Charichari and Kumamoto Bank Join Forces to Expand Bike Share Ports in Kumamoto

Charichari Expands Bike Sharing Services in Kumamoto

Charichari, a leading bike-sharing service operational since February 2018 in Fukuoka, is collaborating with Kumamoto Bank to enhance urban mobility in the Kumamoto area. The initiative was strategically developed to address one of the pressing issues in the region: traffic congestion. As of September 2025, six new bike-sharing ports will be established, including at the central branch of Kumamoto Bank among others.

Beginning in Fukuoka, Charichari has rapidly expanded its services across nine cities in Japan, achieving more than 36 million rides in total. In Kumamoto City, since the service launched at the end of April 2022, over 2,000 bicycles and more than 500 bike ports have become available, leading to more than 2.5 million rides. The service has established itself as a reliable mode of transport in the region, and its expansion continues with plans to connect Kumamoto City to Kikyū Town on September 16, 2025.

Collaboration with Kumamoto Bank

Charichari approached Kumamoto Bank with the idea of collaborating on the installation of bike-sharing ports, aiming to boost regional mobility and tackle local transportation challenges. In February 2023, the first port was established at the former location of Kumamoto Bank's central branch. The partnership aligns with the “Kumamoto Prefecture Traffic Congestion Countermeasure Partnership System,” which encourages private and public sectors to work together against traffic congestion through teleworking and increased use of public transport.

The new installation of bike ports at vital locations will improve transportation convenience for local residents and customers visiting the bank, promoting the use of bike-sharing as a daily commuting solution.

Charichari will continue to join forces with Kumamoto Bank to resolve social issues facing the community and strive towards sustainable local transportation solutions.

Future Locations of Bike Ports

The following locations will have bike-sharing ports established starting in September 2025:

- Kumamoto Bank Central Branch
- Kumamoto Bank Takuma Branch
- Kumamoto Bank Tazaki Branch
- Kumamoto Bank Yatakubo (ATM location)
- Kumamoto Bank Soko University Branch
- Kumamoto Bank Higashi-Takuma Branch

About Charichari

Charichari operates a simple and user-friendly bike-sharing service via a smartphone app that unlocks bright red bicycles. The pricing starts at 7 yen per minute for basic bicycles and 17 yen for electric bikes, designed for easy accessibility at any time.

Launched in 2018, the service is now available in various cities, including Kumamoto, with a goal of promoting daily short-distance travel with a flexible pricing model adaptable for users. Customers can also purchase original bike helmets from the official online store, featuring safe designs certified by product safety regulations, conveniently packed for easy transport.

To learn more about Charichari, visit their official website and social media accounts:

Charichari is also seeking port owners for unutilized spaces such as parking lots or storefronts. With installations possible for spaces accommodating just five bicycles, it’s an opportunity for businesses to add value to their properties while contributing to a sustainable transport network.