Daiwa Securities Group has recently unveiled a new booth dedicated to stock market education for children at KidZania Tokyo, reflecting the rising need for financial literacy among the younger generation. Opened on December 25, 2024, this initiative aims to offer children engaging experiences related to investing and asset management.
The newly inaugurated booth provides children the opportunity to learn about the workings of the stock market, including how to assess investment risks and the impact of economic events on stock prices. By utilizing KidZania’s unique currency, Kizzo, participants can purchase shares from various fictional companies modeled after real-world businesses, such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.
According to Daiwa Securities Group, the program is not just about selling stocks; it’s about encouraging children to think critically about financial choices. "The stock market experience allows children to understand risks and how investing supports companies," the company reported. By allowing children to simulate real market environments, the initiative attempts to demystify investing.
Previously, the booth primarily showcased the roles of securities company employees. But with the increasing demand for financial education, Daiwa Securities revamped the booth to focus on educating children about stock investments. The approach seeks to make financial concepts accessible, illustrating the correlation between market trends and global events, which are key components of responsible investing.
Children can select from up to four fictional stocks based on their business models and experience the volatility of the market firsthand. They will learn about potential gains or losses as they track the performance of the shares they choose, thereby gaining practical insights within a controlled environment.
An attendant at the booth explained, “Financial literacy is important for children to navigate their future with confidence.” Daiwa's broader mission is to instill habits of financial responsibility early on, which can contribute positively to society.
The groundbreaking initiative was welcomed during a ceremony attended by public figures, including Yuzuno Nagao, who participated as the first customer of the booth. Dressed sharply for the occasion, Nagao shared her experience of selecting stocks and even managed to increase her initial investment from ten Kizzo to fourteen. Her excitement was palpable as she voiced her aspirations, “With my Kizzo, I want to take a tour on the KidZania bus.”
Post-event, Nagao engaged with Daiwa's Vice President, asking insightful questions about the future of investing. The Vice President responded with clarity, stating, “Investing is about supporting companies. When their stock prices rise, you benefit from profits, but it’s equally important to recognize the risks involved.”
He emphasized the importance of diversification and long-term investment strategies, advising Nagao to stay informed by following current market news, highlighting how financial literacy extends beyond the booth itself.
KCJ Group, the operator of KidZania, sees this educational initiative as not only teaching children about finance but also as practical preparation for adulthood. “This hands-on experience helps demystify investing and promotes financial literacy,” KCJ Group’s President remarked. Entrepreneurs today must cultivate financial awareness among children, ensuring they have the tools necessary to thrive economically.
The booth is set within KidZania, which is conceptually based on offering children realistic role-playing within personalized mini-cities. It allows youngsters to explore various careers and gain insights about numerous societal functions, complemented by fun, interactive lessons.
By adding the stock market education booth, Daiwa Securities and KCJ Group are taking significant steps toward making financial education both exciting and relevant for kids. They believe immersive experiences like this reinforce the importance of financial literacy, fostering curiosity and awareness among children.
The experience costs ten Kizzo for about thirty minutes and concludes with children receiving transaction receipts, reinforcing the tangible results of their investments. Daiwa's commitment to this educational avenue reflects the company's future-oriented approach to enhancing the financial literacy of the next generation.
Overall, the launch of the stock market education booth at KidZania Tokyo not only symbolizes Daiwa Securities Group’s proactive stance toward building financial knowledge but also resonates with the wider movement to equip children with the skills needed for responsible financial decision-making.
