On FM Kurashiki, every Saturday from 8 AM to 9 AM, we broadcast "Gather! Elementary School Students".
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 genuine voices of the children, we can once again feel the charm of the community.
In the broadcast on February 21, 2026 (Saturday), we introduced the situation at "Kotoura Minami Elementary School" located in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
We will share the lively voices of the children.
This article is a contributed piece by FM Kurashiki. It has been edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.
FM Kurashiki "Gather! Elementary School Students"
In "Gather! Elementary School Students," we directly interview sixth graders at the visited elementary schools to deeply explore the charm of the school everyone attends. Additionally, we highlight the "School District Pride," where children share the good and favorite aspects of their community from their perspective.
They talk about their exciting future dreams and express gratitude to their families who are always with them... We will also share heartwarming interviews that will surely touch the hearts of adults.
This time, we visited Kotoura Minami Elementary School in Kojima, Kurashiki City. The total number of students is 207. The school building is located along the coast, boasting a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.
The charm of Kotoura Minami Elementary School was shared by the children right away.
About Kotoura Minami Elementary School
The first to present was Mia Fujimori. She carefully introduced the charm of Kotoura Minami Elementary School.
The first charm she introduced was the scenery surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Seto Inland Sea.
On clear days, from the windows of the school building, students can enjoy a panoramic view of the sparkling sea and the impressive Seto-Ohashi Bridge, which has become a point of pride for the children.
Furthermore, she also talked about the friendliness across grades. With a cozy scale of 207 students, they enjoy daily interactions and learning activities with other grades, as well as various activities in mixed-age groups, making their time at school enjoyable.
At Kotoura Minami Elementary School, there are three things that all students are working hard on.
The first is cleaning.
During cleaning time, they aim to work quietly from start to finish, focusing on the task at hand.
The second is greeting.
With the motto "First say, then thank," they strive to greet each other pleasantly and proactively.
And the third is listening to others.
They consciously listen to their friends and teachers not just with their ears, but with their eyes and hearts. By maintaining a listening posture, they learn to value others and expand their own thoughts.
Finally, Mia concluded with a positive statement, saying, "We sixth graders are working hard to make Kotoura Minami Elementary School an inspiring school."
By setting three goals together and working earnestly, it seems that Kotoura Minami Elementary School will continue to become an even more attractive school in the future.
Children of Kotoura Minami Elementary School Talk About "School & School District Pride"
Next, we will introduce the "pride in the school and school district" that the children are proud of.
Three children presented the charms of Kotoura Minami Elementary School and its district.
1. "Kohhachiman Shrine" where Okayama's three major danjiri festivals are held
The first to present was Miune Omori.
She introduced the shrine that represents the school district, Kohhachiman Shrine.
Miune explained that Kohhachiman Shrine has long been revered as a spiritual support for the local residents.
It is the shrine where the "Kohhachiman Shrine Grand Festival," one of Okayama's three major danjiri festivals, is held, attracting many people from children to the elderly every year. The powerful danjiri floats and portable shrines, along with the sounds of the festival music "shagiri" played from the danjiri, create a lively atmosphere throughout the town.
As an important place where the history and vitality of the region can be felt, it has become an indispensable pride for the children of Kotoura Minami Elementary School.
2. "Uniforms and Jeans" unique to the textile town of Kojima
Next, Yūri Takahashi introduced the uniforms and jeans unique to the Kojima district, known for its thriving textile industry.
At Kotoura Minami Elementary School, students wear uniforms that embody the local technology and effort. The girls wear sailor uniforms with white scarves, while the boys have shiny golden buttons, which Yūri mentioned as her favorite points.
Additionally, starting from the 2025 school year, a unique initiative called "Kotoura Jeans Day" will begin. It is a special day when all students and teachers wear jeans, and it is cherished as an event fitting for Kojima, the birthplace of domestically produced jeans.
Being able to experience the traditional techniques of their town on a daily basis is a rare pride not only in Japan but also nationwide.
3. "The sparkling and beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea"
The last to present was Michi Yamamoto.
She shared her pride in the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea that spreads right next to the school.
From the school building of Kotoura Minami Elementary School, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea sparkling in the sunlight and the majestic Seto-Ohashi Bridge. She feels the beauty of her hometown every day. Michi particularly loves the shining sea on clear days, saying, "It's the best."
Additionally, events like "crab fishing" are held in the area, providing a great environment to feel nature close by.
It seems that the children are enjoying their school life while being watched over by the gentle scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
The children of Kotoura Minami Elementary School are enjoying a fun school life surrounded by beautiful nature in a town where history and industry thrive. Let's continue to watch over Kotoura Minami Elementary School, which will surely become an even more wonderful school, with the entire community.
Thank you, everyone at Kotoura Minami Elementary School.
Voices of Children Looking to the Future
After learning about the school's charm, we also asked everyone about their future dreams.
Twenty children participated in the interview this time.
From dancers and beauticians to child welfare workers and dinosaur-specialized archaeologists... Imagining everyone's future selves 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 Kotoura Minami Elementary School.
Conclusion
In "Gather! 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 that the children are growing every day with the warm support of the teachers and the community.
FM Kurashiki will continue to watch over the local children so that they can grow up healthy and enjoy their time.
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Data for FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School"
| Name | FM Kurashiki "Gather Around! Elementary School" |
|---|---|
| Address | 520-28 Shirakuratown, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-430-0828 |
"Gather Around! Elementary School" can also be listened to from the FM Kurashiki website.