Big News from Japan! Abacus Ranked No.6 popular Lessons for kids

In Japan, the abacus (soroban) is once again in the spotlight. According to the Elementary School Student White Paper (2024 survey) by Gakken Educational Research Institute, soroban ranked 6th nationwide among extracurricular activities, placing higher than soccer (8th) and baseball (13th).

One major reason behind this renewed popularity is the increasingly competitive entrance exams for middle school. As mathematics becomes more heavily weighted, many parents are looking for ways to build a strong foundation in calculation skills and to nurture greater concentration. This growing demand has brought new attention to soroban.

The age at which children begin learning soroban is also shifting younger. Currently, about 40% start from 1st grade in elementary school, while about 30% begin even before entering school.

Parents and students themselves often share feedback such as:

“I used to struggle with math, but now it has become my strength.”

“My calculation speed has improved, and it helps me in school classes.”

“I’ve developed better concentration and no longer feel anxious about numbers.”

Experts point out that soroban provides benefits not only in calculation ability, but also in memory, concentration, and even manners and discipline. Even in today’s digital age, learning soroban—which trains children to visualize numbers in their minds—continues to bring lasting value.

For those of us living in the United States, this movement is also very encouraging. Our students here have the same opportunities as children in Japan to challenge themselves with certification exams and competitions, building real and measurable skills.

Soroban is more than just a “tool for calculation.” It fosters focus, confidence, and abilities that remain useful far into the future—one reason why it is once again gaining worldwide attention.