#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Education #Kids Flea Market #Cashless Trends

Overview of New Year’s Money Management for Kids

A new survey conducted by the Kids Flea Market, an NPO based in Nakano, Tokyo, showcases how families are navigating the management of children's New Year’s money (otoshidama). This survey, which included responses from 60 parents of kids participating in flea markets, explored various aspects related to how families are handling this traditional monetary gift, the acceptability of cashless transactions, interest in asset management, and children's understanding of money.

Key Findings

1. Joint Management of New Year’s Money
A majority of respondents indicated that they share the management of their children's otoshidama, with families employing a collaborative approach. More than half responded that they retain some control over how the money is utilized, a method reflecting the importance of parental guidance in teaching financial literacy while allowing children some autonomy. This indicates a growing trend toward participatory financial education at home, balancing supervision with empowerment.

2. Cash Remains King
Interestingly, the survey revealed that cashless otoshidama transactions are not widely adopted, with most participants reporting that they do not receive their money digitally through platforms like PayPay or electronic wallets. However, some parents expressed interest in considering cashless options in the future, pointing to potential hurdles such as bridging the technological gap for older generations and ensuring children grasp the concept of digital money. Parents voiced concerns, citing instances where children struggled to understand the process, highlighting the intrinsic value of physical cash in providing tangible experiences and gratitude.

3. Interest in Asset Management
Close to 40% of respondents stated that they actively manage or are considering managing their children’s savings through investment vehicles like the new NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) or Junior NISA programs. This finding reflects a growing awareness of the importance of cultivating children’s assets for the future, influenced by inflation and the adoption of modern financial strategies. Despite the enthusiasm for asset growth, half of the parents currently rely solely on regular savings accounts, indicating a disparity in understanding financial systems among families.

4. Differentiating Between Earned and Gifted Money
When queried about their perceptions of money, a significant number of children treated gifted otoshidama similarly to money they earned from selling items at flea markets. Nonetheless, approximately 30% reported that they tend to be more cautious with earned money, suggesting that real-world experiences of earning may deepen their understanding of money’s value. This points to the effectiveness of experiential financial education in shaping children's spending behaviors and decision-making processes.

5. The Continued Relevance of Cash Experiences
An essential takeaway from this survey is the enduring significance of direct cash experiences, even in an increasingly cashless society. Many parents desire to reinforce the tangible joy associated with receiving money, ensuring that the essence of giving and receiving otoshidama is preserved. Meanwhile, the shift towards asset management ideas indicates that families are not just focusing on saving but are also contemplating how to nurture their children’s financial growth over time. Striking a balance between digital innovations and traditional monetary experiences is poised to be fundamental in the future of financial education.

Survey Details

• - Participants: Parents of children involved in the Kids Flea Market
• - Number of Responses: 60
• - Methodology: Survey distribution
• - Timing: Conducted in January 2026

For further information, please contact:
Kids Flea Market
Address: 4-3-9 Yayoi-cho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0013
Phone: 03-3384-0675 (Weekdays 12:00–15:00)
Email: [email protected]
Website: Kids Flea Market