S/ Takahashi Yoichi, Manga Artist: I expressed my hope that the children will soar into the future and that outstanding individuals will depart from here to embark on their journeys.  

“Captain Tsubasa” author Takahashi Yoichi, who hails from Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, designed the emblem for a new ward-run elementary school to be opened next April.  

The emblem symbolizes the image of two rivers merging and heading toward Tokyo Bay.  

The number of children in Katsushika is decreasing in line with the declining birthrate in Japan, and more elementary schools like this one are expected to be integrated in the future.  

Katsushika Mayor Aoki Katsunori expressed his hope that having the popular manga artist design the emblem will encourage local residents to view this integration in a positive light.