Benefits of Soroban

Although the present curriculum for Japanese students does not seem to indicate so, the society in general still values soroban skills. This is shown by the thousands of students who learn the soroban at juku classes. A high value is placed on the benefits of soroban which are listed below:

• Fosters a greater sense of numbers.
• Helps develop an intuitive understanding of numbers through their concrete representation on the soroban (similar to Roman numerals).
• Fosters one's trust in the process of calculation by enabling one to observe it in action.
• Manifests the concept of decimal places and the progression of units by tens physically.
• Instantly accomplishes addition and subtraction when numbers are placed on the abacus.
• Improves understanding of compounded numbers (through the use of supplementary numbers for 5 and 10).
• Helps in developing the beneficial qualities of concentration, patience, and endurance.
• Fosters one's confidence in calculation.
• Uses a left to right calculation method, which makes quick estimation and rounding off possible.
• Works on the decimal rather than fractional system, an easy progression to digital systems.
• Develops mental calculation, which is the ultimate resource.
• Develops the right brain tremendously.
• Leads to greater mental capacity.
• Expresses large numbers simply and easily.
• Provides a sense of achievement as one's proficiency improves.