#Japan #TUNAG #Ashikaga Bank #Utsunomiya #Stamen

Ashikaga Bank Implements TUNAG for Improved Employee Communication

Ashikaga Bank, with a history spanning 130 years and headquartered in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, has recently integrated the employee experience platform TUNAG. This step marks a significant shift towards digitalization in enhancing internal communication among its 4,000 employees across more than 150 branches. The implementation is aimed at overcoming previously existing communication gaps by fostering a more connected and engaging work environment.

Background of Implementation

Existing Challenges

Due to its extensive network and long-standing traditions, Ashikaga Bank faced several communication hurdles that needed addressing:

• - Information Fragmentation: The old intranet was cluttered, which hindered the efficient organization and dissemination of necessary information.
• - Overlooked Interdepartmental Dynamics: There was a lack of visibility regarding who was performing specific roles, making it difficult for successful initiatives from one branch to resonate throughout the organization.
• - Need to Move Beyond Conservative Culture: The traditional banking environment called for a more flexible communication platform that would allow information to be shared easily, even via personal devices, promoting inclusivity and dialogue.

Reasons for Choosing TUNAG

The bank has praised TUNAG for its unique offerings which include:
1. Continuous Opportunities for Learning: TUNAG delivers news feeds reminiscent of social media timelines, granting employees exposure to the latest news and internal developments effortlessly. This reduces barriers and ensures all staff are in sync with ongoing updates.
2. Simplicity and Extensibility: Unlike a conventional internal social network, TUNAG organizes crucial data and permits a gradual extension to cover areas like training and manuals. This flexibility adapts well to the bank's evolving operational needs.
3. Bank-Specific Security Compliance: Meeting strict compliance and security criteria, TUNAG allows for customized content while safeguarding sensitive information.
4. Dedicated Support System: A major factor in the decision was the ongoing support from TUNAG’s dedicated team, assisting in operations design, interdepartmental coordination, and ongoing user adoption.

Utilization of TUNAG

Starting from October 2025, Ashikaga Bank will deploy TUNAG to engage its employees strategically. The platform's application will facilitate:

• - Promotion of 130th Anniversary Projects: Sharing messages from management to reinforce employee buy-in and participation in anniversary activities through dedicated pages.
• - Introducing Employees and Branches: Using photos and videos to humanize the organization by helping employees learn about their new colleagues and the projects other branches are pursuing.
• - Sharing Training Videos and Knowledge: Utilizing multimedia for a softer approach to information sharing and accumulating valuable market insights.
• - Two-Way Communication Initiatives: Encouraging inter-branch recognition through functions like thank-you cards to foster positive interactions among all staff members.

Future Outlook

The partnership between Ashikaga Bank and TUNAG aims to further nurtures effective internal communication and digital transformation in information sharing. Initially, the focus will be on transitioning paper-based materials into digital formats to expedite information dissemination. The next phase includes gathering operational manuals, guiding documents, and training resources into a centralized hub, pushing forward the ‘Communication DX’ initiative. The aim is to support Ashikaga Bank in stimulating employee engagement and improving overall organizational communication.

Personnel Comments from Ashikaga Bank

The bank’s communication head, Takumi Abe, reflects on the need for a modern communication infrastructure that can broaden employee access to crucial information. This initiative is vital, given the 4000 employees' operational spread across the northern Kanto region. They have faced challenges with transparency and the effectiveness of directional communication from upper management to branch employees. The choice of TUNAG stemmed from its ability to deliver critical information across the organization while allowing for a two-way communication process that cultivates belonging and unity.

About TUNAG

TUNAG serves as a comprehensive platform aimed at bolstering organizational productivity and reducing turnover rates by enhancing internal communication and information-sharing practices. As of December 2025, TUNAG boasts around 1,300 corporate clients and over 1.5 million users. Unlike traditional engagement strategies reliant on surveys and diagnostics, TUNAG is focused on practical support, bridging organizational gaps with actionable solutions.

More about TUNAG’s services can be found at TUNAG Official Site, and prospective users can view implementation cases here.

About Stamen Inc.

Founded in 2016, Stamen encompasses the philosophy of delivering joy and spreading happiness to as many people as possible. Following steady growth, the firm went public in December 2020. Stamen’s portfolio includes TUNAG and various other tools focusing on HR Tech and IT asset management, exemplifying their commitment to organizational enhancement.