Do you know what a soroban 算盤, そろばん is and how to use it? The soroban is a Japanese abacus. It was developed from the ancient Chinese suanpan, which was imported to Japan in the 14th century.
The soroban has been taught in Japanese schools for over 500 years. There are also private schools and tutors. My students tell me about their children going to Soroban School to learn to use it quickly and accurately in order to pass level tests. There are six levels, starting from sixth-grade (very skilled), up to first-grade (those who have completely mastered the use of the soroban). At least a third-grade certificate is needed for some jobs. One of my students told me there are two parts to the level test - actual use and mind use. In the second part, the user imagines using the soroban and is calculating in his head.
I never learned to use a soroban or abacus. I'm not even very good with a calculator. What about you?
