川崎市立中原小学校

In 1901, a schoolhouse was built in Kawasaki. This marked the birth of Kawasaki City Nakahara Elementary School. It wasn’t always called that. Originally, the school was known as Nakahara Island Regular Higher Elementary School. Later it became Nakahara National School. Finally, in 1947, it adopted its current name, Kawasaki City Nakahara Elementary School. Now, imagine yourselves transported back to 1928. The air is filled with the sound of children’s laughter. A new song drifts from the windows of Kawasaki City Nakahara Elementary School. This is the year the school song was composed, lyrics by An Anzai and music by Nagayo Motoi. The song celebrates Nakahara, its rice paddies, and the Tama River flowing to the sea. Fast forward to 1951. The school is bustling with activity. It’s the 50th anniversary celebration. A special commemorative ceremony is held. Even more exciting, the school begins serving pan lunches. A few years later, in 1957, a nearby school, Miyauchi Elementary, opens. A large group of 319 students transfers to the new school. The changes continue. In 1983, the school introduces rice-based school lunches. By 1989, renovations bring a multi-purpose hall, staff rooms, and changing rooms. In 2000, a computer room is added. In 2007, Kawasaki City Nakahara Elementary receives a special designation as a “Bird-Loving Model School” from Kanagawa Prefecture. The school also undergoes earthquake-resistant construction. More recently, in 2021, the school celebrates its 120th anniversary. Fifth-grade students from Kawasaki City Nakahara Elementary connect online with sixth graders from another Nakahara Elementary School, this one in Hiratsuka City. They share stories of their schools and local history. They discover a fascinating connection. The name “Nakahara” in both locations originates from the “Nakahara Residence” of the Tokugawa family, which once stood in Hiratsuka. The students from Kawasaki City Nakahara Elementary also share their concerns about marine pollution. They discuss the impact of plastic waste on the Tama River and its marine life.