“A school newsletter.” That’s how many locals remember Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Elementary School. This school stood in Ichihara City Chiba Prefecture. It closed its doors in 2017.
Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Elementary School’s history began in the Taisho era. It was a time of great change in Japan. The school opened in 1912 as Taisho Ordinary Elementary School. Later in 1927, a higher elementary school was established. It then became Taisho Ordinary Higher Elementary School.
In 1940, another school merged and its name changed again. It became Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Ordinary Higher Elementary School. The former Mitomo Elementary School became the first school building. The old Taisho Ordinary Elementary School became the second building. In 1941 it was named Ichihara City National School. After the war in 1947, it was named Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Elementary School.
A final change occurred in 1949. The school divided into Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Number One and Number Two Elementary Schools. Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Number Two Elementary School was the second building. In 1954, it became Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Number Two Elementary School. In 1961, Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Number Two Elementary School. Finally, in 1963, it became Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Elementary School.
The school celebrated its 80th anniversary in 1992. A commemorative tree was planted on the grounds. However, the number of children declined. Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Elementary School closed in 2017. It merged with Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Number One Elementary School.
The school aimed to nurture rich minds. It fostered children’s ability to live in the future. The school had 20 students and 3 classes in its final year. The school area covered about 12 square kilometers. About 2000 people lived in the area.
The school had a school song. Students accessed the school by Chiba Chuo bus. They walked 30 minutes from the Yuimizu Koen entrance. Another option was a 40-minute walk from Ogi-machi Minami. The school’s facilities included a school building and a gymnasium. The school building was reinforced concrete. It had two stories and was completed in 1965. The gymnasium was also reinforced concrete. It was one story and completed in 1979.
Although Ichihara City Toudaisanshou Elementary School is closed its legacy lives on. Former students remember its long history. It fostered a love of learning in countless children. Its spirit continues to inspire the community.