Hakuro School — View of Youth

The Story

Decades ago, when I was a junior high school student, I visited this very ground several times to compete in city tennis tournaments. I still fondly remember playing matches on the courts that used to be here.

Although the school is now a combined elementary and junior high school (Hakuro Elementary and Junior High School), the magnificent view of Himeji Castle towering over the athletic field remains exactly the same. The students who attend this school might take this incredible "luck" for granted, not fully realizing what a privilege it is to spend their daily lives watched over by a World Heritage site.

However, years from now, when they are adults looking back at the smartphone photos from their school days, they will notice that the majestic white castle was always standing beautifully behind their lively, smiling faces. Imagining the moment they make that heartwarming discovery fills me with excitement and warmth. The castle quietly watches over not just the history of the city, but also the precious memories of its people's youth.