JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK to Create New Touchpoints with Communities in Virtual Space

JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK, which operates primarily in the Tokyo and Saitama areas, will exhibit for the first time at "Virtual Market 2026 Summer," one of the world's largest metaverse events, which has achieved four Guinness World RecordsTM and will be held from July 11 (Sat) to July 26 (Sun), 2026, hosted by HIKKY Co., Ltd.

At its booth, themed "Dreams and Money," the bank aims to create new customer touchpoints and expand brand recognition through content that allows visitors to learn about the bank's initiatives.

[Background of This Exhibition]

JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK has supported local businesses and individuals financially, and has walked alongside the community by supporting those who challenge themselves towards their dreams and goals. In recent years, as ways of connecting with people and the nature of communities change, the bank has been working to create new touchpoints that are not limited by its traditional business areas, including the internet branch newly opened this month.

Virtual Market is a place where many creators and challengers gather from around the world, giving birth to new expressions and activities. JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK decided to exhibit at this event with the desire to extend its "stance of supporting people's challenges and futures," which it has cherished in the community, to the new communities spreading in virtual space.

[Comment from Kōtarō Ōmae, Chairman of JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK]

Our bank has aimed to be a "regional platformer" that connects various aspirations and challenges of people, businesses, and regions, not limited to finance. In recent years, communication and experiences on the internet, such as social media, have become commonplace, and touchpoints between consumers and companies have become greatly diversified. In light of these environmental changes, our bank opened a non-face-to-face internet branch, "Ochanoma Branch," in June 2026, taking the first step towards creating new connections with people nationwide.

This exhibition at "Virtual Market 2026 Summer" is an initiative that extends from that. We view the metaverse as one of the "places" where vibrant communities thrive, similar to the real-world community. On this stage where creators gather from around the world, we want to create touchpoints with younger generations and those familiar with internet culture, and convey our stance as a "partner in realizing dreams." Moving forward, we will continue to support everyone's aspirations and challenges in their respective communities, whether in actual physical stores, online, or in the metaverse.

[Exhibition Details]

◆ Participatory Content to Visualize Participants' "Wants to Try" and Gather Diverse Ideas and Aspirations

At a vibrant booth that catches the eye from afar, inspired by JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK's symbol "cherry blossoms" and the "Kita Ward Fireworks Festival" (overall direction and special sponsorship), we will develop a content where visitors can grow a cherry tree featuring "How I'd use 1 million yen in VRChat!" which was solicited in advance.

Visitors can encourage the growth of the cherry tree by watering it with a watering can, and when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the collected ideas will appear in the space as cherry blossom tags.

This will create a space where diverse aspirations and uses, such as "I want to build the ultimate full-tracking environment," "I want to try world creation," and "I want to commission my favorite creator," are gathered, allowing participants to experience each other's ideas and challenges.

◆ Special Edition of "Shibusawa-kun FM" to Explore VTubers' Real Financial Situations

At the booth, in collaboration with JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK's internet radio station "Shibusawa-kun FM," we will broadcast a virtual market version of the popular program "Numattasan Zukan."

As a guest, we will welcome Hinomoto Mai, the official ambassador for Virtual Market, to delve into the "real financial situations" unique to the virtual domain, including initial investments in VTuber activities, equipment selection, costs for continuing creative activities, merchandise production, and fan support. Chairman Ōmae of JOHOKU SHINKIN BANK will also appear to discuss the challenges and sustainability of creators and independent activities. Through exploring how to deal with money behind creative and expressive activities, we aim to provide participants with an opportunity to think about their own aspirations and future possibilities.

◆ Receive a "3D Fan Model with Money-Scattering Gimmick" by Answering a Survey

By answering a survey at the booth, you will receive a 3D fan model with a bill pattern and a gimmick (function) that scatters bills when shaken. Please share your impressions of your experience at this booth and enjoy this 3D model.

[Virtual Market 2026 Summer Overview]

Name: Virtual Market 2026 Summer

Organizer: HIKKY Co., Ltd.

Period: July 11 (Sat) - July 26 (Sun), 2026 (16 days total)

Participation Fee: Free

Corporate Exhibition VRChat Venue: Parareal Akihabara / Parareal Broadway

VketReal Venue: Belle Salle Akihabara

Official Website: https://vket.com/

Official SNS:

X → https://x.com/Virtual_Market_

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/vketchannel

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/vket_official/

How to Visit: https://vket.com/access

You can visit the special world within VRChat using VR equipment and a Windows PC.

Admission is free 24 hours a day during the event period.

The official Vket Discord server provides real-time updates on the latest Virtual Market news and event information. Limited campaigns and advance information are also planned for the future! Please join us from the link below.

Vket Official Discord

[Notice Regarding Media Preview and Experience Session]

We will hold a preview and press event for Virtual Market 2026 Summer for members of the media. You will be able to experience and cover Virtual Market using VR equipment. We encourage you to participate.

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Period: July 8 (Wed) - July 10 (Fri), 2026

*Detailed date and time will be determined after inquiry.

Location: HIKKY Headquarters (Nearest Station: Ebisu Station)

How to Apply: Please apply through the form below.

https://forms.gle/Rs39uN58d6kLNe1j8

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