This spring, an elementary school in Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture, folded away its flag for the last time, marking the latest school closure in a city facing an acute shortage of children.
On Feb. 14, Shimoibano Elementary School held a closing ceremony?ahead of its official closure at the end of March. The school flag displayed on stage was handed from the principal to the head of the city¡¯s education board, and then to the mayor.
All eight students at the school, along with their parents and local community members, attended the?ceremony. Over its 35-year history, the school has had 257 graduates.
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