FORVAL and Joetsu Shinkin Bank Establish Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement

FORVAL and Joetsu Shinkin Bank Join Forces for Regional Business Support

In a significant move towards enhancing regional economies, FORVAL, a consulting firm specializing in ESG management, has entered into a comprehensive collaboration agreement with Joetsu Shinkin Bank on March 30, 2026. This partnership is set against the backdrop of various local challenges faced by the region, such as a concentration of employment in major enterprises, chronic labor shortages in small to medium-sized businesses, and a general decrease in tourism. Given these pressing issues, the collaboration aims to bolster the management foundation of local enterprises and support sustainable growth through a comprehensive framework of digital transformation (DX) initiatives, management improvements, and personnel development.

Background and Purpose of the Agreement

The city of Joetsu has been grappling with several industrial and employment challenges, which include a skewed focus on manufacturing, a dwindling construction workforce, and a shrinking retail sector. The ongoing economic distress, exacerbated by the hollowing out of city centers and declining tourist numbers, necessitates a robust approach to support local businesses. FORVAL aims to directly address these issues in collaboration with Joetsu Shinkin Bank, promoting measures that enhance profitability and workforce conditions. This entails visualizing operational data, strategic vision development, mindset shifts, digitalization, and continuous improvements through impact assessments.

The integration of regional financial institutions and collaborative entities aims to cultivate local talent into ‘corporate doctors’ who can effectively support enterprises in overcoming challenges, thereby countering population decline and showcasing the agency's commitment to sustainable regional development through a consortium model.

Contents of the Collaboration Agreement

In this partnership, FORVAL and Joetsu Shinkin Bank will cooperate on several initiatives, which include:

1. Hosting Seminars and Study Groups: Organizing informational sessions to enhance local knowledge.
2. Engagement in Regional Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating on initiatives between local companies, governments, and academic institutions.
3. Training Programs for Corporate Doctors: Developing regional personnel who can serve as business advisors.
4. Statistical Information Sharing: Collaborating on data to understand and address local business challenges.
5. Client Introduction Programs: Facilitating connections between FORVAL and the bank’s clients.
6. Industry Improvement Measures: Implementing strategies towards profitability and employment improvements through operation analysis, vision strategy development, and digitalization efforts.
7. Support for the Consortium and City Initiatives: Promoting collaborations aligned with city goals.
8. Addressing Regional Business Issues: Working together to find solutions to persistent local business challenges.

Comments from Leadership

Joetsu Shinkin Bank’s Chairman, Mr. Naoharu Hama, expressed his honor in signing the agreement, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on tackling the region’s multifaceted issues. He acknowledged the significance of collaboration as a regional financial institution aiming for community prosperity and the development of small to medium-sized enterprises.

Conversely, FORVAL’s President, Mr. Masanori Nakajima, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting local economies. He indicated a strong belief in the partnership’s potential to implement programs for visualizing management data and enhancing digital capacity and personnel capabilities, thereby enabling local enterprises to achieve sustainable growth.

About FORVAL

Founded in 1980, FORVAL is at the forefront of providing consulting services focused on five key areas: information technology, overseas operations, environmental management, human resources and education, as well as entrepreneurship. The company, under the leadership of President Masanori Nakajima, possesses a capital of 4.155 billion yen and operates with the vision of contributing to a sustainable future for local areas through its F-Japan initiative. By fostering skilled human resources and promoting partnerships that invigorate regional economies, FORVAL aims to create a positive cycle for sustainable local development while addressing pressing ESG concerns.

The company’s headquarters is located at Aoyama Oval Building, 14th floor, 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. For further details, visit their official website.