Ishido Soroban
About
An abacus (soroban) class for preschool children to adults, based on the teaching method of the Ishido Abacus Academy. It teaches with original materials and curriculum, and the school explains that many children start as preschoolers or in the lower grades before learning the multiplication tables. There is also "Ishido Online," taken from home on Zoom.
Ages
There is no age limit. Children who meet 2 conditions, "can read and write numbers" and "can do simple calculations such as 2+3 using their fingers," can join a free trial. For preschool and lower-grade children, the school recommends that a parent accompany them until they get used to it.
Monthly fees
| Ishido Online, 45 minutes per session, 4 times a month (up to about 5 per class) | ¥8,800 |
| Ishido Online, 45 minutes per session, 8 times a month (up to about 5 per class) | ¥13,200 |
| Ishido Online, 45 minutes per session, 12 times a month (up to about 5 per class) | ¥18,800 |
The amounts are fees (tax included) for "Ishido Online," taken from home rather than at a classroom. The official website does not state monthly fees for classrooms, and for costs other than tuition it says "please contact each classroom directly." For the online course, in addition to the monthly fee, you buy teaching materials as you move up (about ¥300–600 per book, shipping ¥600). The school recommends attending 2 or more times a week.
Fees when joining
The classroom enrollment fee is not stated on the official website, and for enrollment benefits it also says to ask the classroom. The enrollment fee for Ishido Online is normally ¥15,000 (excluding tax), with an enrollment benefit under which the first 20 people each month get ¥10,000 off, for ¥5,000 (excluding tax). For the online course, an initial set of materials, the "First Set," is sent at enrollment.
Trial lessons and visits
There is a free trial study. Children take part together with students who are actually studying. Advance booking is required; check each classroom's class days and apply. Parents can observe classes at any time. Ishido Online also offers a free trial on Zoom.
Find a nearby class
Each item was checked on its official source page on 2026-11-12. Fees can change and may differ between locations. Before signing up, always check the official website of Ishido Soroban.