Obihiro Shinkin Bank and Pharm Consulting Sign "AI Promotion Partnership Agreement"

Obihiro Shinkin Bank (Head Office: Obihiro City, Hokkaido; Chairman: Masamitsu Nakata) and Pharm Consulting Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Sapporo City, Hokkaido; President: Yusuke Miyai, hereinafter "Pharm Consulting") signed an "AI Promotion Partnership Agreement" on June 2, 2026, with the aim of promoting DX (Digital Transformation) in the region.

This partnership will combine Obihiro Shinkin Bank's strong customer base with Pharm Consulting's expertise in AI talent development and system construction. They will jointly provide "supportive guidance" to local client companies, offering comprehensive assistance from basic AI utilization education to practical implementation and system construction, thereby contributing to the economic revitalization of the Tokachi region and the improvement of productivity for local businesses.

"All for Tokachi" – Strengthening AI Utilization and Consulting Functions

Under its medium-term management plan "Connect & Create ~Connecting and Creating the Potential of Tokachi~," Obihiro Shinkin Bank has been broadly engaged in supporting the core businesses of regional companies, including financial support, subsidy utilization, business succession/M&A support, human resource matching, and sales channel development.

In recent years, advancements in AI and digital technologies have greatly expanded the possibilities for supporting regional companies in addressing challenges such as labor shortages and improving operational efficiency and labor saving.

In light of these environmental changes, the bank has entered into a partnership with Pharm Consulting, which excels in practical AI utilization and DX promotion, to further enhance its core business support and bolster the sustainable growth of local businesses through digital means.

Specific Support Details through AI Partnership

Through business matching based on this partnership, Pharm Consulting will comprehensively provide the following services to Obihiro Shinkin Bank's client companies. The support will not end with mere tool implementation but will continue until the company's know-how is firmly established.

- AI Talent Development and Retention (Reskilling & Hands-on Training)

For companies unsure where to start, "AI Reskilling Training" will be offered to learn AI from the basics. Furthermore, "AI Hands-on Training" will cultivate internal digital promotion leaders by allowing them to experience prompt creation and operational efficiency improvements using their own company's practical issues as case studies.

- Management Control & AI System Implementation and Custom Development

Support will be provided for the implementation of "uchite," a management control system that visualizes and streamlines operations. Custom AI system construction and development (including PoC and requirements definition) tailored to unique company challenges and existing systems will also be supported, driving business reform.

- Supportive Guidance (Consulting Contract) and Funding Support (Subsidies/Grants)

A monthly "Consulting Contract (AI Utilization Support, etc.)" will be offered to aim for continuous updates and internal adoption of AI utilization. Concurrently, "Subsidy Application Support" to alleviate the initial cost burden of DX promotion will be jointly conducted with Obihiro Shinkin Bank, providing support through both financial and systemic means.

Free Consultation for AI/DX Support

Businesses interested in learning more about the AI/DX support offered through this partnership are welcome to a free initial consultation. Those in the Tokachi region who hold an account with Obihiro Shinkin Bank and are interested in AI utilization, operational efficiency, or addressing labor shortages are encouraged to contact the Obihiro Shinkin Bank Regional Support Department first.

We would also appreciate it if you could contact us directly.

Company Overviews

Name: Obihiro Shinkin Bank Representative: Chairman Masamitsu Nakata Location: 7-2, Nishi 3-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido Business Activities: Provision of financial services based on the Shinkin Bank Act and other relevant laws, as well as management consulting for regional businesses. URL: https://www.shinkin.co.jp/obishin/

Name: Pharm Consulting Co., Ltd. Representative: President Yusuke Miyai Location: NRK Bldg. 4F, 4-15-2, Kita 15-jo Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Business Activities: Training and consulting related to AI promotion, AI system construction and development, subsidy application support, etc. URL: https://pharm-consulting.co.jp/

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Obihiro Shinkin Bank, Regional Support Department Contact: Hidanō, Hirama

TEL: 0155-21-5353 (Reception Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Email: consul@obihiro.shinkin.jp

Pharm Consulting Co., Ltd. Contact: Ito

TEL: 011-214-0193

Please contact us via the phone number above or the inquiry form on our website.