Hello. I'm Terashima, the representative employee of Jibun Rashiku LLC.
On June 6th, I had the pleasure of teaching an art and craft class to third graders at a local elementary school! The encounter with the children and the myriad expressions that emerged during the class brought me great joy.
A Special Class Connected by Community Ties
This opportunity came about at a New Year's party for the "Hamoha Dance Preservation Society," an intangible cultural heritage in the region where I am active. While discussing whether there was an atelier-like space nearby, I had the fortunate chance to showcase my performance to the city councilor and prefectural assembly member who were present. They then introduced me to the elementary school principal who was also there.
After that, as I visited the elementary school several times for meetings, the words from the teacher in charge, "a child who always draws outside the lines becomes a hero," deeply resonated with me. This solidified my desire to make this a place to convey the "joy of free expression," which Jibun Rashiku LLC values so much.
The Joy of Expressing Freely Beyond Predefined Boundaries
During the class, I first posed a question to the children: "Drawing tools aren't just brushes and pencils, are they?" I then explained that everyday cleaning tools and other unexpected items could also be used to draw. While showing some of my abstract paintings, I conveyed that "when you enjoy drawing, that joy will surely be transmitted" and "whatever way you feel about it, that is the correct way."
After that, I had the children try an abstract drawing workshop that was easy to do. Then, we set aside time for them to show their finished works to each other and share what they felt.
At first, some children seemed a bit shy to show what they had created to others. But when friends and I shared our honest feelings, saying things like "That's wonderful!" or "I really like this line," they instantly broke into happy smiles. Their expressions were truly adorable, and it warmed my heart too.
Featured on the Elementary School's Website!
Our class was also featured on the elementary school's website.
[From the Elementary School's Website]
Mr. Yasuhiro Terashima, a resident of our school district, visited our school, and the 3rd grade, class 3, learned about drawing.
We were shown and allowed to touch Mr. Terashima's artworks.
They created artworks by drawing lines connecting dots. They showed their works to each other and communicated what they felt and what others felt.
Thank you for the enjoyable activity.
We were also granted permission to display Mr. Terashima's artworks within the school. We will introduce them once they are displayed.
It was my first time teaching a class at an elementary school, but I genuinely enjoyed it, feeling as if I was playing with the children. If this time could become "something of a trigger" for the children to learn the freedom of expression without being bound by preconceived notions, nothing would make me happier.
For me, who had been thinking about what I could do for the community, this connection turned out to be a truly wonderful opportunity. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the principal, the teachers in charge, and the children who engaged with such pure sensibility—to everyone involved.
I would also be delighted if my artworks, which will be displayed within the school, could add a little color to the children's daily lives. I will report again once they are displayed.