After spending nearly 10 years working in global banking across Asia and Europe, I saw many adults struggle with money-related stress, poor financial habits, and difficult financial decisions. I began asking myself why we wait until adulthood to teach people about money and decision-making.
After leaving banking, I spent time traveling and reflecting, including completing the Camino de Santiago in Europe and the Shikoku pilgrimage in Japan before eventually settling in Kyoto.
While living in Kyoto, I founded Kintsugift, a cultural venture introducing international visitors to the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi — the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Kintsugi taught me that repairing something broken can create something stronger and more beautiful.
This inspired a simple question: instead of repairing unhealthy money habits later in life, how can we help children build healthy relationships with money, choices, and values from the beginning?
That question became Kinwise.
A typical Kinwise session begins with a child and parent watching a 4–5 minute animated story that introduces a real-life concept such as choices, spending, saving, value creation, or AI. The story is followed by guided discussion prompts that encourage families to reflect and share their perspectives, before completing a simple worksheet or activity together. Each session takes approximately 20–30 minutes and is designed to turn abstract concepts into meaningful conversations and everyday habits.
The current program consists of 11 sessions covering topics including scarcity, needs versus wants, planning, saving, pricing, generosity, and human judgment in an AI world.
Kinwise is currently spreading through direct-to-parent distribution, content marketing, and educator outreach. The program has reached families across multiple countries including Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, the UK, and the US through the Kinwise website, YouTube channel, and educational blog content. We have also introduced Kinwise to international schools, homeschooling communities, educators, and parents through our existing international network built from the founder's previous venture in Kyoto. Our next phase of growth focuses on partnerships with schools, educational organizations, and global education communities.
Families can try Kinwise by visiting the Kinwise website, www.kinwisestory.com. where they can access introductory content and explore the learning experience. A typical session involves watching a short animated story together, discussing guided reflection questions, and completing a simple activity or worksheet. Schools, educators, and organizations interested in pilots or partnerships can also contact us directly through the website.
