August 4, 2026, 7:30 a.m. (JST)
[Japan] Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Club (Tokyo, Japan), the issuer of the Diners Club Card, is engaged in financial education initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy among the younger generation to help achieve the SDGs and realize a sustainable society. Recently, the company conducted financial education lectures for university students at Aoyama Gakuin University(June 23, 2026) and Tokai University (July 10, 2026).
At Aoyama Gakuin University (Aoyama Campus) on June 23, 2026, a lecture was delivered to approximately 51 students during the “Corporate Finance” course for third- and fourth-year students in the School of International Political Economy.The lecture, titled “Financial Literacy for Understanding a Cashless Society,” was designed to help students correctly understand the significance, objectives, and challenges of “cashless payments,” as well as the mechanisms, benefits, and drawbacks of credit cards, so they could learn how to use them responsibly.
A survey conducted at the beginning of the lecture revealed that nearly all students use QR code payments, and approximately 80% of students own credit cards or e-money.Student engagement was particularly high during discussions on the prevalence of QR code payments, cashless trends in various countries during overseas travel, international credit card brands, and reward points, demonstrating a strong interest in topics relevant to their daily lives.
At Tokai University (Shonan Campus), on Friday, July 10, 2026, a lecture was held for approximately 70 students in the Faculty of Business Administration,in collaboration with the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Life Advisory Division’s Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Future Research Institute, a lecture was held for approximately 70 students in the Faculty of Business Administration on Friday, July 10, 2026, as the final session of the “Business Skills and Certifications (Basic Financial Literacy Course).” The lecture, delivered by representatives from the bank, focused on the theme “How to Avoid Financial Troubles as a Consumer.”
Using actual case studies of consumer consultations and disputes involving young people, the session—which included group work—encouraged students to consider consumer behavior and psychology, as well as various sales tactics, in order to help them acquire the knowledge and understand the systems necessary to make informed decisions and avoid getting caught up in problems. (paymentnavi Editorial Team)
