Shizuoka Bank is strengthening regional economies while expanding abroad, blending local trust with global ambition to support innovation, sustainability, and growth across Japan and Asia.

Life at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester is as jolly as ever after 180 years, but the diverse degrees on offer reflect the challenges of 21st-century farming. Kate Green charts a history of seismic change for the industry and Mary Skipwith talks to students past and present

In Japan’s manufacturing heartland, the Bank of Nagoya is changing regional finance, supporting Aichi’s industrial base, driving sustainable growth and financing the shift towards a carbon-neutral, innovation-driven industry.

From Hokuriku Region and Japan’s northern heartlands, Hokuhoku Financial Group, with Hokuriku Bank and Hokkaido Bank at its core, is driving regional renewal by uniting finance, technology, and community to spark sustainable growth across borders and generations.

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture seeks to become the blueprint for Japan’s regional revitalization and restore hope for future generations, by promoting education, investment, innovation and its natural beauty.

As Japan confronts historic population decline, regional leaders and financial institutions are pioneering innovative strategies to drive economic renewal, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient national future.