schools

A loaded cargo bicycle parked at a bridge over an earthen canal with trees and dried grass on the banks. A sign on a guardrail behind the bike is partly obscured by black spray paint over the school name, but seems to read “Miyoshi North District County Elementary School/Gathering Point/Departure Time 7:40” (三好町立北部小学校・集合場所・出発時間７時４０分). Not sure what the reason for the splotch of black paint is, but the sign must be at least 13 years old, since Miyoshi County became Miyoshi City in 2010.

Students lined up on the barren parade ground in front of a square school building of concrete and brick facing. All are dressed in which shirts and blue shorts. The view is through a green chainlink fence that borders the school grounds.