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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