FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soroban Colette: Reinventing the Traditional Japanese Abacus for a New Generation with Sustainability and Safety

Soroban Colette, designed by Toshihiko Sakai, breathes new life into the centuries-old Japanese abacus by addressing both environmental and educational challenges. Traditionally crafted from endangered hardwoods and produced through labor-intensive methods, the abacus industry in Japan has faced declining production, a shortage of skilled artisans, and limited design options for children. Soroban Colette responds to these issues with a fresh approach that prioritizes sustainability, safety, and user appeal.

Unlike conventional abacuses, Soroban Colette features rounded corners and a screwless, adhesive-free construction, making it safer for young users. The design is available in a range of child-friendly colors, expanding choices for learners and encouraging engagement. By reducing the number of parts by 40% and integrating the beam and shaft into a single molded structure, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient and less reliant on specialized craftsmanship.

A key innovation is the use of over 60% upcycled materials, including recycled polycarbonate for the main body and polystyrene for the beads, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. Sized at 20 digits-ideal for beginners-and fitting neatly into an A4-sized school bag, Soroban Colette maintains the tactile learning experience of the traditional abacus while meeting modern demands for eco-friendliness and accessibility. The product's thoughtful design and manufacturing breakthroughs have earned it the Bronze A' Design Award, recognizing its contribution to preserving and evolving a vital educational tradition.

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