The Abacus, a simple learning instrument with rows of beads in a frame used to count and calculate, was first originated from China. Later on, Japanese made improvements on the instrument and modernized with modifications, which is prevalent now in all over the world. This educational tool for calculation will contain 23 rods with 1+ 4 beads in each row. Calculation on the Abacus, using the thumb and forefinger, makes the nerves to connect directly with brain, helps to reach high speed, accuracy and concentration.

Six Abilities Cultivated by Soroban Education
Soroban education enhances progress in various abilities. Scientific analyses have demonstrated the effectiveness of Soroban training by showing improvement in the following six abilities.

Ability to concentrate (Concentration)
For the Soroban official examination, you have to provide a certain number of correct answers within the time limit of ten minutes. For example, in the first grade examination for multiplication, you have to move your fingers more than a hundred times to operate the Soroban for multiplying a six-digit number by a five-digit number. During the calculation, the multiplication table is mentally recited thirty times. Then, an answer of eleven digits is provided. Not a single mistake can be allowed in this process. When a question such as this is repeated twenty times, the examination is completed. Fingers move more than 2000 times only for the multiplication test. We believe you now understand that Soroban education develops concentration through the training of finger movements.

Ability to visualize and to be inspired (Inspiration)
Ms. Kimiko Kawano at Nippon Medical School has demonstrated in her research that Soroban users in high Dan (ranks) use their right brain in the Soroban method of mental calculation. Inspiration, such as problem solving and invention, is said to come from the right brain. The brain power that enhances the shortest route for the thought process needed for problem solving is also developed there. In addition, Professor Toshio Hayashi at Osaka Prefecture University emphasizes that the training of finger movements encourages synapses to be entwined with each other and constructs neuron networks. Inspiration creates new concepts and is one of the brain powers that is required in many fields.

Ability to memorize (Memorization)
Mental calculation can be classified into two groups. One is the soroban method that uses the right brain. The other is the mathematical method that uses the left-brain. In the soroban method of mental calculation, the right brain memorizes the patterns of answers processed. In this method, answers are stored in the long-term memory as intuitive images. The memorization method (which uses the left brain) that is commonly utilized for examinations only uses the short-term memory. There seems to be no wonder that 80% of the students at the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University have learned the soroban. This type of brainpower is acquired through mental calculation training. People who start this training while still young are more likely to acquire this brain power effectively.

Ability to Observe attentively (insight)
The ability to observe attentively is greatly improved through Soroban training. You can learn to observe numbers attentively by training to carefully monitor them. No mistakes are excused in this process. You are considered successful when you are able to discover the workings of numbers. This practice leads to the ability to analyze various aspects with the use of numbers.
Ability to process information (Information processing)

A tremendous amount of information is available nowadays. The ability to rapidly process necessary information is one of the most important abilities in the twenty-first century. Training for information processing with numbers is realized through the soroban method of mental calculation (anzan). Numbers are read rapidly without any mistake and are processed in the right brain. The information is then converted to accurate numerical data.
Ability to listen and read quickly (Speed reading, writing and listening)

There is a training component called mental calculation of figures read out aloud (yomiageanzan). In this training, a problem is read out aloud while the student promptly comprehends and mentally processes it. It may seem like an outdated way of learning, but it actually trains the brain power of listening intently, or speed listening.

SEMAS is scientifically developed and highly structured program, which cultivates our children's talent more and more.
A time-tested skill, results intangible