#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Education #FES Contest #Youth Workshops

Enhancing Financial Literacy Through Creative Video Workshops

This summer, a major initiative in Japan aims to empower middle and high school students by equipping them with essential financial knowledge through engaging video content. The initiative is organized by the Japan Financial Education Support Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting financial education while providing valuable life skills.

The focal point of this initiative is the FES Contest, short for Financial Education Support Contest for Students. The goal is to encourage students to produce one-minute vertical videos that provide insights into personal finance concepts and practices. A total of 39 workshops will be held across the country with a combination of in-person and online sessions, making it accessible to students nationwide.

Workshop Overview

The summer workshops are scheduled to align with school breaks, featuring both in-person sessions at various locations and online formats. With 35 in-person workshops from Hokkaido to Fukuoka, along with four online workshops, the program caters to a wide audience. Interestingly, for the first time ever, there will be English-language sessions targeting Japanese students living overseas and aspiring exchange students.

Participation in these workshops is completely free of charge and is primarily designed for middle and high school students, though some sessions cater specifically to elementary school pupils.

Learning About the Eight Financial Power Concepts

During the FES Workshops, participants will learn about what the Japan Financial Education Support Organization refers to as the Eight Powers of Money: using, earning, paying, saving, preparing, giving, borrowing, and increasing. Each group will select one of these eight powers to delve deeper into while formulating their personal message for the video contest.

The workshops will encourage students to generate ideas related to money, categorizing them according to the relevant financial power they relate to. As they brainstorm video themes and develop their content, students will receive direct feedback and guidance from instructors, enriching their learning experience.

This hands-on learning approach, coupled with creative output through video production, will undoubtedly create lasting memories for participants. The hope is that this experience will inspire a continuous interest in financial education even after the workshops conclude.

The Contest and Community Involvement

Locations for many of the workshops will also serve as sites for regional FES contests, enabling students to submit their videos for local and national recognition. Local governments and educational boards endorse these workshops and contest events, demonstrating significant community involvement. Many regional contests will recognize student efforts through awards such as the Governor's Award or Education Director's Award, which motivate students to engage actively in their learning.

In addition to community support, this year's programming is made possible thanks to generous grants from various organizations, further fostering a culture of financial literacy among young people.

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

While many workshops are scheduled across various prefectures, detailed information is provided through the official FES Contest website. Upcoming dates include sessions in Hiroshima, Kobe, Tokyo, Okayama, Fukuoka, and more, with the final workshops planned through August several days.

Conclusion

The 4th FES Contest, supported by Yuucho Bank, aims to democratize financial education by providing students with the necessary skills to navigate their financial futures. The contest not only empowers them through video creation but also instills a sense of community and support among participants, educators, and local organizations. With a clear commitment to enhancing financial literacy, the Japan Financial Education Support Organization continues to pave the way for the younger generation's financial success.

For students looking to participate, applications for the FES Contest are open from June 15 to September 15, 2026. Participants can submit videos ranging from 45 to 60 seconds in length, allowing for creative expression through various formats such as animation or live action, as long as they maintain originality and respect copyright laws.