Craftbank Hosts Construction DX Forum for Financial Institutions in Miyagi

Craftbank Co., Ltd. (HQ: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Eiji Han) and AiHome Co., Ltd. (HQ: Tomiya, Miyagi; President: Ken Ito) co-hosted a forum for financial institutions on March 13, 2026. A total of 103 people attended, including 58 representatives from five regional banks, to discuss construction industry DX and the future of regional economies.

## Background

The construction industry's management environment is changing rapidly due to advancements in AI and digital technology. However, there is growing concern that companies failing to adapt due to IT talent shortages or lack of DX understanding will be left behind.

The role of regional financial institutions is receiving renewed attention as they are expected to grasp business challenges and support corporate transitions through their long-standing trust with business owners. However, financial institutions themselves often lack sufficient understanding of construction industry practices and the latest DX trends.

To coincide with AiHome's 67th anniversary as a pioneer in housing industry DX, Craftbank, which has a track record of partnering with over 60 financial institutions, collaborated to organize this forum.

## Event Overview

- Date: Friday, March 13, 2026, 13:00–17:00
- Venue: AiHome Co., Ltd. Headquarters (Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture)
- Attendees: 103 total (58 from five regional banks: Akita Bank, Iwate Bank, Sendai Bank, 77 Bank, Toho Bank)

## Event Highlights

### Speakers
- Ken Ito, President, AiHome
- Eiji Han, President, Craftbank
- Kenji Takagi, Director, Craftbank Research Institute
- Hisato Uno, CMO, Craftbank (former Senior Managing Director, Shonai Bank)

### 1. The Present and Future of Construction Interpreted Through Data
Using the theme of "Regional Finance x Construction," the session analyzed data on the current state and challenges of regional construction firms. In Miyagi, despite declining housing starts and worker shortages, corporate lending for industrial investments and public works is increasing nationwide, highlighting the importance of bank-led matching and management support.

### 2. How Will Regional Economies Move?
Discussions centered on "Business Succession x DX" and the latest AI use cases. Drawing on AiHome's experience with business succession during the COVID-19 pandemic, the session illustrated that AI utilization represents both a crisis and an opportunity for the construction industry.

### 3. The Significance of Strategic Partnerships in Creating the Future of Regional Economies
The session addressed the current status and challenges of construction support by banks across Japan. It emphasized the importance of business improvement proposals based on a deep understanding of industry characteristics and practical management needs, rather than mere financial knowledge.

### 4. Networking and Exchange
Following the seminar, a tuna filleting show featuring a 67kg tuna from Shiogama, commemorating AiHome's 67th anniversary, fostered active networking among participants.