SHIFT Collaborates with Yokohama Bank for Community Support Program

SHIFT and Yokohama Bank Collaboration

SHIFT, a leading company based in Minato, Tokyo, has made a significant move by collaborating with Yokohama Bank. This partnership involves providing artworks by their affiliated artist, Souta Shinmura, for the fifth installment of Yokohama Bank's "Action Program for Creating the Future—Calling for Organizations Supporting Children's Futures."

Overview and Background of the Initiative

Since its establishment, SHIFT has embraced the idea of human capital management, focusing on the growth potential of each employee irrespective of their background, including education, career, or disabilities. Starting its employment initiative for individuals with disabilities in 2015, SHIFT founded the Business Support Department in 2019, which aims to create opportunities for these employees.

The department runs an “Art Project,” supporting the artistic endeavors of employees with disabilities. In this initiative, several art pieces by Souta Shinmura will be used, alongside designs created by the department’s designers.

The Art Project's core mission is to foster diverse talents and create opportunities for all. Through this collaboration, SHIFT seeks to expand creativity within communities while supporting social initiatives.

About the Action Program

Yokohama Bank's "Action Program for Creating the Future—Calling for Organizations Supporting Children's Futures" primarily focuses on providing grants to NPOs working on social issues within Kanagawa Prefecture. The program specifically invites NPOs that support children facing difficulties, aligning with the SDGs and their goal for a sustainable society.

Promotional Designs

As part of this collaboration, SHIFT produced promotional flyers and digital signage designs that will be displayed across around 150 Yokohama Bank branches and 50 civic activity centers in Kanagawa Prefecture. The designs incorporate Souta Shinmura's artwork "Herringbone" as a background motif with cheerful representations of his pieces titled "Blue Heart," "Shoebill," "Cat," "Rabbit," and "Cabbage White Butterfly."

The promotional flyers and signage aim to communicate the spirit and intent of the program, making them visually inviting and approachable.

Contribution of Artworks

The artworks provided in this collaboration include:

- Herringbone and Blue Heart – Recognized by the Tokyo Autism Association at the Blue Art Contest.
- Works such as Shoebill, Cat, Rabbit, and Cabbage White Butterfly showcase Shinmura's artistic range and creativity.

Artist Profile: Souta Shinmura

Souta Shinmura is part of SHIFT's Business Support Department, creating heartfelt and vibrant collage art with masking tape. His achievements include:

- Honorable Mention at TOMIICHI Junior High School Sculpture Contest
- Participation in various exhibitions, including the "Art of the Rough Diamonds" show.
- Special Award at SHIFT's Challenged Art Exhibition 2021.
- Recognition at the Tokyo Autism Association's Blue Art Contest.

In his own words, “Creating art is a reflection of my life and I hope my pieces bring joy and warmth to everyone.”

Comments from Yokohama Bank's Director

Takuto Masaki from the Regional Strategy Division at Yokohama Bank expressed that this program aims to back organizations supporting children with difficulties, thereby nurturing the future of society. He highlighted how the newly designed promotional materials reflect a society that respects diversity, using Shinmura's art to illustrate this concept. The final output is bright and friendly, ensuring the message of the program resonates with the audience.

Inquiry for Artistic Collaborations

SHIFT also welcomes inquiries regarding their Art Project, including collaboration opportunities and creative design. Through their initiative, they aim to extend their support beyond internal growth to external community partnerships.

For collaborations and inquiries, please contact:

- SHIFT Business Support Department.

About SHIFT

Founded in September 2005, SHIFT specializes in quality assurance and testing services for various domains, from core systems in financial institutions to applications for e-commerce and gaming. Their mission aligns with creating a smarter society by addressing the diverse IT business challenges their clients face today.