On February 12, the directors of Japan’s National Association of Abacus Educational Organizations (NAAEO) visited the MEXT, and presented to Minister Masahiko Shibayama a proposal for strengthened abacus education in lower grades of primary schools.

Hirakami Kazutaka, Chairman of The League for Soroban Education of Japan, reported to Minister Masahiko Shibayama on the dispatching of volunteer abacus teachers. Professional Committee Chairman Ohara expounded the results of the abacus experiment class for second graders, the contents of the abacus lecture for college students, and the application of abacus in metrology calculation.

Minister Masahiko showed high interest and inquired about the abacus education for second graders and the effect of strengthening abacus teaching. Professional Committee Chairman Ohara further explained the abacus education among lower-grade students, stating that abacus is a very effective teaching tool that can expand students’ learning fields and increase their knowledge.

Minister Masahiko pointed out that “second graders should understand the composition of numbers and can add and subtract 2 digits by writing. At present, schools are also encouraged to choose more suitable and specific teaching tools in lower grade teaching according to actual teaching needs. I personally attach great importance to and respect various teaching activities adopted by the schools. Abacus teaching can significantly improve students’ understanding of numbers, and it is hoped that similar activities can be promoted continuously in future teaching work”.

Senators Nakasone and Arimura advocated the implementation of relevant measures to “train teachers who know abacus calculation”. Hirofumi Nakasone and Haruko Arimura, Senator of Abacus Education Vitalization League Senate, also attended the visit. At the end of the meeting, they proposed “adding abacus courses to the courses for training university teachers and taking measures to train more abacus teachers”. The following persons participated in the visit: Hirakami Kazutaka (Chairman of the League for Soroban Education of Japan. Inc., Japan), Hiroshi Hirayama (Vice Chairman of the League for Soroban Education of Japan. Inc., Japan), 渡邊攝宣(Vice Chairman of the League for Soroban Schools of Japan. Inc., Japan), 大橋克弘(Chairman of Japan’s Abacus Association), 會本 尚(Special Affairs Council), and小原光治(Chairman of the Professional Committee of NAAEO).

(This news is reproduced from the National Abacus News of the League for Soroban Education of Japan. Inc., Japan)