“What is the story behind this school?” a curious student asks. Today we explore the history of Osaka Municipal Fukushima Elementary School. It is located in Fukushima Ward Osaka.
The school’s roots stretch back to 1903. It began as Osaka City Daini-Kamifukushima Jinjo Elementary School. This happened when it split off from Kamifukushima Jinjo Elementary School.
Interestingly the name changed several times over the years. It was once Osaka City Daini-Kamifukushima Jinjo Higher Elementary School. Later it became Osaka City Fukushima National School.
In 1909 a great fire devastated the area. The school building burned down. Classes were temporarily held at Daiichi-Kamifukushima Elementary School. Reconstruction occurred and they rebuilt the school in March 1910.
During World War II in 1944 students evacuated to Hiroshima Prefecture. After the war in 1946 Kamifukushima National School merged due to war damage.
However in 1947 educational reforms led to a new name. It became Osaka Municipal Fukushima Elementary School.
Later in 1953 a branch school opened at the former Kamifukushima National School site. This branch became independent in 1955. It was then renamed Osaka Municipal Kamifukushima Elementary School.
Osaka Municipal Fukushima Elementary School also had a unique feature. From 1958 it housed in-hospital classes. These classes were at Osaka Welfare Pension Hospital. Also in 1973 in-hospital classes were established at Osaka University Medical Department附属Hospital.
The school’s commitment to education earned recognition. In 1987 the Osaka City Board of Education designated it as a research school. This was for art and handicraft studies.
In 1994 the in-hospital classes at Osaka University’s hospital moved. They moved to the Suita Municipal Kitayamada Elementary School. The in-hospital classes at Osaka Welfare Pension Hospital closed in 2011.
In 2020 part of the school’s district transferred. It went to Osaka Municipal Kamifukushima Elementary School.
Osaka Municipal Fukushima Elementary School has a rich past. It has adapted and grown alongside the city. It continues to educate and inspire students today. It prepares them for the future. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of education.