Skip to main content
Kodomo SchoolSoroban, Calligraphy & Art
0120-39-3836Ask us by phone Ask on LINE Free trial

Soroban class

Soroban builds thinking skills
and confidence.

Soroban (the Japanese abacus) is about more than faster calculation. In each 60-minute lesson, children use their fingers and mind together and build up one “I did it!” after another. Open to children from the final year of kindergarten through junior high.

Soroban classCalligraphy classArt classThe benefits of sorobanThe benefits of calligraphy
  • ForFinal year of kindergarten (from October) to junior high
  • LessonsOnce a week, 60 min
  • Monthly tuitionFrom ¥4,600 (tax included)
  • Grade examsTaken at your usual classroom

Find a soroban class

What soroban builds

“Visible skills” and “invisible strengths”

At Kodomo School, we see soroban as training that builds the strength to live true to yourself.

Visible skills

Balanced brain training

Moving the beads with the fingertips (left brain), and picturing a soroban in the mind for soroban-style mental math, anzan (right brain). Using both builds a strong foundation for learning.

Concentration and calculation

By practicing again and again to find correct answers within a time limit, children build a habit of deep focus that also helps with other studies and sports.

Invisible strengths

Self-esteem

One “I did it!” and “I passed!” after another. Building up small successes through their own effort grows the confidence that “if I try, I can do it.”

Perseverance and judgment

The strength to keep practicing step by step toward a goal, and to decide in an instant how to move the fingers when they see a number. These become an inner anchor that supports children when things get hard.

Learn more about the benefits of soroban

How lessons work

At each child’s own pace

  1. Tasks that fit your child

    The teacher checks how far each child has come and gives just the right tasks. Beginners start carefully, with how to move the beads.

  2. Checked and praised on the spot

    We never miss what a child did well. We praise it and help them on to the next “I did it!” There is basically no homework.

  3. Step up with grade exams

    Grade exams are taken at your usual classroom. Passing leads to the next goal and to more confidence.

Monthly tuition (tax included)

Final year of kindergarten & elementary (60 min, once a week)¥4,600/month
Junior high (60 min, once a week)¥5,500/month
Facility fee (incl. insurance)¥1,100/month
Enrollment fee¥4,800 (one-time)

When siblings attend, the enrollment fee is free from the second child on. Fees and how to enroll

What to bring

  • Writing supplies
  • A soroban (23 rods recommended)
    You can also buy one at the classroom

For the free trial lesson, just bring writing supplies. We provide the soroban.

Classrooms

Find a soroban class

Search by elementary school name or town name. Some locations also offer calligraphy or art.

Find on the mapChoose an area to zoom in on it

SorobanCalligraphyArtTwo or more subjectsTap a pin to see the classroom name

Classroom locations: 64

Lessons are basically 16:10–18:30. Some classrooms start at 15:40, so please contact our head office for details.

Each classroom's page (days, times, map) is in Japanese. Classroom and place names are kept in Japanese so they are easy to find on signs and maps.

Toyohashi

Toyokawa

Okazaki

Anjo

Hamamatsu

Toyota

Parents’ voices

From families at our soroban classes

Translated from Japanese.

My child always enjoys going to class, and happily tells me about the things they were praised for and how they have improved. Thank you!

SorobanGrade 1 · Toyohashi area

I’m grateful that the teacher suggested an approach that suits my child. My son couldn’t stay focused for a full hour and would get negative, saying “I can’t do it.” The teacher noticed that his focus ran out after about 40–45 minutes, suggested a practice time that works for him, and praises him when he gets things right. Lately he no longer minds going to soroban. Thank you.

SorobanGrade 2 · Toyohashi area

Thank you for always teaching so patiently. My child enjoys going to class, and that makes me happy too.

SorobanGrade 3 · Hamamatsu area

※ Parents’ comments are shared as they wrote them (personal impressions).

Play with an on-screen soroban (Japanese page)

Wakuma

We start by learning to move the beads.
Let’s click-clack together!

Start with a free trial lesson

Soroban and calligraphy trial lessons are free (about 20 minutes; just bring something to write with). The art trial lesson is 40 minutes and costs ¥1,000 (nothing to bring). Come with your child and see the feel of the classroom and how well the teacher suits your child.

Book a free trial lesson Ask on LINE Or call us0120-39-3836