Kyoto Hosts Its First FES Contest® District Event for Financial Education

Inaugural District FES Contest in Kyoto

In an exciting development for financial education in Japan, Kyoto will host its first-ever district event for the FES Contest® (Financial Education Support Contest for Students), aimed at middle and high school students. This initiative is spearheaded by the Japan Financial Education Support Organization, with contributions from the Kyoto Mukogawa Shinkin Bank and WAKASA life, a company dedicated to supporting children and youth in the region.

Event Details

The district contest invites middle and high school students residing or studying in Kyoto to create videos lasting 45 to 60 seconds with a central theme around “money.” The award ceremony is scheduled for October 25, 2026, at the Hito-Machi Exchange Center in Kyoto.

Collaborative Workshops

Workshops conducted as part of the contest will foster collaboration between local financial institutions, businesses, and university students, assisting the younger generation in understanding financial matters and guiding them in the video creation process. These efforts emphasize a shared learning experience beyond traditional education, allowing students to convey financial concepts to elementary school children in their own words.

A Vision for Financial Literacy

The FES Contest® focuses on educating students not only about the eight financial competencies—spending, earning, paying, saving, preparing, gifting, borrowing, and growing—but also on encouraging analytical skills. Participants will explore questions like: “What causes financial issues?”, “What systems are in place?”, and “How can these concepts be communicated effectively to younger audiences?” The goal is to create a cycle of learning where university students support high school students, who, in turn, teach elementary school students.

Successful Previous Years

Last year's competition attracted 897 entries from 174 schools across 23 prefectures. The new Kyoto district contest aims to expand this initiative further, promoting financial literacy within the region and fostering connections between high school students and local adults and educators.

Role of Kyoto Mukogawa Shinkin Bank

The first workshop took place on August 12, 2026, co-hosted by Kyoto Mukogawa Shinkin Bank at their newly opened co-creation space, KYOTO CENTCROSS. This innovative facility is designed to bring together companies, residents, students, and local governments to foster collaboration.

As a community-oriented financial institution, Kyoto Mukogawa Shinkin Bank has consistently worked to support local education initiatives, including interactive programs for middle school students and financial education courses at the Kyoto Institute of Advanced Science.

During the workshop, key speakers emphasized the importance of empowering students to be proactive in shaping their futures. Participants engaged in group discussions to explore personal finance questions, leading to a deeper understanding of financial systems, thanks to the expertise of bank officials.

Collaboration with WAKASA Life

In a noteworthy partnership, the second workshop occurred on August 17, 2026, supported by WAKASA Life at their event space. This initiative leverages funding from the Rohto Children's Dream Fund, which aims to empower children regardless of their backgrounds.

WAKASA Life, based in Kyoto, has a long history of supporting children's growth and independence. The alignment between their mission and the financial education organization's goals encourages an environment where students can explore financial literacy without barriers.

Discussions during the workshop included creating humorous haikus related to money and legal agreements, making complex topics more relatable to everyday life and nurturing an engaging learning environment.

Judging Panel

The inaugural Kyoto district contest will feature a distinguished judging panel consisting of experts from various fields. This includes former contestants who have transitioned into roles as judges and mentors, bringing a valuable perspective to the educational initiative.

This initiative heralds a new era in financial education in Kyoto. As local financial institutions, businesses, and educational entities collaborate, the FES Contest® is set to transform how students engage with financial concepts, ensuring that future generations are better equipped to navigate their financial lives.

Conclusion

The synergy between education, local finance, and community engagement exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to financial literacy that aims to bestow lasting benefits on the young participants of this contest. Attendees can look forward to gaining insights into money management, while the event promises to strengthen community bonds through shared learning experiences. Join us to celebrate this significant milestone in Kyoto!