Tucked away in Hiroshima’s Asa-kita Ward, Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School has a story to tell. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Established in 1912 as Kabe Town Practical Higher Girls’ School, Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School has seen its share of history. Imagine the young women attending classes in those early years. Their world was changing rapidly. The school itself evolved, changing names and expanding its curriculum to meet the needs of a growing community. In 1924, it became Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe Practical Higher Girls’ School. A few years later, in 1926, it was renamed Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe Higher Girls’ School. Then, major educational reforms in 1948 led to another name change, Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School. That same year, evening classes were introduced, expanding access to education. In 1949, it transitioned to a comprehensive high school, offering general, home economics, and commercial courses. Over the decades, the school adjusted its programs. The commercial course was discontinued in 1955, followed by the home economics course in 1963. Finally, in 1968, it adopted its current name, Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School. But the story of Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School isn’t just about name changes and curriculum adjustments. It’s about the spirit of its students. Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School is known for its strong archery program. The school regularly sends athletes to national competitions. They have a history of outstanding performances. One of their notable alumni, Yoshiyuki Kazuhiro, even went on to become an Olympian. Beyond archery, the school boasts a variety of clubs. From sports like basketball and baseball to cultural pursuits such as calligraphy and tea ceremony, there is something for everyone. The school’s softball club has recently made a name for itself, consistently qualifying for the prefectural tournament. One particularly exciting moment in the school’s sports history involves its baseball team. In the 90th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, the team reached the third round. In one unforgettable match, they played against their rivals, Hiroshima Commercial High School, known for their record number of wins at Koshien Stadium. While they ultimately lost, their spirited performance left a lasting mark. Even the school’s physical structure reflects its history. It has been rebuilt and expanded over the years. In 2008, the entire school was relocated to its current location in the Nunayama area due to a river expansion project. Today, Hiroshima Prefectural Kabe High School continues to nurture young minds and empower future generations. It offers full-day and evening programs, providing diverse educational opportunities for students in Hiroshima.
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