#Japan #Setagaya #Sony Bank #GIVING for FUTURE #Kinunan Elementary

Sony Bank Backs Student Flower Delivery Project

Sony Bank, under the leadership of President Keiichi Minami, has stepped forward to support the "Kinunan Smile Project," an initiative led by 157 sixth-grade students from Kinunan Elementary School in Setagaya, Tokyo. This student-driven project aims to deliver flowers to community members and facilities, reflecting the students' desire to express gratitude and beautify their neighborhood.

In November 2025, Sony Bank conducted a financial education program titled "GIVING for FUTURE" for the current sixth graders, focusing on the theme of using money for the benefit of others. Within this program, students engaged in discussions about the roles of money and how to utilize it wisely, sparking ideas on how they could positively impact their community. Suggestions included increasing greenery by planting trees and flowers and creating a park accessible to individuals with disabilities, showcasing their commitment to fostering community connections.

This learning experience amplified their enthusiasm for the Kinunan Smile Project, which emphasizes conveying appreciation to local residents through floral offerings. The project involves all sixth-graders dividing responsibilities into five groups: the Horticulture Department, Design Department, Environmental Maintenance Department, Public Relations Department, and Sales Department. Each group has played an active role from selecting and nurturing flowers to planning distribution and public outreach. After careful consideration of factors like ease of cultivation, longevity, and flower meanings, the students chose marigolds, which they lovingly cared for in their classrooms and on their balconies.

To enhance this initiative, Sony Bank provided essential materials such as flower seeds and fertilizers. On May 13, 2026, class by class, the sixth graders visited 35 local venues, including children's halls, libraries, police boxes, and community centers, personally handing over their cultivated flowers. During these visits, the students expressed their gratitude towards the community members in their own words, while the accompanying leaflets included project details and their sentiments for the local area, reinforcing the connection with the community.

Before delivering to the facilities, the students took the time to thank local residents who monitor their commute, hand-delivering flowers to individual homes as a thoughtful gesture. Following this event, the students plan to reflect on community responses and discuss future initiatives.

In a similar vein, Hirane Elementary School in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, which also implemented the "GIVING for FUTURE" financial education, is embarking on a student-led crowdfunding initiative starting June 1, 2026, signaling the growing impact of such programs.

Sony Bank aims to contribute to two of the six key issues outlined by Sony Financial Group in the area of sustainability: "Financial Education for All People" and "Vibrant Local Communities." Moving forward, Sony Bank remains committed to continuing its financial education efforts for elementary students through the "GIVING for FUTURE" program.

The Results of Their Work

Notably, the marigold pots delivered on the presentation day featured unique original designs crafted by the students, embodying their creativity. The leaflets handed over alongside the flowers were also a product of the students' efforts, adding a personal touch to their thoughtful gesture.

Through this initiative, Sony Bank not only supports the local community but also aligns with its objectives of value creation and strengthening foundations through banking operations, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDGs Contributions

This initiative significantly contributes to the achievement of various SDGs, especially those related to quality education and sustainable cities and communities.