[Hokkoku Bank] Digital Regional Currency Service 'Tochituka' Surpasses 100,000 Registered Users!

The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd. (President: Haruhiko Yonetani) is pleased to announce that its digital regional currency service, 'Tochituka,' which launched in April 2024, has surpassed 100,000 registered users.

Since its inception, Tochituka has been building a regional cashless payment infrastructure by continuously expanding its features, such as digitizing municipal point programs and utilizing 'Tochika,' Japan's first deposit-type stablecoin. It has now been adopted by supermarkets and drugstores with multiple locations across the prefecture, and its use for daily shopping is spreading across a wide range of generations.

Following the milestone of 50,000 users in February 2026, the service saw an accelerated growth rate, driven by high interest in the 'Ishikawa Living Support: Receive 7,000 Yen Total via Tochituka' campaign held in collaboration with Ishikawa Prefecture. As a result, the service reached 100,000 users just one year and 11 months after its launch.

Moving forward, we will continue to contribute to the circulation of the regional economy, the advancement of cashless payments, and the improvement of regional productivity through the digitization of administrative services by enhancing user experience and expanding our merchant network.

1. Tochituka Registered Users

Number of Tochituka registered users: 100,246 (as of March 26, 2026)

While digital regional currencies are often perceived as being for the younger generation, 'Tochituka' has gained traction among users in their 50s for daily shopping, thanks to the sense of security provided by a payment app offered by a financial institution and our efforts in providing in-person support through digital workshops. Recently, usage among female users in their 70s has also become prominent, indicating adoption across a broad range of generations.

Furthermore, by setting payment processing fees at one of the lowest levels internationally, we have created an environment that is easy for merchants to adopt. This has led to steady expansion in usage, with the service being adopted not only by local restaurants, bookstores, and department stores but also by supermarkets and drugstores with multiple locations within the prefecture.

For more information, please visit the official Tochituka website or the Tochituka app.

2. About 'Ishikawa Living Support: Receive 7,000 Yen Total via Tochituka'

With the goal of supporting the lives of residents affected by rising prices, as well as promoting regional cashless payments and local consumption, we are providing a total of 7,000 yen worth of benefits to Ishikawa Prefecture residents aged 15 and older.