HAMAMATSU, Mar 25 (News On Japan) –
Uragawa Elementary School in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, closed its doorways after 151 years, marking the top of an period for the Uragawa district. Established in 1874, the college was the final remaining elementary college within the space, the place there have been as soon as 4.
With its closure, each elementary and junior excessive faculties have now disappeared from the district.
“Wow, it’s been so long. It still looks the same,” mentioned one former pupil, reunited with previous associates on the college nestled within the mountainous Sakuma space of Hamamatsu.
A complete of round 400 individuals, together with seven present college students, alumni, and native residents, attended the closing ceremony held on March twenty third.
During the ceremony, all seven college students took the stage to share their recollections and phrases of gratitude.
“It makes me very sad because the playground, the oak tree—so many memories are here,” mentioned one pupil. Another added, “Even when I grow up, I want to make use of what I learned here—how to speak up and how to stay connected with the community.”
With three sixth graders set to graduate in March 2025, solely 4 college students will stay within the subsequent college 12 months. As a end result, Uragawa Elementary shall be merged with close by Sakuma Elementary School.
“I want to make lots of new friends and do well in school,” mentioned one youngster. Another added, “I’ll work hard until I can play soccer properly.”
Founded in 1874 in the course of the Meiji period, Uragawa Elementary as soon as had over 900 college students within the late Fifties. But the coed inhabitants steadily declined because of the broader pattern of depopulation.
“It’s sad to see my old school disappear,” mentioned a graduate. Another expressed hope for the longer term: “I want the current students to enjoy their time even after the merger with Sakuma Elementary.”
The ceremony ended with everybody singing the college music collectively. With the closure of Uragawa Elementary, the final remaining elementary college within the area, all native faculties—elementary and junior excessive—have now closed within the Uragawa district.
Source: SBSnews6