#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Education #FES Contest #Student Committee

FES Contest® Expansion in 2026: Seeking New Student Committee Members

The Japan Financial Education Support Organization is gearing up for a significant expansion of the FES Contest® in 2026 and is currently inviting enthusiastic university students to join its Student Committee. This year promises an increase in opportunities to engage in financial education, especially aimed at middle and high school students, through various workshops and contests across the nation.

Recent Activities

In 2025, a total of 23 workshops were conducted, including 21 held nationwide and two online. Moreover, regional finals took place across ten prefectures, culminating in a nationwide award ceremony in November. These events provided invaluable experience for members of the Student Committee through their comprehensive involvement in planning and executing these activities. The committee also undertook initial evaluations of contest submissions and created reports on their activities, in addition to developing and selling original FES Contest merchandise.

Additionally, in December 2025, committee members visited the headquarters of Japan Post Bank, engaging in discussions and sharing insights regarding financial education and the overall operations of the FES Contest. They conceptualized and successfully organized a financial education forum in March 2026, where more than 60 participants, including educators, corporate representatives, and students, collaborated in an intergenerational learning environment.

Understanding the Student Committee

The Student Committee plays a pivotal role in managing various events associated with the FES Contest®, including workshops. A distinctive feature is that students not only learn but also contribute creatively to the educational process. Collaborating with businesses, local governments, and educational institutions, committee members gain practical experience before entering their careers. They develop crucial skills such as project management, planning, communication, and public relations.

Many committee members also participate as supporters and educators, enhancing their teaching and presentation skills through hands-on experiences. This opportunity to contribute their knowledge to the next generation fosters significant personal growth and confidence.

Key Responsibilities of the Student Committee

Members will engage in:

• - Planning and managing local workshops
• - Organizing regional and national contest events
• - Mentoring middle and high school participants
• - Collaborating with judges and partner companies
• - Managing public relations, social media operations, and video production

Students can also partake in specific activities aligned with their interests, including:

• - Business Division (Corporate sponsorship and fundraising)
• - Planning Division (Event design and judging)
• - Public Relations Division (Media, interviews, and content creation)
• - Creative Division (Video and graphic design production)

Who Should Apply?

The FES Contest® is looking for individuals who:

• - Have an interest in event management
• - Enjoy public speaking
• - Are eager to take on new challenges
• - Wish to engage with peers outside their university
• - Thrive in teamwork situations

Benefits of Participation

By joining the Student Committee, members gain access to:

• - Direct interaction with professionals and organizations
• - Hands-on experience in practical planning and event management
• - Enhanced financial literacy and decision-making skills
• - A chance to expand their career opportunities
• - A rewarding experience contributing to the learning of young students

Application Overview

Eligible candidates include university students, graduate students (up to D2), short-term college students, vocational school students, and high school students in their fourth or fifth year, as of April 1, 2026. Activities will take place both online and across various regional venues from the time of registration until graduation.

Priority recruitment areas include Hokkaido, Aomori, Fukushima, Ishikawa, Toyama, Nagano, Yamanashi, Tokyo, Gunma, Ibaraki, Chiba, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Shimane, Okayama, Kagawa, Ehime, and Fukuoka, though participants from other regions are welcome too.

The application deadline is set for May 31, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as additional recruitment is not anticipated.

To apply, please proceed to the Japan Financial Education Support Organization's website and fill out the designated application form.

The FES Contest encourages middle and high school students to create educational videos about financial literacy, transforming financial education into engaging, actionable learning experiences.

About the Organization

The Japan Financial Education Support Organization was established with the vision to enhance financial literacy through collaboration across schools, businesses, and communities, aiming to provide comprehensive financial education opportunities for all ages.

For more details, visit our website. For inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].