DoWEA Pacific wraps up soroban workshops across Japan

Ms. Miranda Ferguson

Apr 20, 2026

DoWEA Pacific South students in grades 3-5 assemble soroban kits with support from parent volunteers and staff March 20, 2026. (Miranda Ferguson/DoWEA)

OKINAWA, Japan – The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Pacific Region’s annual Japanese soroban workshops have successfully been completed in Yokosuka, Okinawa, Sasebo, and Misawa.

A total of 245 students in grades 3-5 participated in this year’s soroban workshops, a Japanese cultural learning opportunity during which student participants learn what soroban is and how to calculate numbers using soroban tools. Each student also assembled their own soroban kit to take home.

“The soroban workshops give our students a hands-on way to connect with Japanese culture while strengthening their confidence in math and problem-solving,” said Japanese Cultural Language Program Director Makoto Kinjo. “Seeing our students assemble their own soroban and then use it successfully is very rewarding.”

Local Japanese students involved in the local League for Soroban Education of Japan also attended the events in Okinawa, Sasebo and Yokosuka, showcasing their impressive abilities to calculate numbers with and without a soroban – and receiving rounds of applause and cheers from DoWEA students.

“Our students were so excited to see someone their age use soroban with the speed and confidence that come from years of practice,” Kinjo said.

Japanese culture is part of the educational program offered at DoWEA schools in Japan. This event offers a unique learning opportunity for students to engage with members of The League for Soroban Education of Japan, which partners with DoWEA for this program.