#Japan #Money Forward #Hakodate #Ricoh Japan #DX Development

Strategic Partnership to Enhance Digital Transformation in Hakodate

On November 28, 2025, three prominent companies—Money Forward, Ricoh Japan, and DIT—signed a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at promoting digital transformation (DX) in Hakodate's southern region of Hokkaido. This collaborative effort highlights the urgent need for digital solutions in the face of evolving business landscapes and challenges related to labor shortages.

Background of the Agreement

In recent years, rapid advancements in digital technologies and shifts in societal structures have underscored the necessity for increased productivity through digitalization. Companies are facing critical challenges that require innovative business models to tackle labor shortages and enhance the competitiveness of local industries. The situation is particularly concerning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the southern Hokkaido region, where a lack of specialized personnel and know-how has hindered the progress of digital transformation.

Considering these challenges, the three companies have united to promote DX across the region comprehensively.

Objectives of the Agreement

The primary goal of this partnership is to collaborate closely to promote DX initiatives within local municipalities and businesses in the Hakodate area. This partnership is intended to contribute to the sustainable development of the community by enhancing digital capabilities.

Areas of Cooperation

To achieve the shared objectives, the partnership will focus on several key areas:
1. Promoting DX initiatives for SMEs;
2. Supporting local employment opportunities;
3. Revitalizing the local economy;
4. Addressing other necessary matters to fulfill the agreement's goals.

Roles and Contributions of Each Partner

Each company will leverage its strengths to push forward the DX initiatives and enhance local employment opportunities:

• - Money Forward will provide its cloud-based back-office SaaS services, “Money Forward Cloud,” to accelerate DX in the region. The company aims to make its operational efficiency tools more accessible to local SMEs, supported by local talent acquisition in collaboration with Ricoh Japan and DIT.
• - Ricoh Japan, with its expertise in document digitalization and workflow improvements, will offer its image equipment and ICT-related products and solutions. They have a wealth of experience in addressing customer challenges and commit to supporting the DX journey of local businesses and municipalities.
• - DIT will focus on delivering localized support and consultation based on operational assessments. Their goal is to promote paperless operations and improve efficiency by providing tailored DX operational proposals and cost-effectiveness analysis, ultimately contributing to sustainable digitalization and job creation in the region.

The DX Promotion Model in Southern Hokkaido

The partnership model emphasizes region-specific proposals, especially for paperless and workflow improvement initiatives. By combining Ricoh Japan's proficiency in document management, DIT's strong presence in fostering local IT employment, and Money Forward's DX product offerings, this collaboration seeks to invigorate the DX landscape for SMEs in the southern region of Hokkaido.

Company Profiles

DIT (Digital Information Technology Corporation)

• - Market: TSE Prime (Stock Code: 3916)
• - Headquarters: 4-5-4 Hachobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: January 4, 2002
• - Capital: ¥4.53 billion (as of June 30, 2025)
• - Revenue: ¥24.15 billion (FY ending June 2025)
• - URL: DIT Group

Ricoh Japan

• - Headquarters: 3-8-2 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: May 1959
• - Capital: ¥2.5 billion
• - URL: Ricoh Japan

Money Forward

• - Headquarters: 3-1-21 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: May 2012
• - URL: Money Forward

This partnership represents a significant step toward enhancing the digital capabilities of local businesses in Hakodate, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.