Tokyo University and Asset Management One Host Workshop on Money and Science This Spring

Tokyo University and Asset Management One Collaborative Workshop

On March 28, 2026, the Tokyo University Advanced Institute of Science and Technology's Iida Laboratory collaborated with Asset Management One to host an engaging workshop titled "Creating the Future with Money and Science". This event, organized under the framework of Global Money Week, took place at the Komaba I Campus in Meguro City, Tokyo.

The workshop was spearheaded by Associate Professor Makoto Iida, renowned for his work in renewable energy, particularly wind power. Driven by a mission to cultivate future resources, Iida's efforts extend beyond energy to encompass climate change, disaster recovery, rural revitalization, and education.

Asset Management One, located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, promotes financial education through its initiative aimed at nurturing the future. The event was made possible through a funding scheme known as "Hagukumu Investment Plus," supporting various causes, including the Iida Laboratory’s projects.

Understanding the future society requires more than just dreams and technology; financial literacy and understanding the role of money are equally vital. However, opportunities for children to learn about money and its societal implications are limited. Recognizing this gap, the workshop provided a program enabling participants to experience the relationship between personal finance and social connectivity.

Twenty-three students from the fifth grade through junior high school participated in the event. They explored how science and societal advancement intertwine with finance and reflected on the significance of individual spending habits. A key activity involved creating a "map of the flow of money" through graphic recording, allowing young minds to visualize complex economic interconnections.

Feedback from the children revealed enlightening insights; one remarked, "I always thought the flow of money was straightforward, but now I understand it’s quite complex. By actually drawing the 'map of the flow of money,' I realized there are aspects I wouldn't have noticed through mere thought. Everything in society is interconnected and cyclical." Such reflections highlight the importance of teaching children to understand economic complexities from an early age.

Asset Management One is committed to continuing its educational initiatives focusing on individual asset development, financial well-being, and expanding financial literacy among young individuals. Through such workshops, the company seeks to empower the next generation with knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the financial landscape.

About Global Money Week

Global Money Week is an international campaign organized by the OECD’s International Network on Financial Education (INFE). It aims to promote financial education and inclusion for children and youths worldwide. The initiative encourages financial literacy, enabling all young people to access financial education and inclusivity opportunities.

About Asset Management One

Founded in October 2016, Asset Management One boasts a significant operational scale with approximately 80 trillion yen in assets under management. Their mission, "Nurturing the Future through Investment," encompasses both traditional asset management and innovative investment strategies to meet diverse needs of individual and institutional investors. More information can be found on their official website.

About the Hagukumu Investment Plus Initiative

The "Hagukumu Investment Plus" initiative aims to support a sustainable future by donating a portion of the trust fees received from sustainable investment products. It aligns with organizations addressing social and environmental issues, contributing to a broader vision of creating a better world.