Craftbank Hosts Construction DX Forum for Financial Institutions in Miyagi
On March 13, 2026, Craftbank and AiHome co-hosted a forum for financial institutions in Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture. Attended by 103 participants, including representatives from five regional banks, the event focused on the future of construction industry DX and regional economies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 10:37 (5 min after Collected)
## 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.
FAQ
What is the purpose of this forum?
The purpose is to address challenges faced by the regional construction industry, such as IT talent shortages and lack of understanding of DX, by providing knowledge and strengthening collaboration with regional financial institutions to support management and DX initiatives.
What was the composition of the forum participants?
103 participants in total, including 58 representatives from five regional financial institutions: Akita Bank, Iwate Bank, Sendai Bank, Seventy-Seven Bank, and Toho Bank.
What topics were discussed?
Discussions and presentations covered 'Understanding the Current and Future State of the Construction Industry through Data', 'Business Succession x DX', and the importance of strategic partnerships in supporting the construction industry.
What role did CraftBank play?
CraftBank provided presentations and advice on the current state of the construction industry based on data, the potential of AI utilization, and a supportive framework for DX in construction.
What was the background for hosting this event?
The event was held to commemorate the 67th anniversary of aiHome, a pioneer in the home industry's DX, and to collaborate with CraftBank, which supports DX in the construction industry nationwide.