#Japan #Financial Education #Kofu #Yamanashi #FES Contest

Yamanashi's 4th FES Contest Kick-Off Event

On July 17, 2026, the Japan Financial Education Support Organization launched the 4th FES Contest in Yamanashi Prefecture. This important kick-off event took place at the Yamanashi University Kofu West Campus, bringing together five financial institutions, government representatives, and university players to enhance financial education among high school students.

Participants included major financial institutions like Yamanashi Chuo Bank, Kofu Shinkin Bank, Yamanashi Shinkin Bank, Yamanashi Kenmin Credit Union, and Tsuru Shinkin Bank. Alongside them were officials from Yamanashi Prefecture, members from the Yamanashi Board of Education, university faculty, and six student committee members from the FES Contest.

Collaboration for Financial Literacy

The Yamanashi District Contest is a unique collaborative project where university students contribute to planning and running the event while working in tandem with local financial institutions and educational authorities to support financial education for junior high and high school students. Following last year’s success, this year marks the second iteration of the project, which was again accepted into Yamanashi University's Mirai Project to link students with local communities.

During the initial part of the kick-off event, attendees shared insights about the project’s goals and upcoming endeavors. Students and financial representatives introduced themselves, sharing experiences that inspired their participation and their thoughts on the importance of financial education. This exchange facilitated constructive dialogue centered on the project's aims.

Interactive Workshops on Financial Skills

The second part of the event involved collaborative workshops where groups comprising student committee members, bankers, policymakers, and educators worked together on activities connecting the “Eight Powers of Money” with the attractions of Yamanashi. Participants brainstormed on words associated with money, categorizing them according to the eight powers: spending, earning, paying, saving, preparing, giving, borrowing, and growing.

Discussions among diverse groups revolved around which aspects of financial literacy were crucial for Yamanashi's students, and how these lessons could be connected to local industries and the region’s unique attributes. This collaborative format ensured participants shared various perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of how financial education can be tailored specifically for Yamanashi's youth.

Local Financial Network and Strengthening Community Bonds

In June 2026, Yamanashi’s five financial institutions established the Yamanashi Local Financial Network, promoting collaboration to enhance regional financial literacy. This agreement allows banks and credit unions, regardless of differing organizational structures, to work together with local stakeholders in education to implement financial literacy initiatives reaching junior and high school students.

All five participating financial institutions will engage in the evaluation phase of this year’s district contest, leveraging their practical insights to assess student submissions. Their feedback will help guide and encourage learning and innovation among the youth.

Pioneering Student-Led Workshops

Looking ahead, students involved in Yamanashi University's Mirai Project will spearhead the organization and execution of workshops aimed at junior high and high school students. What sets this initiative apart is that it marks the first instance within the context of the FES Contest where students will manage all facets of the initiative—planning, recruitment, and execution.

Through this hands-on approach, students will devise strategies to effectively deliver financial education to their peers, enhancing their own learning while trying to address local challenges. The Japan Financial Education Support Organization emphasizes its commitment to foster collaboration among universities, schools, financial institutions, and governmental entities to create a distinctive financial education initiative in Yamanashi.

Support from the Governor

Yamanashi Governor Koutaro Nagasaki expressed his well-wishes for the event, highlighting the importance of developing critical thinking skills in an age where access to information is instantaneous. He acknowledged that this contest offers a platform for students to explore financial literacy, empowering them to not only acquire knowledge but also to identify and tackle challenges proactively.

The 4th FES Contest in Yamanashi aims to enrich learning opportunities for young individuals in the region, fostering an environment that contributes to improving the financial literacy of Yamanashi's citizens.

Event Details

• - Date: July 17, 2026, 17:15 - 18:45
• - Venue: Yamanashi University, Research Building 1, Room Y-11, Kofu, Yamanashi

About FES Contest

The FES Contest encourages middle and high school students to learn about finance and create short educational videos aimed at younger audiences. College students oversee the planning and management of the contest, collaborating with local educational and financial institutions to support students' learning experiences.