For Immediate Release
Date: March 24, 2025
098-953-5657
(315) 652-5657
Soroban Education Workshop provides hands-on learning experience for DoDEA Pacific students

Okinawa, Japan —
The Department of Defense Education Activity – Pacific Region, in partnership with the League for Soroban (Abacus) Education of Japan, Okinawa, held a Soroban Education Workshop Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Tsukazan Community Center and Museum.
During the event, 120 DoDEA Pacific students in grades 2-5 from all eight DoDEA Pacific elementary schools located in Okinawa learned the history of the soroban and how to calculate numbers using the soroban as a tool. They also built their own soroban using a kit, which they were be able to take home.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our military-connected students here in Pacific South,” said Dr. Melissa Hayes, DoDEA Pacific South District Superintendent. “Our students are so excited to learn about the soroban and how to add and subtract numbers by moving the beads.”
Similar Soroban Education Workshops will be held in Sasebo for Darby and Sasebo Elementary schools on March 26, 2025, and at Sollars Elementary School in Misawa April 16, 2025.



