Kanagawa University × Financial Services Agency: 'Real Money Class for University Students' [Event Report]

Kanagawa University (Headquarters: Yokohama City, President: Ryuusuke Toda), specifically its Faculty of Business (Dean: Seiki Yumoto), hosted the Financial Services Agency's event 'Real Money Class for University Students' on Saturday, June 13, at the Yoneda Yoshimori Memorial Hall in the Minatomirai Campus—the first such event held nationwide.

This initiative emerged from a shared goal: the Financial Services Agency's mission to promote financial and economic education among youth, and Kanagawa University's desire to enhance students' financial literacy. As a national comprehensive university with many students living independently, the university recognizes the importance of equipping students with the knowledge to navigate financial risks, uncertainties, and financial crimes in daily student life. For students about to enter society, financial knowledge can profoundly shape their future—making it a vital topic. A total of 268 students from the Faculty of Business and other departments attended this engaging and informative session.

Guests for Part 1: Wakana Abe and Obata no Oniisan Guests for Part 2: Wakana Abe and Takashi Fujii

On the day, Mr. Soichiro Morita, Section Chief of the Financial Policy Division, Comprehensive Policy Bureau, Financial Services Agency, served as moderator. After Dean Seiki Yumoto's opening remarks, the following guests took the stage: Part 1 featured Obata no Oniisan (comedian), Wakana Abe (NMB48 member and novelist), and Part 2 included Takashi Fujii (comedian), Wakana Abe (NMB48 member and novelist), and Yumi Kawaguchi (J-FLEC Certified Advisor, appearing in both Part 1 and Part 2).

The class was structured around four key themes: ①【Spending】'How You Spend Money Changes Your Life', ②【Saving & Growing】'From Saving to Growing Your Money', ③【Borrowing】'The Scary Rules of Borrowing You Need to Know', and ④【Caution】'Stories of Money Lost in an Instant'.

Throughout the session, participants engaged in fun and educational activities, including financial awareness surveys, interactive workshops on scams and multi-level marketing schemes, and quizzes on savings and asset formation—making financial learning enjoyable and impactful.

During the session, Obata no Oniisan commented, 'I realized I didn’t understand NISA well enough to get started—today feels like a turning point for me.' Takashi Fujii shared, 'Seeing students take their studies—and finances—seriously made me want to support them as they grow.'

Given the rising number of online scams and frauds targeting university students via social media and the internet, Yumi Kawaguchi (J-FLEC Certified Advisor) offered crucial advice: 'To prevent trouble, always question too-good-to-be-true offers, say no when something feels suspicious, and don’t suffer in silence. Early consultation can prevent many problems.'

Students shared positive feedback: 'I was already interested in finance, so attending was great. I learned even students can start investing with small amounts—I want to try, while being mindful of the risks.' Another said, 'I’d studied on my own, but this class deepened my understanding of investment mechanisms. Learning interactively with the guests was truly enjoyable.'

【Summary of Comments】

Seiki Yumoto (Dean, Faculty of Business)

'We are delighted to have successfully held our first collaborative event. Money is important for everyone, but especially for students just starting university life. We hope this event deepens their understanding of money and helps them develop smart financial habits throughout their student years and beyond.'

Soichiro Morita (Section Chief, Financial Literacy Promotion Office, Financial Policy Division, Comprehensive Policy Bureau, Financial Services Agency)

'Through this 'Real Money Class for University Students,' we learned together. We hope today inspires everyone to spend a little more time thinking about money.'

Obata no Oniisan (Comedian)

'Thank you all for attending so attentively—it truly made my day. I realized how little I knew about money, and I’m glad we could learn together today.'

Takashi Fujii (Comedian)

'I was happy to see Kanagawa University students participate so actively. Studying together today was a joy. Your parents might not even know these things—please share what you’ve learned with them.'

Wakana Abe (NMB48 Member, Novelist)

'Attending this lecture with everyone at Kanagawa University, I feel my own financial literacy has improved. I’d like to learn alongside students—how to save, grow, and spend wisely—to master better money habits.'

Yumi Kawaguchi (J-FLEC Certified Advisor)

'Apply today’s knowledge to your daily life. Doing so will change how you relate to money and may even bring your dreams closer. Having money means having more choices. Keep building your financial literacy.'

【Event Highlights】

Dean Seiki Yumoto delivering opening remarks Students asking questions

Part 1: Class session Part 1: Photo session

Part 2: Class session Part 2: Photo session

【Event Overview】

Title: 'Real Money Class for University Students'

Date: June 13, 2026 (Saturday) — Part 1: 10:50–12:30, Part 2: 13:30–15:10

Venue: Yoneda Yoshimori Memorial Hall, Minatomirai Campus, Kanagawa University

Guests: Part 1: Obata no Oniisan (Comedian), Wakana Abe (NMB48 Member, Novelist), Yumi Kawaguchi (J-FLEC Certified Advisor) Part 2: Takashi Fujii (Comedian), Wakana Abe (NMB48 Member, Novelist), Yumi Kawaguchi (J-FLEC Certified Advisor)

Content: A special educational series where university students learn about finance in a fun and engaging way with guest speakers. The first session was held at Kanagawa University, approaching its 100th anniversary.

Target Audience: First-year and other enrolled students from the Faculty of Business, Kanagawa University

Organizer: Financial Services Agency

Co-organizer: Faculty of Business, Kanagawa University

Support: Kanagawa University