Creating a Future Together with Shareholders: SoftBank's Yearly Initiatives

SoftBank's Commitment to Shareholders

In a groundbreaking move towards fostering a shared future, SoftBank Group Corp. has opened its doors to individual shareholders by introducing innovative experiences that demystify the world of stock investment. As part of their initiative titled "Creating a Future Together with Shareholders," SoftBank conducted various events aimed at creating a deeper engagement and understanding among investors during the fiscal year 2025. This article highlights some of these new approaches and the feedback received from shareholders on their experiences.

Innovative Shareholder Events

In August 2025, SoftBank launched a dedicated website to promote stock investment. Dubbed "If You Invest in Stocks, Missing Out Is a Waste!", the site serves as a hub for introducing prospective investors to the benefits of investing in SoftBank shares. The initiative aimed to make stock investment not only accessible but also enjoyable for individual investors.

Haiku Contest: Bringing Fun to Stock Investment

A notable event within the year was the "Stock Investment Haiku Contest," which encouraged participants to share funny and relatable moments related to investing. This contest garnered numerous submissions, evaluated by renowned economist Mariko Mabuchi and other judges who selected the top ten haikus. These were subsequently showcased on the special website, along with a charming read-aloud video featuring popular voice actor Satoshi Hino, bringing laughter and community to the shareholders’ experience.

Shareholder Support Sessions

In December 2025, SoftBank initiated the "Shareholder Benefit Application Support Class," addressing concerns voiced by shareholders about the online application process for shareholder benefits. Conducted in various SoftBank shops nationwide, these sessions leveraged the experience gained from SoftBank's smartphone classes. They provided one-on-one assistance to shareholders, easing anxieties around digital applications and ensuring everyone felt confident in claiming their benefits.

Engaging Through Education and Fun

Fast forward to early 2026, SoftBank embarked on its fourth personal shareholder project: the "Turnip and Stocks Farm - Growing Together!" Under the guidance of investor Hiroto Kiriyama, this initiative aimed to intertwine agriculture with stock investment, allowing participants to witness the growth of turnips as they learn about investing.

The project created a fresh channel for communication by combining the visual progression of plants with investment learning, adding a tangible aspect to investment discussions. Regular updates were provided through a special website and official social media, making the experience engaging and visually appealing.

Technology Experience Tours

Due to shareholder interest in technology, SoftBank introduced the first-ever office tour in March 2026, showcasing their Executive Briefing Center - a space not usually open to the public. The tour provided a hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and next-gen infrastructural innovations. Participants expressed excitement about the rare opportunity to view technologies that could shape the future of telecommunications and reflected on how these innovations can address social issues.

Celebratory Events and Future Commitment

The culmination of these endeavors led to the "Turnip and Stocks Farm Appreciation Festival" in March, where attendees celebrated the journey of growing turnips together and deepened their connection. Investor Hiroto Kiriyama reflected on the progress made and shared his hopes for continued growth. A highlight of the festival was the launch of the "Growth-Promoting Turnip Ramen" created in collaboration with a renowned ramen shop in Osaka, further intertwining gastronomic experiences with the farming initiative.

SoftBank's commitment extends beyond simply engaging with shareholders; it seeks to create a community where investing is not merely transactional but a shared experience filled with learning and connectivity.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the fiscal year, SoftBank has proven that investing can be an enriching experience that extends beyond financial gain. Through innovative events such as the Haiku Contest, educational support classes, and farm initiatives, SoftBank is not just cultivating investments but nurturing relationships. As they continue to host unique experiences, SoftBank is ensuring that their journey with shareholders remains collaborative, educational, and fun for years to come.

The sentiment behind these initiatives can be summed up by the words of Motoko Yoshioka, Senior Administrative Director of Corporate Governance, who emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement and shared challenges among shareholders as vital to evolving together into the future.