Sony Bank's Innovative Financial Education Program at Hirane Elementary School

Title: Sony Bank's Innovative Financial Education Program at Hirane Elementary School

In an engaging initiative aimed at fostering financial literacy, Sony Bank has recently implemented a financial education program titled ‘GIVING for FUTURE’ at Hirane Elementary School in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. On April 24, 2026, the program catered to 26 sixth-grade students, teaching them about the indispensable roles of money and the concept of crowdfunding.

Hirane Elementary’s sixth graders have been involved in a comprehensive learning project dubbed the “Future-Connected Cherry Blossom Project.” This initiative was launched in recognition of a beloved cherry tree, over 130 years old, which had succumbed to the elements in the school courtyard. The project not only aims to preserve the essence of the tree through the creation of products made from its wood but also seeks to enhance community spirit by collaborating with local residents.

In response to findings from a financial education survey conducted by Sony Bank in October 2025, which revealed that many families felt unsure about what to teach regarding financial literacy, the bank partnered with the Saku City Education Board to bring this educational initiative to fruition. The first segment of the program featured Naruyuki Tanaka, head of Co-Work-A, who spoke to the students about the meanings of spending, saving, growing, and giving money, emphasizing the importance of putting money to good use for the welfare of others.

Following Tanaka’s talk, students participated in group discussions where they shared their connections to the cherry tree. Insights included sentiments like, “The cherry tree was a symbol of Hirane Elementary,” and “If we leave the fallen tree as it is, graduates and locals will be saddened.” The conclusion of the lesson saw Shingo Nakamura, a managing director at Nakamura Co., which is pioneering new value creation in candy, provide encouraging messages to the students sharing his experiences with crowdfunding.

Sony Bank has leveraged its expertise from its investment crowdfunding platform, ‘Sony Bank GATE,’ and its donation-based crowdfunding initiative, ‘GIVING for SDGs,’ to organize this program. Last year, they conducted similar classes at Kinuta South Elementary School in Setagaya, reinforcing the learning with practical involvement opportunities in donation-based crowdfunding.

Through projects like these, Sony Bank aims to instill a greater affection for the community in the children and provide them with opportunities for growth through teamwork. The bank supports the initiative entirely by assisting in the creation of a donation website and covering payment processing fees.

Commencing June 1, 2026, sixth graders at Hirane Elementary will begin fundraising through a dedicated crowdfunding website to generate support for projects involving the cherry tree. The exact start date for the fundraising effort will be communicated later.

As part of Sony Financial Group’s goals in sustainability, particularly emphasizing “Financial education for all” and “Vital local communities,” the 'GIVING for FUTURE' initiative is a stepping stone towards contributing positively to society. This program represents a commitment to nurturing both financial knowledge and community ties among future generations.

In addition to supporting financial education, the Sony Financial Group has also engaged in environmental activities, signing a ‘Forest Foster Parent’ agreement with Kasuga Property District in Saku City to promote climate stability and biodiversity conservation starting in spring 2026. This entailed pledging efforts towards forest maintenance and community engagement.

Through these initiatives, Sony Bank plays a vital role in driving not only financial literacy but also environmental awareness, making headway towards achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).