“Why does this school feel so old yet so new?” someone pondered aloud. Today we are visiting Hiroshima City Nagatsuka Elementary School. It is a public elementary school in Hiroshima. The school is located in Nagatsuka. It is in the Minami Ward of Hiroshima City.
Nagatsuka Elementary School’s story began long ago. Its origins trace back to 1874. It started with the merging of two schools. These were the Kashi Noki school and the Kotoku school. They later became Asada school and Ichiba school. These schools then unified and became Nagatsuka school.
Over the years the school changed its name. After reforms in 1947 it was named Yasuki Town Nagatsuka Elementary School. In 1968 the school moved to its current location. Yasuki Town merged with Hiroshima City in 1972. The school then became Hiroshima City Nagatsuka Elementary School.
Nagatsuka Elementary School has expanded over time. School buildings were added in 1972, 1974, and 1978. The school district changed in 1976. Some students were reassigned to Harada Elementary School. More changes happened in 1984. Students then went to Nagatsuka West Elementary School.
The school has embraced innovation. It received an award for excellence in 1992. This recognized its talent development programs. Nagatsuka Elementary School began a local tradition in 1993. It is called Nagatsuka Wooden Clappers.
In 1994 a computer room was installed. Local Area Network was installed in 2002. Earthquake-resistant work was done on the gymnasium in 2006. Earthquake and fire prevention water tanks were added in 2007.
Nagatsuka Elementary School has a unique tradition. Students perform Nagatsuka Wooden Clappers. This involves taiko drums, bamboo flutes, and wooden clapper chants. Sixth graders pass this tradition to fifth graders each year. The students practice independently. They use their free time to master the performance.
The Nagatsuka Wooden Clappers performance includes seven parts. There is taiko drumming and recorder playing. Bamboo flute solos feature too. Wooden clapper chants are integral. Taiko drums and recorders combine in harmony. This tradition fosters the children’s spirit. Students pass on skills directly. The teachers do not interfere. This method enhances their growth.
The school is near the JR Kabe Line. It is also close to the Oota River drainage canal. Once the area was mostly farmland. National Route 54 later became Route 183. Factories and shops appeared. The area became residential. The student population grew rapidly. It reached nearly 1500. New elementary schools opened nearby. The student population then decreased. As of 2015 the school had 504 students.
Nagatsuka Elementary School has a long history. It has adapted to change. It preserves local traditions. It embraces modern technology. It continues to educate children in Hiroshima.