#Japan #Financial Education #Maebashi #Kids Fm #LUCURA

Understanding Through Play: The LUCURA Board Game

In an age dominated by cashless transactions, NPO Kids Fm took a bold step to bridge the gap between modern technology and essential financial literacy on February 24, 2026. This initiative was part of their educational outreach, held in the children's cafeteria "Ruriaruku" in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. The primary aim of this event was to provide children with a hands-on experience in managing finances in a way that's engaging and educational, using the board game LUCURA.

The Impact of a Cashless Society

Today, children are increasingly growing up in a world where cash is rarely used. The abundance of IC cards and mobile payments has led to a significant reduction in experiences with cash transactions, including the concept of receiving change or making exchanges. To tackle this challenge, Kids Fm developed an interactive lesson where children operated flea market stalls, involving them in buying, selling, and calculating profits using LUCURA.

Through fun and engaging activities, the children learned essential economic concepts such as money flow, pricing, and inventory management. By immersing themselves in these roles, they gained insights into budgeting, understanding demands, and making informed decisions—skills vital for real-world financial management.

LUCURA: A Gateway to Financial Understanding

LUCURA is not just a game; it’s a thoughtfully designed educational tool developed in collaboration with the Kyoto Board Game Lab. With insights from the 370,000 participants of the Kids Fm's experiential workshops, LUCURA encourages players to become flea market vendors. Their responsibilities include:

• - Sourcing products
• - Setting sale prices
• - Managing stocks

As the game unfolds, the children naturally engage in budgeting and financial reasoning, mimicking real-life economic situations.

The Classroom Experience

On the day of the event, eight students from grades one to five participated in the LUCURA experience, guided by four university student volunteers who assisted in facilitating the lessons. This collaboration created a vibrant educational environment that supported intergenerational learning and community engagement.

Many participants expressed excitement about using real money, as they had limited exposure to cash transactions in their daily lives. One child noted, "I was excited about the cute design of the cards!" while another mentioned, "It was challenging at first, but I managed to do it on my own by the second round!" Feedback collected showed that most children were eager to participate again, highlighting the positive impact of this hands-on approach.

Looking Ahead: Financial Education Expansion

Following the success of this initiative, Kids Fm is actively seeking to expand similar programs during the upcoming spring break period (March to April 2026). Their aim is to reach more children through free outreach sessions, particularly focusing on children’s cafeterias, which serve as essential safety nets for various young individuals from different backgrounds.

The voice of parents also emphasized the importance of community engagement in financial education. Many expressed concerns about their children lacking money management skills and the risks of financial misunderstandings in the future. This feedback highlights the necessity for community-inclusive educational models that supplement home learning. Kids Fm intends to create a proactive financial education model that connects families, local communities, and support organizations effectively.

How to Get Involved

Kids Fm is currently seeking participants for their free outreach educational sessions for children’s cafeterias and child care facilities within Tokyo. The program offers:

• - Target Audience: Children’s Cafes and Childcare Facilities in Tokyo
• - Duration: Spring Break 2026 (March to April)
• - Cost: Free (including materials and staffing)
• - Workshop Description: A 45 to 60-minute session utilizing the LUCURA board game.

To register, visit the application form at: Registration Form.

This initiative demonstrates the commitment of Kids Fm to deliver quality educational experiences, aligning with the SDGs goals promoting quality education and responsible resource management. Their ongoing work has earned them several accolades, including the Outstanding Award in the Children’s Category at the 2024 Tokyo Children’s Smile Movement Prize and the 2024 Kids Design Award.

For further inquiries or support, feel free to contact NPO Kids Fm at [email protected] or visit their website at Kids Fm.