On March 26, 2025, spring break for elementary school students in Takamatsu City coincided with a significant educational initiative, as three young learners engaged in a workplace experience that showcased their programming skills. This unique opportunity was organized by Cellar Advertising and Benesse, two notable companies in the region, highlighting the importance of practical learning in today’s educational landscape.
The students, hailing from Takamatsu City and nearby Sakaide City, were able to apply their programming knowledge in a real-world setting, an experience that is becoming increasingly essential as technology continues to shape various industries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate programming into school curricula, ensuring that children are equipped with the skills necessary for the future job market.
Meanwhile, the Takamatsu Local Meteorological Observatory also made headlines on the same day by announcing the blooming of cherry blossoms in the city. This year’s bloom came three days earlier than last year and one day ahead of the average blooming date. Staff members from the observatory visited Ritsurin Garden to assess the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, confirming that the iconic flowers had met the flowering criteria of five or more blossoms.
As locals and visitors alike flocked to the gardens to enjoy the early blooms, one 50-year-old woman expressed her excitement, stating, "I thought for sure they would bloom today. I want to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms from now on." This sentiment reflects the cultural significance of cherry blossom season in Japan, a time when people celebrate the beauty of nature and the arrival of spring.
Adding to the day’s events, Takamatsu City also witnessed a community-focused initiative aimed at enhancing safety for new first-graders entering elementary school. On March 26, local companies and organizations came together to donate traffic safety goods, including bells attached to ribbons, to ensure that these young students can travel to and from school safely.
The donation ceremony, which took place at the city hall, involved representatives from 23 companies, including insurance firms and traffic safety associations. Mayor Oonishi presented ribbons and yellow wax pens to two students, Miyako Kuroda and Kikai Ueno, who attended the ceremony on behalf of their peers. During the event, Kuroda and Ueno expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much. We will follow the rules and go to school safely to avoid traffic accidents."
Mayor Oonishi emphasized the importance of these safety measures, noting that injuries from traffic accidents had increased in the city compared to the previous year. He stated, "Through awareness activities, we want to raise individual consciousness about safety." The donated safety items, which include school bag covers and informative booklets, will be distributed to new first-graders in April 2025.
These three events—the workplace experience for students, the cherry blossom bloom, and the traffic safety initiative—paint a picture of a vibrant community actively engaged in education, celebration, and safety. As Takamatsu City embraces the arrival of spring, it also underscores the importance of nurturing its youth and ensuring their well-being.
In conclusion, the efforts of local businesses and government to enhance educational experiences and promote safety reflect a commitment to building a brighter future for the next generation. As students learn to apply their skills in real-world situations, the community comes together to celebrate traditions and prioritize the safety of its youngest members.
