Message from the Governor & CEO

My name is Fujii, and I have recently been appointed Governor & CEO of Japan Finance Corporation. I am humbled by the responsibility of this position, and while I am well aware of my modest abilities, I am determined to devote my utmost efforts to fulfilling this important duty. I sincerely ask for your guidance and support.

Roles and Mission of Japan Finance Corporation

Exercise of Safety Net Functions

Businesses continue to face a challenging operating environment due to the impact of natural disasters, rising prices, labor shortages, and other factors.
　Many businesses that utilized COVID-19 related loans are in the repayment phase. In response, JFC is implementing initiatives focused on business improvement and revitalization, including support measures aimed at easing the burden of repayment on existing debt.
　At present, in light of the situation in the Middle East, there are concerns over impacts such as rising prices for crude oil and petroleum-related products. In response, JFC is handling consultations on loans and repayments from affected businesses.
　The future outlook remains unclear, but JFC will continue to further strengthen collaboration with private financial institutions, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Societies of Commerce and Industry, and others, working with all supporting organizations to support businesses in order to smoothly carry out financing support.

Future Measures

With a strong awareness of its role as a policy-based financial institution, JFC will establish frameworks that can respond to any crisis, including natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, pandemics, and changes in the business environment due to economic circumstances, and consistently implement safety net functions in any situation.
　Additionally, we will perform our risk-taking functions and continue to focus our efforts on supporting business fields that need prioritized support, including start-ups and new businesses, business start-ups, productivity improvement, structural transformation of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, overseas expansion, social business, business succession, and business revitalization, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the local economy while supporting businesses that are willing to take on challenges.

(Support for business start-ups, start-ups, and new businesses)

JFC has actively supported business start-ups, start-ups, and new businesses through pioneering efforts in the area of start-up support. Some of these companies have later been listed on the stock exchange after having had transactions with JFC and have become leading forces in the Japanese economy. Start-ups are positively impacting society in terms of economic growth and job creation while also becoming the solution to new social issues. We will continue collaborating with private financial institutions, venture capital, universities, higher professional schools, and other organizations to provide financial support tailored to the diverse needs of businesses at each stage of growth, while organizing business matching and other events to support growth.

(Support for productivity improvement, etc.)

JFC provides support to businesses working on labor-saving measures, DX, digitalization, and other initiatives to improve productivity. JFC is also supporting businesses working to enhance human capital through environmental and energy measures, including GX, as well as wage increases and health management.
　In addition, JFC will provide proactive growth support, from both financial and informational perspectives, according to company size and growth ambitions, including support for businesses seeking dramatic growth through declaring a 10-billion-yen sales target.

(Support for structural transformation of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries)

In the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food industries, new initiatives are spreading, including the development of new varieties that respond to climate change, the introduction of smart agriculture technologies, and the development of large-scale production areas for exports. At the same time, the business outlook remains uncertain for many businesses due to persistently high production costs, worsening labor shortages, natural disasters, and other factors. In response to these changes in the business environment, JFC is committed to supporting the structural transformation of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries by providing financial support and assistance in developing sales channels.

(Support for business succession)

In Japan, business succession has become an urgent issue due to the aging of management personnel and other factors. To provide support for business succession in fields critical to local regions, we will enhance our information-collecting abilities and identify key needs-acting as a bridge linking local hopes to the next generation. We will also collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Societies of Commerce and Industry, and other relevant organizations in each region to conduct initiatives such as business matching.

(Cooperation with private financial institutions and relevant organizations)

Last year, the Financial Services Agency formulated the “Regional Financial Power Enhancement Plan,” and supporting organizations such as regional financial institutions are strongly expected to contribute to regional economies not only in financial areas but also in non-financial areas. JFC will promote the conclusion of “Memorandums on Business Cooperation in the Event of a Crisis” with private financial institutions, while also collaborating with relevant organizations to help resolve the challenges faced by local communities and businesses by organizing seminars and business meetings, as well as providing business matching support utilizing its nationwide network of 152 branches.

Going forward, JFC will continue to provide broad-ranging support so that businesses can view environmental changes as opportunities for growth and become a source of vitality for industry in each region. We sincerely hope for your further understanding and support in the future.