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Celebrating Financial Literacy in Japan: The FES Contest 2026 Awards

On March 27, 2026, Takeda Haruki, a student from Osaka Prefectural Nagano High School, visited Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi to celebrate his achievement of winning the Minister of Education Award at the FES Contest. This event showcased how high school students engage in innovative financial education projects designed to better inform younger generations.

The FES Contest, organized by the Japan Financial Education Support Organization (with representatives Hirai Risa and Abe Nana), aimed to promote financial literacy among students by encouraging high schoolers to produce one-minute educational videos. These videos address various financial topics while being judged by elementary school students, creating a unique learning cycle among different age groups.

In total, the 2026 FES Contest drew 897 submissions from across Japan, with awards presented on November 29, 2025. Takeda's project stood out as it cleverly introduced the concept of cashless payment methods, making it easily comprehensible for younger audiences. His video utilized engaging narration from his sister, as well as illustrations drawn by him, captivating viewers from start to finish.

During the courtesy visit, Takeda demonstrated his winning video and shared insights about the inspiration behind its creation and the unique elements he incorporated. Governor Yoshimura, who frequently creates video content himself, expressed admiration for Takeda's strategy of capturing the audience's attention within the first three seconds—a crucial element for effective presentation.

Governor Yoshimura commended the FES Contest's approach, stating, “The initiative, where high school students teach elementary school pupils what they have learned, significantly enhances financial literacy among all participants. It’s a great contribution to society.”

Education Commissioner Mizuno Tatsuhiro also applauded the program for extending its reach to include elementary age students, emphasizing the importance of early financial education.

The Japan Financial Education Support Organization's project aims to build a society where children, regardless of their environment, can access financial education. This project is part of Osaka Prefecture’s SDGs initiative, which was recognized for addressing social challenges through NPO support.

As educational opportunities expand, Takeda's accomplishment has not only highlighted his commitment but also represented the broader success of educational efforts in Osaka. The organization continues to strengthen partnerships with local governments to foster community-based financial education, nurturing the initiative and social participation among youth.

The visit occurred in the special conference room of the Osaka prefectural office, with attendees including Takeda and representatives from Japan Financial Education Support Organization, including Executive Director Abe Nana. This meeting underscored the collective aim of improving financial literacy amongst younger generations.

Key Insights from the FES Contest

• - Creative Learning: The contest empowers high school students to create educational material that resonates with elementary school students, enhancing their understanding of essential financial concepts.
• - Collaborative Environment: With university students involved in organizational roles and younger students participating in the judging process, the contest exemplifies a cross-generational approach to learning.
• - Practical Themes: Adopting topics like the “Eight Powers of Money”— which include using, earning, saving, and giving—encourages relevant and relatable discussions about money management.
• - Future Initiatives: The organization plans to expand its educational programs further, ensuring that all children in Japan can engage in financial literacy learning.

This celebration of student achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for the participants but also for the advancement of financial literacy as a critical life skill in Japan. By championing these educational initiatives, we lay the groundwork for future generations to navigate their financial futures with confidence and agency.