From a quiet hilltop in Hiroshima, Nagatsuka Nishi Elementary School looks out over the city. Did you know this school has a deeper connection to the Nagatsuka area than meets the eye? Nagatsuka Nishi Elementary stands as a testament to the growth and change this area has witnessed. Established on April 1, 1984, its very existence is a story of expansion. The nearby Nagatsuka Elementary, to the east, could no longer contain the burgeoning student population. So, Nagatsuka Nishi Elementary was born, a direct offshoot of its older sibling. The two schools share more than just history. They share a common design, symbolized by their school emblems, both featuring bamboo. This bamboo motif is a nod to the surrounding bamboo forests, linking both schools to the local landscape. Even their founding principals were connected, further cementing the bond. In the academic years of 1990-1992, Nagatsuka Nishi Elementary played a unique role in educational reform. It was designated as a research and practice school for the Hiroshima-style curriculum in mathematics. This innovative approach aimed to improve math education. It showcased the school’s dedication to progress. Today, Nagatsuka Nishi Elementary continues to serve the community. It stands as a symbol of the dynamic Nagatsuka area, reflecting its growth and evolution. Graduates typically move on to Nagatsuka Junior High School, continuing their educational journey within the same district.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the