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A New Era of Financial Education in Matsudo City

In a pioneering initiative, the Japan Financial Education Support Organization has collaborated with Matsudo City to establish a financial education project that empowers university students to act as educators for local middle and high school students. This unique project has been adopted as part of the city’s comprehensive partnership initiative, the “Matsudo SDGs × Industry-Academia-Government-Public Collaboration Business Proposal Window.”

Objective of the Initiative

The primary aim of this project is not merely to implement financial education for younger students. Rather, it focuses on fostering the capabilities of university students themselves. Through this program, they will gain both practical experience and the necessary knowledge to thrive in the finance sector. The initiative seeks to create a sustainable cycle of financial education, where trained students will be equipped to teach the next generation as they grow and develop.

By combining the educational experiences of middle and high school students with the skill-building opportunities for university students, this project aspires to establish a model for community-based financial education.

Overview of the Co-Creation Project

On August 21, 2026, Matsudo City and the Japan Financial Education Support Organization will host the financial education event, “Path to the FES Contest Workshop in Matsudo, Chiba.” This event will target middle and high school students, allowing them to engage with topics involving “The Eight Powers of Money,” which include spending, earning, paying taxes, saving, preparing for the future, gifting, borrowing, and increasing wealth.

During the workshop, students will not only learn crucial finance skills, but they will also be guided by university students and local industry professionals to create a one-minute video aimed at elementary school students. This task will enhance their financial literacy while also fostering their ability to think critically and express themselves in a creative manner.

Moreover, participating university students will pursue qualifications such as the Financial Planner (FP) certification and take an active role in teaching. This dual approach serves to nurture responsible and capable financial educators within the community.

The Japan Financial Education Support Organization is actively seeking university student volunteers across the country and will hold an online information session on July 2, 2026, at 9:00 PM to recruit participants in Matsudo City.

Information Session Registration

This contest and its accompanying workshops transcend mere education; they serve as an authentic setting for university students to connect with real-world applications. Students will participate in various capacities, including supporting middle and high school students in their learning, public relations efforts, participant recruitment, and planning local and national competitions.

Through collaboration with local officials, banking employees, educators, and business professionals, students will enhance their organizational, communicative, and project management skills—vital competencies in any career.

The Role of Students

University students participating in this initiative are not just volunteers but are expected to evolve from learners to educators, thus becoming integral community members. The project aims to create an intergenerational educational ecosystem where university students, high schoolers, and elementary students can learn from one another and share knowledge.

The SDGs × Industry-Academia-Government-Public Collaboration Proposal Window

Launched by Matsudo City’s Policy Promotion Office in January 2023, this initiative aims to promote collaborations between diverse stakeholders, including private businesses, universities, research institutions, and local communities. The ultimate goals align with SDGs Target 4, “Quality Education for All,” and Target 17, “Partnerships for the Goals.”

The Background of Collaboration with Matsudo City

Recognizing the proximity of universities to the community, the Japan Financial Education Support Organization proposed this project to foster a model of financial education where university students lead community initiatives. Finance plays a significant role in various sectors, from education to entrepreneurship to social welfare.

The organization wishes to use finance as a common language to connect students from different backgrounds, encouraging them to collaborate on community challenges and create innovative learning models within Matsudo City.

By establishing a platform for financial learning, industry professionals, university students, and younger students can connect across generations, each acting as both learners and educators.

Upcoming Schedule

• - June to July 2026: Recruitment of university volunteers and information session.
• - June to August 2026: Recruitment of middle and high school students for workshops.
• - August 21, 2026: Execution of the workshop at Art Spot Matsudo.
• - October 25, 2026: Awards ceremony for the Chiba region FES Contest at Chiba City Museum Auditorium.
• - November 28, 2026: National contest awards ceremony at KABUTO ONE Hall.

Through this endeavor, the Japan Financial Education Support Organization aims to strengthen its financial education model headed by university students in Matsudo City, ultimately pushing for a nationwide initiative that promotes a mutually beneficial learning environment for local communities.

For more information, please contact:

• - Japan Financial Education Support Organization
• - Co-representatives: Risa Hirai & Nana Abe
• - Address: 2-11-7 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6674-1435
• - Founded: December 28, 2022
• - Official Website: faincation.com
• - Email: [email protected]