#Japan #Tokyo #Asuiku #Kids Experience #Kiraboshi Bank

A Memorable Shopping Adventure for Children at Kiraboshi Bank

On March 1, 2026, a unique event took place at Kiraboshi Bank's new Tsunashima branch, made possible through a collaboration between Asuiku Inc. and the renowned bank. Titled 'Maneku: First Shopping Experience and Behind-the-Scenes at Kiraboshi Bank,' this program aimed to provide preschoolers with a rare opportunity to learn about money and banking in an engaging manner.

The initiative was crafted in response to the rising cost of living and the increasing trend towards cashless transactions, which have diminished children's chances to interact with money directly. The program was designed to help kids understand how money is created and the functions of a bank, all while developing their critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences.

A Day Full of Excitement

On the event day, twelve enthusiastic children arrived, a bit nervous yet excited for what was about to unfold. Upon entrance, they were greeted by an innovative feature of Kiraboshi Bank—a virtual avatar banker named 'Kira-nyan.' The children quickly warmed up to Kira-nyan, engaging in fun games and conversations that eased their initial apprehensions.

Next, they got to witness a live demonstration by bank employees who showcased the art of handling money with a set of dummy bills. It was delightful to see the kids mimicking the bank staff, eagerly reporting how many bills they counted, contributing to a lively atmosphere.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the shopping experience. Each child had a unique approach—some were eager to begin their purchase while others took a moment to check their funds carefully before venturing out. When they arrived at the shop, they were presented with several options for handkerchiefs. Remarkably, most of the children made their selections quickly, showing confidence and decisiveness. One child even expressed the intention to gift their chosen handkerchief to their mom!

At the checkout, the anxiety of handing over real money melted away, replaced by joyful relief as they completed their transactions.

Learning Through Experience

During lunch, the children animatedly shared their experiences, boasting about their new handkerchiefs and reflecting on the lessons they learned during the day, such as the history of currency. It was heartwarming to witness their transformation from shy participants into confident learners eager to share their newfound knowledge.

Feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many rating the event a perfect ten out of ten! One parent noted, 'I appreciated the pre-event communication that eased my worries, allowing me to feel confident on the day of the event.' Another mentioned that their child excitedly recounted the knowledge and experiences gained that day. It became evident that this engagement with the real-world banking environment created a bridge to learning at home, enhancing their understanding of financial literacy.

About Asuiku Inc.

Asuiku Inc. is dedicated to creating a well-being-focused society for both parents and children, developing a platform that connects them to childcare services within just a minute through LINE. Since 2023, they have expanded their offerings to include experiential childcare programs that combine real-world activities with care, including popular initiatives like 'Station Iku,' 'Saka Iku,' and 'Car Iku.'

Their program, especially the railway-themed 'Station Iku,' has seen immense popularity, often fully booked with waiting lists. Parents have rated their satisfaction levels at an average of 9.6 out of 10, with a high repeat participation rate exceeding 60%. Asuiku continues to foster partnerships across the nation, enhancing the educational experiences for children in various settings.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Asuiku Inc.
• - Address: Sumitomo Realty & Development Toranomon Tower 2F G-STAQUARE, 2-2-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Keiko Kawai
• - Established: December 2017
• - Business Activities: Development and operation of childcare search and reservation services ('Asuiku') and experiential childcare services ('Waku Iku')
• - Website: Asuiku