prestigious 1st place was announced by Haruma Nishiumi, who presented the Bikan Historical Area.
As a representative tourist destination of Kurashiki City, it is a spot that attracts many tourists not only from Japan but also from around the world, truly being the "face of Kurashiki." Within the Bikan Historical Area, there are many tourist attractions, including the Ohara Museum of Art, packed with charm.
For the children of Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School, the Bikan Historical Area is a familiar place they pass by on their way to and from school. They shared that the beautiful scenery right next to their lives is their greatest pride in the school district.
The treasures of the region, such as the Bikan Historical Area, the Central Library, and Achi Shrine, also serve as familiar learning places for the children. Let's continue to watch over the children of Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School as they grow up surrounded by history and nature.
Voices of Children Looking Toward the Future
After learning about the charms of the school, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.
The 21 children who participated in the interview shared their aspirations.
From professional athletes and patissiers to school teachers and car mechanics, imagining everyone's future is exciting.
The sight of children challenging themselves with "what they love" as their driving force gives us adults great courage and inspiration.
Thank you, everyone at Kurashiki-Nishi Elementary School.
Conclusion
In "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 the 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 grow up healthily and happily.
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Data of FM Kurashiki "Gather! Elementary School"
| Name | FM Kurashiki "Gather! Elementary School" |
|---|---|
| Address | 520-28 Shirakuratown, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-430-0828 |
"Gather! Elementary School" can also be listened to from the FM Kurashiki website.