Q: What age would be suitable for children to start using abacus?

A: We can not find any good research that proves what age exactly, yet. Generally speaking, many children start abacus between kindergarten and the 4th grade.

Q: Where can we buy abacus?

A: You can purchase it at a store that carries Japanese items or at JAMS. Also, you can buy it through the Internet: Tomoe Soroban (www.soroban.com)

Q: What kinds of calculation can we do with an abacus?

A: Besides addition, substraction, multiplication and divisions, we can calculate the "Square root," "cube root" and even bank interest.

Q: Is abacus still necessary even today with the spread of office automation machines?

A: There are various essential skills learned in childhood, and calculation skills is one of them. It is the best way for children to learn how to calculate by practicing abacus. In addition, mental arithmetic calculation skill is useful for everyday life and effective for the right brain activation.

Q: Is it true that concentration skills are improved by learning abacus?

A: Yes, absolutely! Here is a good example to explain why: Working out a written-down problem on an abacus is one of the abacus calculations. When you work on addition and substraction with ten 2 digit numbers, you have to move abacus beads approximately 30 times. If you make even one mistake, your answer is incorrect. When it comes to abacus certificate examinations, within a limited time you have to get correct answers more than 70% ( in case of 9 kyu (second of lowest) in order to pass. Without good concentration skills, it is impossible! Along with abacus training and practice, students consequently are able to improve their concentration skills.

Q: Once you complete the basic courses, are there any other advance courses available?

A: Yes, we provide students with advanced courses. Our institution is a member of "League for soroban education of America", so we are officially allowed to give certificate examinations. Students who wish to advance their abacus skills can earn certifications at our institution.

Q: How much does it cost to take certificate examinations?

A: It depends on levels. Abacus skills are measured in levels. Beginners starts at "kyu" level 10 and work toward kyu level 1. Advancement requires passing a timed test.

Q: When can students know the result of the exam?

A: The following week of the test date.

Q: I have an old abacus, but its beads don't move smoothly. What shall I do?

A: The beads don't move smoothly because of dust, so clean abacus beads with a brush and /or dry cloth. If the beads would still move well, you should ask soroban manufactures for their professional advice. Abacus is easily damaged by moisture. You need to be careful in using it with dry, clean hand.