Interview with Mizuko Takumi
We spoke with Mizuko Takumi, a young employee working at Mizushima Credit Union.
The Joy of Working at a Community-Focused Credit Union
What does Mizuko think is the difference between a bank and a credit union?
Mizuko (no honorifics)
From a practical standpoint, I think it is the closeness to customers.
In the case of individual customers, there are times when we visit each home to collect payments, so the time spent interacting with each customer is long. It is not uncommon to receive everyday conversations and inquiries unrelated to work.
By leveraging that closeness, we can deeply understand our customers and provide optimal proposals tailored to their concerns. I believe we play a role as a partner that customers can consult with easily.
What is the current job satisfaction for you?
Mizuko
The biggest joy is being able to support customers' dreams and goals through loans and other means.
For new customers, it starts with building a relationship of trust. After repeated visits, they come to know us, and then they start consulting us about financing.
Therefore, rather than pushing for loans indiscriminately, it is our job to propose options that allow for manageable repayments. As a partner, we strive to provide loans in a way that aligns closely with the customer's ideals.
Particularly rewarding moments are when customers I have been involved with since their founding can open their own shops. I hope to continue supporting them so they can become future long-standing businesses.
Have you received any words from customers that made you happy?
Mizuko
I was happy when a customer said, “I was thinking of consulting with Mizuko first.” Being remembered as a reliable presence made me feel that my efforts at work were worthwhile.
You seem to handle various tasks, but what challenges do you face?
Mizuko
There are times when I feel it is challenging to keep up with updates on financial knowledge, current events, and gathering local information.
Customers sometimes ask me, “What are the trends in interest rates?” or “What do you think of the current policies?” seeking the latest information, and I also receive local questions like, “Can you recommend a good lunch spot?” I want to be as close to my customers as possible, so I need to gather information across a wide range of fields.
While it can be tough to always be on the lookout, I want to maintain interest in all areas when I have the opportunity to talk with customers.
Do you have any tips for memorization?
Mizuko
Regarding financial knowledge, I consciously take courses from the correspondence course provided by Mizushima Credit Union and review information obtained from newspapers and customers to absorb it regularly.
I want to prepare various drawers of knowledge and strive to make conversations enjoyable.
The Gap After Joining: A Changed Image
Was there a gap between your expectations before joining and the reality after joining?
Mizuko
I found that the staff members are more friendly and cheerful than I imagined.
Before joining, I didn't have many opportunities to go to banks, so I had a somewhat stiff image of financial institutions. However, the HR representative I met during the recruitment exam was friendly and passionate, which changed my perception.
Once I actually joined, I felt a positive gap with many active and warm staff members. Of course, since we handle important money, there is a sense of seriousness during work hours, but everyone is easy to talk to, and the overall workplace is bright. They may not fit the typical image of bank employees in a good way.
Customers also say things like, “Everyone at Mizushima Credit Union greets you with eye contact” and “Their responses make you feel warm.” That makes me happy.
It seems there are many caring individuals. What is the atmosphere like in your current workplace?
Mizuko
I have experienced two workplaces, the Fukuda Branch and the Kotobuki Branch, and I think a common feature is that it is easy for staff to express their opinions.
Seniors and supervisors are considerate of us young employees, allowing us to voice our opinions, and they engage sincerely, making communication very comfortable. I think the atmosphere is open.
In particular, we actively share improvement ideas that could streamline operations within the branch.
Have there been any actual cases of improvements made?
Mizuko
When the outreach staff take cash out during their rounds, there is a checklist to record who is taking cash, when, and where. The timing of submitting that checklist varied by person, so the staff in charge of managing deposits suggested, “We would like to unify the timing of submissions,” and that was improved.
It may seem like a small change, but in today's era of serious labor shortages, it is important to improve work efficiency even a little, so all staff are working on improvements.
Festivals, Volunteering, and Unique Community Contributions of Mizushima Credit Union
What is the feeling of working at a financial institution rooted in the community?
Mizuko
The most significant feeling comes from participating in community contribution activities such as festivals and volunteering.
At the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival and Mizushima Port Festival, employees under 25 participate as dancers every year. We are also involved as operational staff for traffic management and reception.
Additionally, we actively engage in community interactions beyond our work scope, such as assisting those running children's cafeterias and accepting middle school students for workplace experiences through Challenge Work.
Is there information about the community provided by the headquarters?
Mizuko
Basically, we often receive information from the Community Co-Creation Department at headquarters. However, there are also times when customers directly inform us about events, and I have helped with their stalls.
For instance, I heard that a customer I am in charge of would participate in an event in the Bikan Historical Area, so I told them, “Please call me if you need help.” I actually went to assist on the day of the event.
I believe that being able to interact with the community outside of work is something unique to Mizushima Credit Union.
Valuing Encounters with an Environment Where You Can Work as Yourself
Please give a message to young people of the same generation.
Mizuko
I am entering my fifth year at the company and am becoming a mid-level employee. While I have become accustomed to my work and have taken on more responsibilities, I have also faced new challenges when changing departments or stages.
As long as I am working, I feel that worries and anxieties will never cease. I believe that many people of my generation feel the same way.
That is why it is important to consult with trusted colleagues and supervisors, and to release stress in private. Let’s work hard together in our own ways to be able to work for a long time.
If you are currently unsure about changing jobs or choosing a company, it might be good to face it without compromise. I support you in finding an environment where you can work as your true self.
Conclusion
Through the interview with Mizuko, I felt the sincere attitude of Mizushima Shinkin Bank, which values the community and connections with people.
Originally, I had a cool impression of financial institutions, but at Mizushima Shinkin Bank, there are many staff members with a warm atmosphere, which I find pleasantly surprising.
Not only as a financial institution but also as a community partner that supports our lives, I believe they will continue to support us in the future.
You can see the daily activities of Mizushima Shinkin Bank on their Instagram, so if you are interested, please check it out.
I sincerely support Mizuko's future endeavors.
Kurashiki Work Stories by Young People Back Issues
Mizushima Shinkin Bank Data
| Organization Name | Mizushima Shinkin Bank |
|---|---|
| Industry | General financial services based on the Shinkin Bank Act |
| Representative Name | Yokomizo Hiroyuki |
| Year Established | 1950 |
| Address | 8-23 Nishitokiwa-cho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City (Head Office) |
| Contact | 086-446-2229 |
| Website | Mizushima Shinkin Bank Website |
