[High Inflation Spring] Approx. 75% of Parents Feel 'Increased Financial Burden' in School Preparation: Kids Flea Market Survey Results Released

## Experiencing the Basics of Economics Using Original Budget Sheets

~Changes in Children 'Thinking Before Buying'~
NPO Kids Flea Market Surveys 'Children's Sense of Money in an Era of Inflation'

NPO Kids Flea Market (Nakano, Tokyo / https://kids-fm.jp/), which organizes 'Kids Flea Market' events where only children buy and sell goods, conducted an 'Awareness Survey on New School Term, Money, and Belongings' in April 2026, targeting 52 parents of event participants.

Survey results show that approximately 75% of parents feel an increased financial burden during school preparations due to recent inflation. Additionally, about 75% of families held discussions with their children about 'rules regarding money' following their transition to a higher grade or new school, highlighting growing interest in financial education at home.

In recent years, as inflation and a cashless society advance, the importance of children experiencing money and thinking about the 'value of things' is increasing. Through the flea market experience, NPO Kids Flea Market provides opportunities for children not only to 'spend money' but to 'create value.'

Kids Flea Market was also featured on a TV news program on May 14, 2026, garnering attention for its initiatives in financial education and reuse experiences.

## Survey Overview

- Target: Parents of participants in Kids Flea Market held in April 2026
- Respondents: 52 parents
- Duration: April 5–29, 2026
- Venues: Nationwide (e.g., Osaka, Tokyo, Saitama, Gifu)
- Organizer: NPO Kids Flea Market

## Approx. 75% Feel 'Increased Burden in School Preparation'

Regarding the question, 'Have you felt an increased financial burden for school preparation (e.g., school supplies, uniforms) due to recent inflation?', approximately 75% of parents answered they felt it 'significantly' or 'somewhat.'

As the price of school and daily necessities continues to rise, the increase in financial burden during the new term season is spreading to child-rearing households.

## Approx. 75% 'Discussed Money Rules with Children'

Regarding the question, 'Did you discuss money rules with your child as they advanced to a higher grade or a new school?', approximately 75% answered they had 'specifically discussed it' or 'brought it up as a topic.'

Life changes such as moving to a new grade serve as catalysts for families to rethink financial education and allowance management.

## Approx. 77% Interested in 'Passing on or Utilizing Goods'

Regarding the question, 'Has your child recently shown interest in organizing their belongings to pass them on or utilize them?', approximately 77% of families responded that their children were 'very' or 'somewhat' interested.

This shows that the concept of 'reuse'—not just discarding unwanted goods but connecting them to the next person—is spreading among children.

## Comments from Parents

- 'My child learned to endure the urge to buy things knowing they have to use their own allowance.'
- 'My child started checking prices and planning to save up before buying what they want, instead of just spending immediately.'
- 'My child started using up last year's notebooks.'
- 'My child started thinking about whether they really need small items like capsule toys.'
- 'I think my child realized that earning money is not easy.'
- 'My child researched places to recycle items they no longer use.'

NPO Kids Flea Market believes these changes provide opportunities for children themselves to think about 'value' and 'how to use money' through the experience of 'selling things.'