With the aid of MI theory, the Japanese abacus is changing from being a traditional teaching tool for calculation to being a revolutionary instrument for fostering intelligences. In the calculating process, students get the answer by moving beads on an abacus, listening to a teacher saying numbers to be added, subtracted, divided, and multiplied with a special tune or rhythm. In an abacus classroom, students respect each other so that every one can concentrate on listening to the teacher. Interpersonal Intelligence will be fostered even in this silence. They will learn to know when to speak out or communicate with each other, or when to remain quiet, judging from the circumstances.
Students move their fingers to the tune or rhythm.
Finally, they will learn that the tune or rhythm enables them to move their fingers or calculation as fast and accurately as possible, when Musical Intelligence is fostered. Students realize that music will help them move or act more smoothly. In this respect, Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence is related to Musical Intelligence. Ultimately, students will calculate without an abacus. They have their own abacus in mind.