Partnership with Tajima Shinkin Bank Launches 'Succession Bank' in Himeji and Fukuchiyama: Providing a Free Regional Business Succession Platform

Cocohole Japan Inc. (CEO: Katsutoshi Asai, Location: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture), which operates the 'Nihon Keigyo Bank' (https://keigyo.jp/)—a business succession version of an 'empty house bank' that solves succession issues for regional industries often overlooked by M&A—has announced a new partnership. With the sponsorship of Tajima Shinkin Bank (Chairman: Hirotaka Morigaki, Location: Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture), they will provide two free posting slots each for the Himeji City Succession Bank (https://keigyo.jp/_city/himeji-hyogo/) and the Fukuchiyama City Succession Bank (https://keigyo.jp/_city/fukuchiyama-kyoto/). On February 3, 2026, Nihon Keigyo Bank expanded to all 1,741 municipalities nationwide by introducing a 'private sector version.' This version allows business owners to recruit successors by covering posting costs even in areas where local governments have not adopted the system. Tajima Shinkin Bank, which has previously collaborated with Nihon Keigyo Bank through the operation of the Toyooka City Succession Bank, has become the first sponsorship partner for this private sector version. This initiative creates free slots for businesses in Himeji and Fukuchiyama to recruit successors. Background: As the shortage of successors for SMEs becomes critical nationwide, the private sector version was introduced to enable succession consultations everywhere. However, costs remain a barrier for many. Tajima Shinkin Bank’s sponsorship provides a new mechanism to support regional industry succession from a financial perspective. Overview: Starting April 1, 2026, applications for free slots will open. Conditions include having an office in the city and passing a screening by Tajima Shinkin Bank. Support includes free posting, article creation assistance, succession process support, and nationwide promotion.