The Tamashima Shinkin Bank, which has the vision of supporting the growth and dream-making of customers (members), is a historic financial institution in Kurashiki established during the Taisho era.
In addition to the services typical of financial institutions, it is also focusing on unique initiatives such as "Support Projects" aimed at community contribution.
What kind of thoughts do the employees working at Tamashima Shinkin Bank hold as they tackle regional issues with a spirit of altruism?
We interviewed a young employee working at Tamashima Shinkin Bank, Kaneko Rino.
About Tamashima Shinkin Bank
Tamashima Shinkin Bank is a financial institution based in Kurashiki City with over 110 years of history.
Unlike banks that prioritize shareholder profits, Shinkin banks are cooperative organizations that emphasize the benefits of members and the community. In addition to providing financial services such as deposits, foreign exchange, and loans, its greatest feature is its commitment to community contribution.
At Tamashima Shinkin Bank, based on the philosophy of "Bokorita" (putting others' interests before one's own), sales quotas were completely abolished in 2017. This creates an environment where employees can focus on solving the issues of customers (the community) rather than achieving quotas.
Additionally, through its unique initiative called "Support Projects," each branch is challenging various projects to solve local issues.
Activities that go beyond financial services, such as "Parking Marche" to support areas where shopping is difficult and "Kids Summer School" to support childcare during the Obon season, are currently being developed at all branches. All costs related to the Support Projects are borne by Tamashima Shinkin Bank, allowing local residents to use the services for free.
Although it may seem like volunteer work, such altruistic activities build trust with the community and continue to support the sustainable growth and dream-making of Kurashiki.
Kaneko-san working at Tamashima Shinkin Bank
The interviewee was Kaneko Rino, who works at the Hachioji branch of Tamashima Shinkin Bank. Born in 2002, she is from Kurashiki City.
"I have always liked talking to people since I was a child," says Kaneko. Attracted by the close relationship with customers at Tamashima Shinkin Bank, she joined as a new employee in April 2025.
"Joining" is a term used similarly to "entering" a company.
About Kaneko-san's job
At each branch of Tamashima Shinkin Bank, there are three roles: "Personal Retail" for assisting customers at the counter, "Sales Department" for solving customer issues through external visits, and "Money Advisor" for providing advice on asset management and investment trusts.
After being assigned to the Hachioji branch, Kaneko first handled "Personal Retail," learning the basics of counter operations such as deposit transactions.
The branch counter is also a place where various consultations are received. For loan inquiries, she connects customers to the Sales Department, and for asset management concerns, she seeks advice from the Money Advisor, working collaboratively with colleagues to assist customers.
Now, in her second year, she is working as a "Sales Department" member, primarily focusing on solving issues for corporate customers.
After several months of sales activities, Kaneko says, "Customer concerns often hide within casual conversations."
For example, while discussing the rising prices of crude oil with a restaurant operator, there was a moment when concerns like, "Our paper aprons might also go up in price," or "The production of takeout containers might end," slipped out.
To pick up on worries and issues, what is most necessary is a trusting relationship with customers.
Therefore, when taking over a client from a senior colleague, she makes it a point to understand not only the administrative information but also the personality and topics of interest of each customer.
Additionally, Kaneko is actively involved in the "Support Projects" at the Hachioji branch.
In the summer of her first year, she personally planned and implemented a class to help children with their summer homework. Utilizing her experience as an art major in university, she supervised the artwork of eight elementary school students.
This initiative started from the thought, "It must be tough for parents to oversee their children's homework," and it turned out to be a great success. It was an effort that helped lighten the burden on parents during the summer vacation.
Encounter with Tamashima Shinkin Bank
Kaneko, who has always liked talking to people and chose part-time jobs that allowed her to do so during her student days, focused on jobs that involve interacting with people during her job search, considering a wide range of options including human resources companies and printing companies.
Among them, she encountered Tamashima Shinkin Bank, which emphasizes community engagement. Learning about its unique initiatives like the Support Projects, she felt attracted to the closeness with customers and the community.
As the selection process progressed, she realized that Tamashima Shinkin Bank offers a job where one can connect deeply with people, and she was convinced that "I can work here as my true self," which became the deciding factor.
During the final selection with the board members, Kaneko, who was then studying in the Faculty of Education, was asked, "What do you think about current education?" Although it was an unexpected question, Kaneko passionately shared her views and dreams about education, engaging in a discussion with the board members.
Reflecting on her feelings at that time, Kaneko smiles and says, "I was nervous, but I have no memories other than enjoying the opportunity to exchange opinions with knowledgeable people."
What is the charm of Tamashima Shinkin Bank as a workplace from Kaneko-san's perspective?
According to Kaneko, the greatest charm of Tamashima Shinkin Bank is that all employees have a strong desire to "revitalize the community." Furthermore, she mentions that many employees are dedicated to learning through obtaining qualifications and training to realize community revitalization.
Supporting this ambition of employees is a unique initiative called "Self-Innovation Learning." This system allows each employee to take training that suits them, enabling them to choose preferred training based on their career and personal challenges.
The training offered is not limited to sales and financial expertise. There are a wide range of options available, from a unique training called "Request Techniques" to courses that help individuals reassess their job suitability.
Not only does it provide opportunities to hone skills, but Kaneko also emphasizes that there are many opportunities for personal growth as well, which is another charm of Tamashima Shinkin Bank.
The skills honed individually will eventually contribute to the community and customers.
Kaneko, who joined Tamashima Shinkin Bank, is now in her second year as of 2026. She shared with us the fulfillment of working at a community-based financial institution and stories unique to her second year of work.
Data of Tamashima Shinkin Bank
| Organization Name | Tamashima Shinkin Bank |
|---|---|
| Industry | Deposits, loans, domestic exchange, foreign exchange (through Shinkin Central Bank), agency services, currency exchange, government bonds, investment trusts, life insurance, non-life insurance sales, etc. |
| Representative Name | Takuwa Hirohiko |
| Year Established | 1914 |
| Address | 1438 Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-526-1351 (main) |
| Website | Tamashima Shinkin Bank Website |
