“Is it merely a school?” you might wonder. The story of Osaka Municipal Izuo Kita Elementary School is more than meets the eye. It began in April 1914. It was originally named Osaka Municipal Izuo Second Ordinary Elementary School. It separated from Osaka Municipal Izuo First Ordinary Elementary School. That school is now Osaka Municipal Izuo East Elementary School.
The early days of Osaka Municipal Izuo Kita Elementary School saw several changes. In 1921 Osaka Municipal Awaji Ordinary Elementary School was separated. This is today’s Awaji Elementary School. In 1922 Osaka Municipal Kitaenaka Island Ordinary Elementary School was separated. It is now Kitaenaka Island Elementary School. Also in 1922 a higher division was established. The school’s name changed to Osaka Municipal Izuo Second Ordinary Higher Elementary School.
Disaster struck in 1927. A fire destroyed the school building. The school persevered. In September 1934 a school song was created. Later that month a typhoon caused flooding and damage.
In 1941 the school’s name changed again. It became Osaka Municipal Izuo Kita National School. This was due to the National School Order. During World War II in 1944 students were evacuated. They went to Anan Town and Ushijima Village in Tokushima Prefecture. These areas are now part of Yoshinogawa City.
The war’s aftermath brought more changes. In 1946 due to war damage the school was consolidated. It merged with Osaka Municipal Naka Izuo National School. That school is now Naka Izuo Elementary School. The school closed temporarily.
However Osaka Municipal Izuo Kita Elementary School reopened in 1953. In 1955 it was designated for elementary school lunch research. This lasted for two years. In 1966 the school was designated as a moral education promotion school.
Today Osaka Municipal Izuo Kita Elementary School stands as a testament to resilience. The school motto emphasizes knowledge virtue and physical strength. “Children with intelligence children with compassion and healthy children” are the guiding principles. The school continues to educate children in Osaka. Graduates typically advance to Osaka Municipal Taisho East Junior High School. The school’s address is Izuo 2-21-24 Taisho Ward Osaka City. The phone number is 06-6551-0028. It is about 1.3 km southwest of Taisho Station on the Osaka Loop Line and Subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line.
So the next time you pass by remember. Osaka Municipal Izuo Kita Elementary School is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place of learning growth and community.