“A schoolhouse collapsed during a typhoon?” The story of Osaka Municipal Himejima Elementary School is one of resilience. Founded in 1874, Osaka Municipal Himejima Elementary School is one of the oldest schools in the Nishiyodogawa ward.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the Meiji era. The school began as two separate institutions. They were the Fifth District Third and Fourth Elementary Schools. These schools were located in temples.
Over time, the schools merged. In 1893, they became Himejima Jinjo Elementary School. The school added a higher elementary division in 1919. It was then renamed Himejima Jinjo Higher Elementary School.
In 1925, Himejima Village joined Osaka City. The school’s name changed to Osaka Municipal Himejima Jinjo Higher Elementary School. That same year, a new school split off. This became Takami Elementary School.
Tragedy struck Osaka Municipal Himejima Elementary School in 1934. A typhoon caused the schoolhouse to collapse. Thirteen students and staff died. Over 200 were injured. It was the worst disaster for any elementary school in Nishiyodogawa ward. A concrete school was rebuilt in 1937.
In 1941, the school became Osaka Municipal Himejima National School. During the war, students were evacuated. They went to Kagawa Prefecture. They studied at local schools there.
After the war, the school system changed. In 1947, it became Osaka Municipal Himejima Elementary School. A school song was created in 1961. A new school building was completed in 1992. A second sports field opened in 1998.
Today, Osaka Municipal Himejima Elementary School continues to serve its community. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of education. It has overcome disaster and adapted to change.