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Soroban
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<p>The soroban (算盤, そろばん, counting tray) is an <a href="/facts/Abacus/ThMQBsel">abacus</a> developed in <a href="/facts/Japan/U5mz0SRT">Japan</a>. It is derived from the <a href="/facts/History_of_Science_and_Technology_in_China/JlA3afbj">ancient Chinese</a> <a href="/facts/Suanpan/amYHaR1P">suanpan</a>, imported to Japan in the 14th century. Like the suanpan, the soroban is still used today, despite the proliferation of practical and affordable pocket <a href="/facts/Electronic_calculator/eeLfRS8L">electronic calculators</a>. </p>