“A history to climb towards the future” That is the slogan the children of Chiba City Tobu Elementary School came up with for the school’s 150th anniversary.
Do you see the Chiba City Tobu Elementary School before you? It stands as one of Japan’s oldest elementary schools.
Let me tell you its story.
The school’s origins trace back to February 7 1873. It was initially established in Zenrakuji Temple. At that time it was known as Tonomachi Elementary School. Throughout the years the school underwent several name changes. In 1887 it became Tobu Ordinary Elementary School. 1908 saw another name change to Third Chiba Ordinary Elementary School. By 1921 it was Chiba Ordinary Higher Elementary School Fourth Division. Another name change occurred in 1928 and the school was then named Chiba Tobu Ordinary Elementary School.
The year 1941 brought significant change due to the national school order. The school’s name evolved into Chiba City Tobu National School.
After World War II in 1947 educational reforms led to its current name. It is now known as Chiba City Tobu Elementary School. The school building was constructed in 1962. Structural repairs took place in July 2015.
The school’s motto emphasizes nurturing children. They should have hearts. They should also have dreams. They should have strong bodies.
Tobu Elementary School organizes various annual events. These include entrance ceremonies and athletic meets. Fifth-graders participate in off-site learning. They visit the area and the Panasonic Center. Students in different grades participate in other activities. These activities includes garbage separation schools and ball game tournaments. February marks the school’s founding day. Schoolchildren perform academic ability tests. Graduation and farewell ceremonies take place in March.
Club activities are an integral part of Tobu Elementary School. Six club activities are held annually.
The areas from which children commute to Tobu Elementary School include. Tobu 1-chome, Tobu 2-chome and Tobu 3-chome. Also Shin Chiba 2-chome and Shin Chiba 3-chome. Furthermore Tatsumigaoka and Chiba Port excluding the Kouchou Third Elementary School district. Finally Chuou Port 1-chome.
Most students from Tobu Elementary School advance to two specific junior high schools. These are Chiba City Midoricho Junior High School and Chiba City Shinjuku Junior High School.
To get to Chiba City Tobu Elementary School you can take the Keisei Chiba Line. Get off at Shin-Chiba Station. The school is a short walk from the station. From the west exit of JR Chiba Station it is about 500m or an 8-minute walk. You can also get there from Chiba Minato Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail Line. It is about a 14-minute walk from there.
In 2023 Tobu Elementary School celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special ceremony. This event highlighted the school’s long history and its impact on the community. Tanaka Tokuyoshi is the current principal. The children are the most important thing. Their energetic figures have not changed over time. The active school life is thanks to the support of the local community.
Tobu Elementary School children are climbing towards the future step by step.