#Japan #Visa #Tokyo #Financial Education

Visa's Initiative for Financial Literacy

Visa Worldwide Japan, under the leadership of President Chetan Kittne, has announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing financial literacy among the youth. In collaboration with Social Services, led by President Chitsue Shirakata, Visa has produced and distributed a financial education supplementary material titled "Future Creator: Learning How to Use Money to Build a Future". This guide has reached approximately 20,000 middle school students across five prefectures in Japan.

The primary objective of this booklet is twofold: it not only encourages students to take an active interest in how they use money but also fosters dialogue between them and their parents regarding financial matters. The format of the booklet is structured in a way that promotes family discussions as they navigate the world of financial literacy together. The first half of the material covers different payment methods such as cash, electronic money, prepaid cards, credit cards, debit cards, and code payments, highlighting the features of each. The latter half presents a series of Q&A addressing common financial issues, alongside simulations to help students consider how they would manage financially if they were to live independently in the future.

In recent years, the variety and complexity of financial and payment methods have dramatically increased. This shift necessitates that young people possess the ability to discern accurate knowledge and make informed choices. Additionally, following the reduction of the adult age to 18 on April 1, 2022, minors can now enter various contracts without parental consent, increasing their risk of financial pitfalls. Keeping this context in mind, the booklet serves as not only an educational tool but also a starting point for fostering responsible financial habits among adolescents.

To facilitate a seamless first experience with cashless transactions, Visa recommends the use of Visa Debit Cards. Unlike traditional credit cards, the Visa Debit allows funds to be drawn directly from a bank account, minimizing the risk of overspending while enabling users to track their spending in real time. This offers a safe and transparent payment method for both parents and their children. Through this initiative, Visa aims to help young people develop a sound sense of financial management and acquire the financial literacy necessary for a prosperous future.

The distribution of the booklet is set to commence in June 2025 across middle schools in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Shizuoka, and Ishikawa, targeting those schools that express interest in incorporating it as supplementary material in their social studies, technology, and general learning curricula.

For a digital view of the content, check out the following link: Future Creator Digital Viewer

Additionally, Visa offers a range of online resources designed to make financial knowledge engaging and accessible. For more information, visit: Visa Learning Resources.

Visa remains committed to connecting the world through its payment network, ensuring that everyone, anywhere, can access chosen and accepted payment methods. They believe that an inclusive economy leads to a richer life for all. Continuing to contribute to financial education and literacy is part of their core mission.

About Visa

Visa is a global leader in electronic payments, connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities through payment transactions in over 200 countries and regions. Visa's mission is to unite the world with the most inventive, convenient, reliable, and secure payment network and contribute to the prosperity of individuals, businesses, and economies. They champion the notion that a truly inclusive economy improves lives and that economic access through payment solutions will shape the future of finance. For further details, visit Visa.com (English site) or www.visa.co.jp (Japanese site).