Asano High School Claims First Victory at National Economics Quiz Championship

On February 22, 2026, Asano High School from Kanagawa Prefecture emerged victorious at the 20th National High School Economics Quiz Championship, also known as the Economics Koshien, which took place at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Shibuya, Tokyo. Sponsored by Manulife Life Insurance Co., the event drew 41 teams from across Japan, featuring the best and brightest in high school finance and economics.

The Champions of Economics Koshien

The winning team from Asano High School, consisting of Kanta Sato and Kei Hayakawa, not only brought home a trophy but also received an impressive prize: a training trip to New York, aimed at enhancing their financial literacy and global perspectives. Their success was credited to thorough preparation and teamwork, allowing them to tackle even complex university-level economics problems.

Kanta expressed, "We are really thrilled to win! We prepared for the finals by practicing how to effectively utilize hints to boost our answers, which was key to our victory." Kei emphasized, "Through this competition, I've gained a better understanding of economic trends and forged valuable connections with peers from across the country. It was a fantastic experience!"

Financial Education Commitment

This competition is part of Manulife's ongoing commitment through its Manulife Longevity Institute, which aims to empower individuals of all ages to lead healthier and financially stable lives. Through financial education initiatives, the organization aims to equip young people with the tools needed to face an increasingly complex economic landscape. Notably, a survey indicated that 92% of high school students recognize the importance of financial education, underscoring the rising demand for such programs.

The Economics Koshien serves as a transformative opportunity for high school students to engage with financial literacy in a competitive setting. By challenging students and encouraging them to actively think about their financial future, Manulife fosters a new generation of informed individuals capable of making educated decisions.

Key Highlights of the Championship

The national championship consisted of various teams that successfully advanced from local qualifiers, including internet-based preliminaries. The event kicked off with a presentation workshop held the day prior, allowing teams to collaborate and enhance their presentation skills, fostering teamwork and cooperation.

During the finals, the questions posed included aspects of life planning and understanding wealthspan, a concept introduced by Manulife aiming to link financial literacy with overall well-being and longevity. Carla Hartlight, Manulife's Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the goal of fostering a new understanding of living without financial anxieties.

Insights from Industry Leaders

The ceremony also featured remarks from prominent guests, including Satsuki Katayama, Minister for Financial Services, who encouraged the participants to spread financial literacy among their peers. "The current administration believes that ‘a future without challenges is not possible.’ Being financially literate opens vast opportunities, ultimately contributing to the nation's economic strength," she stated.

The dean of the Economics Koshien, Tatsuhiro Suzuki, commented on the program’s success over two decades, helping over 32,000 high school students acquire essential finance and economics knowledge to prepare them for life beyond school.

Looking Ahead

Asano High School's triumph marks an important milestone in promoting financial education in Japan. Moving forward, Manulife and the recognized non-profit organization, the Financial Intelligence Promotion Association, aim to continue this journey. Together, they will ensure young individuals are equipped with the necessary resources to navigate their financial futures with confidence.

In conclusion, the Economics Koshien not only enhances financial knowledge but also cultivates life skills essential for future leaders. As young minds like Kanta and Kei take the lead, we anticipate a brighter financial landscape for Japan.

For more information on Economics Koshien and related educational initiatives, please visit Economics Koshien.