#Japan #Tokyo #financial literacy #Kids Flea Market #Global Money Week

Understanding Financial Literacy Through Experience

The Kids' Flea Market, synchronized with Global Money Week, has become a remarkable platform for children and their families to engage in practical financial education. A recent survey revealed that about 90% of households, participating in this event, reported concrete discussions and learnings about money management within their homes.

Survey Overview

Conducted between February and March 2026, this survey targeted parents of children participating in the Kids' Flea Market. A total of 256 responses were collected through questionnaires, focusing on how the experience has influenced financial conversations and children's attitudes towards money.

Key Findings

One of the standout results indicates that approximately 88% of families engaged in discussions about profit and money management through simple, relatable dialogues. When asked whether they had discussed the profit (the money left after deducting costs) with their children:

• - 57% calculated the actual money left after sales.
• - 31% explained that not all sales proceeds were theirs due to material costs.
• - 11% discussed sales numbers but not profits.
• - 1% found it too complex for discussion.

This reflects that parents are using the Kids' Flea Market as an opportunity to introduce concepts of profit and expenses, thus bridging the gap between school lessons and real-life applications.

Changes in Children’s Behavior

Parents also reported noticeable changes in their children after engaging in this entrepreneurial activity:

• - 74% of children began thinking of ways to improve sales.
• - 8% realized the difficulties of earning money.
• - 7% developed an interest in work and future careers.
• - 11% noted no change.

This shows that 89% of parents observed a growth in independence and problem-solving skills among their children, which is crucial in fostering a more proactive approach towards financial matters.

Financial Decision-Making

When it comes to utilizing their sales earnings, parents noted that:

• - 74% prioritized their spending by identifying what they wanted or planning to save.
• - 15% consulted their parents before making decisions.
• - 11% made instant decisions based on their own judgments.

Every response highlighted the children's involvement in financial decision-making, emphasizing the foundation of financial literacy: spending, saving, and choice-making is being cultivated through practice.

Discussions on Social Issues and Prices

Through their experiences setting prices for items in the flea market, over half of the families delved into broader discussions about economics:

• - 30% discussed recent news or local price increases.
• - 24% talked about the variability of prices.
• - 34% limited their discussions to the pricing within the flea market.
• - 12% had no related conversations.

These findings suggest that the Kids' Flea Market serves as a gateway for children to engage with societal and economic issues, evolving from a simple marketplace to a hub for broader learning.

Educational Impact of the Kids' Flea Market

This survey highlights three educational benefits derived from the Kids' Flea Market experience:
1. Understanding of Money Mechanisms: Children gain a practical grasp of concepts like profit, cost, and pricing.
2. Enhanced Independence and Problem-Solving: Children learn to explore ways to enhance their sales strategies.
3. Connection to Society: It encourages children to think about economic factors like pricing and news-related discussions.

Supporting Statement from Organizers

The organizers emphasize the importance of the Kids' Flea Market in providing children with enjoyable opportunities to learn about money and society. The results affirm that experiential learning fosters meaningful conversations at home and significant behavior changes in kids. The commitment to expanding these experiential learning opportunities will continue.

Future Events

During the Golden Week, various events will take place where children actively manage sales and transactions. Media representatives interested in coverage or visits are encouraged to attend in person, and prior coordination through the official website is required for smooth operation and safety.

For detailed information on the events, visit the official website: Kids Flea Market Official Site.

Special sessions will provide insights into the flow of money, enhancing understanding of financial concepts.

Additional Information

The Kids' Flea Market initiative aligns with SDGs by providing high-quality education opportunities. Notably, it won several awards, including the Tokyo Children's Smile Movement Award and the Kids Design Award. As an NPO, the Kids' Flea Market aims to impart money literacy, reuse awareness, and communication skills to children across Japan.