the Japanese Soroban
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- Start Date: 12 Jul 2025End Date: 12 Jul 2025Sat (Daytime): 11:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
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What is the course about?
Soroban (¿¿) has been taught in Japanese schools for over five hundred years. This intriguing abacus is more than just a calculating tool—it is a symbol of precision, discipline, and the deep-rooted appreciation for mental mathematics in Japanese culture. Introduced from China in the 16th century, the soroban was refined to suit Japan’s need for speed and accuracy in commerce and education. It remains an essential part of traditional math training, with students practicing soroban techniques to develop not only arithmetic skills but also focus and perseverance. Even in the digital age, soroban competitions and mental calculation feats continue to showcase the beauty of this time-honoured Japanese tradition.
According to teacher and users, the benefits of learning soroban are endless. To mention just a few:
- Improved mental calculation
- Enhanced focus and concentration
- Better memory and cognitive function
- Developing abstract thinking
- Boosts problem-solving skills
- Enhances dexterity and coordination.
What will we cover?
This introductory session will introduce students to the history and contemporary cultural significance of the Japanese soroban. A fascinating demonstration by soroban master will be given before students learns how to use the soroban to do simple addition and subtraction.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the significance of the soroban in contemporary Japan
- understand how to perform basic cautions using the soroban
- use Japanese numbers in the context of basic addition and subtraction.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course. No specific knowledge is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a range of in-person and online Japanese classes and cultural workshops. Ask you tutor for guidance on how you can continue your learning or search for JAPANESE on our website.
Hisaka is a passionate educator of all ages, bringing over 15 years of experience in teaching Japanese language and culture to CityLit. Growing up in Tokyo, Japan, Hisaka initially came to the UK for postgraduate study, specialising in Education. Following a stint working in the City, Hisaka’s focus moved to her love of teaching, becoming a central figure Japanese language learning in the UK through teaching in secondary schools and in adult education. She has also presented training seminars at Japan Foundation, volunteered for the Japanese In Your Classroom Programme of the Japan Society in both primary and secondary schools and is an accredited GCSE/A level subject expert to Ofqual.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.