Play page
Let’s play
with the soroban!
Tap the beads of the soroban on your screen and move them. Can you set the number that pops up on the soroban? Click-clack along with Wakuma.
Give it a try
Tap the beads to move them
The upper bead is 5; each lower bead is 1. Try the “Set this number on the soroban” questions too.
Tap a bead to move it. The upper bead is 5; each lower bead is 1.
Set this number on the soroban–
Soroban basics
How to read numbers on a soroban
On a soroban, a number becomes a “shape made of beads.”
The upper bead is “5”
This is the bead above the beam. Move it to the beam and it counts as 5.
Each lower bead is “1”
There are four beads below the beam. Count the ones moved to the beam: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Bigger places to the left
From the right: the ones place, the tens place, the hundreds place. The white dot on the beam marks the ones place.
More ways to play
Other things to try
- Set today’s date
If today is October 6, that’s “106.” Your birthday or your favorite number works too.
- Quiz each other with your family
“Set 27!” “Now try 43!” Whoever sets it faster wins.
- Close your eyes and use the soroban in your head
Once you get used to it, close your eyes and picture the beads moving. That’s the beginning of mental math (anzan).
I’m click-clacking along too. Let’s play together!
For parents
Try a real soroban at our classrooms
The soroban on the screen is a doorway into how numbers work. Your child can try a real soroban, flicking the beads with their fingers, at a Kodomo School Soroban class (free trial lesson, about 20 minutes; just bring something to write with).
Soroban classFinal year of kindergarten to junior high · 60 min once a week · free trial lesson
How soroban-style mental math worksThree steps until the beads appear in your head
What age can children start soroban?When to start, and how to begin at each age
Soroban practice sheets (free)10 kyu to 4 kyu · 3 sets per level · with answers
For elementary school teachers: Soroban lesson guideThe soroban on this screen can be used in class too
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.