Doesn’t it feel special to stand before a place dedicated to shaping young minds? This is Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School. It is a public elementary school in Yao City Osaka. Let’s explore its story.
Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School is known as the northernmost elementary school in Yao City. The school was established in 1956. However its roots trace back even further. The school’s origin dates back to June 26 1873. It initially opened as Kawachi No. 41 Elementary School. It was located inside the Yamamotoshinden Tomo Yokai.
Over the years the school changed names and locations several times. It was once called Bandai Temple Elementary School. Later it was known as Yamamoto Elementary School. In 1890 it became Yamamoto Branch School of Yao Ordinary Elementary School. In 1892 it was renamed Nakakawachi-gun Koaza Kotsubo Ordinary Elementary School. In 1933 it was renamed Nakakawachi-gun Yao Second Ordinary Elementary School. Then in 1941 it was renamed Nakakawachi-gun Yao Eastern National School. Finally in 1948 it became Yao City Yamamoto Elementary School.
In 1956 part of its district was separated to form the newly established Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School. In 1957 Minamiyamamoto Elementary School was separated from it.
The area around Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School has many children returning from China. The school focuses on education for these returning children. Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School also engages with international culture. It has a Shon Mao class. This class shares Chinese culture. There is also a Pidwirky children’s association. This is for people who want to experience Korean culture. Each year the school participates in the Urica Ragemo in Yao City Cultural Hall.
In August 2011 the new school building was completed. The new building has barrier-free designs. These include elevators and slopes. Multi-purpose toilets are also installed. The five colors of the new school building’s pillars have meaning. Blue represents the sea and sky. Red represents the sun. Yellow represents the moon and stars. Green represents the forest. Orange represents human warmth. In 2013 the school celebrated its 80th anniversary.
Today Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School continues to educate students. The school promotes education. This education values each child. Yao City Kitayamamoto Elementary School strives to nurture well-rounded individuals. As we conclude our visit I hope you carry a piece of its vibrant spirit with you.