Soroban Colette: A Colorful Reinvention of the Abacus

Eco-friendly, child-safe design brings tradition into the modern era

The abacus, or "soroban," has been a cornerstone of Japanese education for over four centuries, valued for its role in developing mathematical skills and cognitive abilities in children. Despite its enduring presence, the traditional abacus faces challenges: limited design choices, reliance on endangered hardwoods, and a shrinking pool of skilled craftsmen. As production dwindles and materials become scarce, the future of abacus education appears uncertain. Soroban Colette emerges as a timely response, blending heritage with innovation to ensure this iconic tool remains accessible and relevant.

Soroban Colette distinguishes itself through a series of thoughtful design updates. Rounded corners replace the sharp edges of conventional models, enhancing safety for young users and reducing the risk of accidental damage. The absence of screws, nails, or adhesives further elevates safety standards, making it suitable for children. A vibrant palette of colors expands choices, inviting children to select a soroban that reflects their personality. Notably, the number of components has been reduced by 40%, streamlining production and minimizing environmental impact.

In terms of materials and manufacturing, Soroban Colette sets a new benchmark for sustainability. Over 60% of its weight comprises upcycled materials, with the main body crafted from recycled polycarbonate and beads made from polystyrene. The innovative fishbone-style integration of beam and shaft parts has reduced the number of components by more than 30% compared to traditional abacuses. This approach not only conserves resources but also lessens dependence on individual craftsmen, addressing the pressing issue of an aging workforce in the industry.

Functionality remains at the heart of Soroban Colette’s design. With 20 digits instead of the customary 23, the abacus is tailored for beginners and conveniently sized to fit into an A4 school bag. The intuitive layout makes it easy for children to grasp the decimal system, supporting addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The lightweight, compact form—measuring 60mm by 283mm by 17mm and weighing just 158g—ensures portability without compromising durability or usability.

Research into the traditional abacus industry revealed a complex, labor-intensive process involving nearly 200 specialized steps and a reliance on rare materials such as boxwood. Production has dropped to just 150,000 units per year, a fraction of its historical peak, threatening the continuity of abacus education. Soroban Colette addresses these challenges by simplifying assembly, utilizing sustainable materials, and modernizing the design while respecting the core principles of the soroban.

Soroban Colette’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed, earning the Bronze A' Art and Stationery Supplies Design Award in 2025. This recognition highlights its creative ingenuity and contribution to quality of life improvements. By merging tradition with forward-thinking design, Soroban Colette ensures that the abacus remains a vibrant, accessible tool for generations to come.

Soroban Colette stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in preserving cultural heritage while embracing sustainability and modern needs. Its success demonstrates how innovation can revitalize tradition, offering children a safe, eco-friendly, and engaging way to learn and grow.