Gate Inc. Representative Misao Kunii Becomes First Female and Youngest Board Member in Sorachi Shinkin Bank's 101-Year History

Sorachi Shinkin Bank (Head Office: Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido; Chairman: Noriaki Kumao) and Misao Kunii (Representative Director of Gate Inc. and Representative Director of Femtech Hokkaido General Incorporated Association) announce that Misao Kunii was appointed as a part-time director at the 101st Ordinary General Meeting of Representatives held on June 19, 2026 (Fri), and assumed the position on the same date.

Kunii's appointment as a director is the first time a woman has held the position and she is the youngest in the bank's history since its founding in 1925. Moving forward, she will leverage her expertise in public relations, media, and business succession, as well as her perspective as a female business leader, to promote the appeal of regional companies and support their succession to the next generation from all angles.

Comment from Noriaki Kumao, Chairman of Sorachi Shinkin Bank

We are greatly encouraged to welcome Ms. Kunii as our bank's first female and youngest director.

We aim to be a financial institution that continues to be needed by the community for the next 100 years, by addressing the diverse challenges faced by regional companies, such as information dissemination and business succession.

Comment from Misao Kunii, Representative Director of Gate Inc.

I am deeply honored and humbled to be entrusted with the significant role of part-time director at Sorachi Shinkin Bank.

I will strive to contribute even in a small way to building a Shinkin bank that is needed and chosen by the community, by leveraging the public relations perspective and management experience I have cultivated, while staying close to regional companies and the people of the community.

About Sorachi Shinkin Bank

[Head Office Location] 3-jo Nishi 6-chome, 2-ban-chi 1, Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido

[Chairman] Noriaki Kumao

[Founded] January 6, 1925

[Number of Branches] 21

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in January 2025, the bank is working to solve regional issues towards the realization of a sustainable local community.

About New Director Misao Kunii

Former announcer for HTB Hokkaido Television Broadcasting. For 12 years, she served as an MC for information programs and a news anchor, covering various regions across Hokkaido.

She joined Gate Inc. in 2020 and took over the business in April 2022 to become Representative Director and President.

Aiming to be "the company that most effectively promotes Hokkaido's charm in the world," she supports the public relations and branding efforts of regional companies, municipalities, and organizations.

In September 2024, she established Femtech Hokkaido General Incorporated Association. As its Representative Director, she is also active in awareness campaigns and training to broaden understanding of women's health issues.

Media Inquiries and Inquiries Regarding This Press Release

Public Relations Contact: Yamada (080-1165-8563)

Gate Inc.

064-0824

2-8-502 Kita 4-jo Nishi 25-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

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