Yutaro Koshiba, Executive Vice President and Director, Yokohama Bank

2026.05.02

"Do memorable work": How to build trust by not running away

■ Profile
Born January 21, 1967 in Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Graduated from Sophia University Faculty of Law in 1989 → Joined Yokohama Bank
2002: Shonandai Branch Manager
2010 Kiryu Branch Manager
2012 Mizoguchi Branch Manager
2015, Head of Loan Department
2017 Totsuka Branch Manager
2019 Executive Officer, Head of Western Region
2021: Senior Managing Executive Officer, Head of Sales Division
Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer (2022)
Director, Deputy President and Executive Officer (as of 2025)

Yokohama Bank, the largest regional bank in Japan, primarily based in Kanagawa Prefecture, boasts an overwhelming market share within the prefecture. "Because we don't sell products, people are paramount," says Yutaro Koshiba, Executive Vice President and Director, who is at the forefront of the bank's management. We spoke with him about the values he cherishes in building trust and the skills that will be required in the coming era.

During my university years, I spent my time on part-time jobs, band activities, and seminars. My most memorable experience was working as a building cleaner. It provided many opportunities to meet people I wouldn't normally interact with, and through these exchanges with people who held different values, I feel my perspective broadened significantly. These experiences formed the foundation for how I interact with people after entering the workforce. Furthermore, setting many small goals and persevering through them has also contributed to my success today.
During my job search, I was initially interested in department stores and the logistics industry. However, after looking at various companies, I became interested in banking and ultimately joined Yokohama Bank. The deciding factor was the "people." After interacting with many of the people who actually work there, I was drawn to their personalities and wanted to work with them. I was also very attracted to the fact that I could contribute to the community where I have lived for a long time, and that, because I handle money, I would have the opportunity to interact with business owners, something that is not often possible when you are young.

■ Building trust based on customer reputation and evaluation

The banking industry is not one that manufactures products; it's one that deals with money. That's why it's difficult to differentiate ourselves through the products themselves, and we believe that the most important thing is our people. At Yokohama Bank, we call our department the "Human Resources Department" rather than the "Personnel Department," and the idea of viewing people as our greatest asset has been deeply ingrained in our culture for many years.
What I value most as a salesperson is customer satisfaction and reputation. Yokohama Bank alone cannot sustain its success or performance in the long run. It is crucial to be valued by customers and chosen as a reward for that. Sometimes, I may disagree with customers, but if I truly believe it is in the best interest of their company, I will communicate that frankly. I strive to make decisions with a long-term relationship in mind, rather than just making quick fixes.
And I believe that what's important in building trust is facing difficult situations head-on with conviction, rather than running away. I often use the analogy of "leaving a tattoo" to illustrate this point. When things are going smoothly and calmly, it's hard to make an impression, but how you act in difficult situations leaves a strong impression. By facing such situations head-on without running away, you deepen trust, which in turn leads to positive evaluations and a good reputation.
While the ability to persevere on your own is important, you shouldn't be self-centered. Especially when difficulties arise, it's crucial to work collaboratively with others as a team. By leveraging the strengths of both the individual and the organization, we can provide even greater value.

■Handling money, which is second only to life itself in importance.

The banking industry is facing significant changes, including a declining population and the advancement of digitalization. The use of digital technology is essential for improving efficiency and convenience. However, not everything can be completed digitally. As AI develops, the importance of human judgment and relationship building will increase, and I believe the demand for human skills will grow even more.
In our hiring process, we prioritize whether we would want to work with the candidate. Beyond that, we look for both the ability to persevere independently and the willingness to cooperate with others. Banking deals with money, which for many people is second only to life itself. Understanding the weight of this responsibility and being able to face challenging situations without running away is crucial.
Furthermore, evaluation isn't solely determined by whether or not you have qualifications. The companies you work with have different histories and backgrounds, each with its own fluctuations in performance and the desire to fulfill a once-in-a-lifetime dream, so there isn't just one right answer. Experience alone doesn't guarantee success, but learning is certainly accumulated through the accumulation of experience. Having qualifications doesn't automatically mean you can do it. Even experiences that seem useless at first glance will all contribute to your future.
Since joining Yokohama Bank, I have always worked with the desire to contribute to the development of the local community. Many people still share this same aspiration, and our desire to revitalize the community remains unchanged. I believe it is important for the entire community to develop, not just for Yokohama Bank to grow alone. I believe that this accumulation of efforts will ultimately lead to the revitalization of Japan as a whole. Change and difficulties inevitably arise in every era. I believe that there are not always good times, and that difficulties are opportunities. I want to maintain my resolve and continue to work for the community and, ultimately, for Japan.

■Message to students

I encourage you to try things you can only do while you're a student. Once you enter the workforce, your free time will be limited. I hope you'll gain a variety of experiences, such as having fun, traveling abroad, and meeting many people through part-time jobs.
Of course, you will make mistakes. Mistakes are not wasted. In fact, making many mistakes while you are a student will be valuable for your future. Also, there will be times when you need help from others in various activities, and it is important to be grateful in those situations.
In fact, I've noticed that many people who consider themselves "lucky" are those who are grateful to those around them on a daily basis. Gratitude creates new connections, and the accumulation of these connections ultimately leads to a state of "good luck." I hope you will cultivate this awareness, gain many experiences, and grow as a person.

Student Newspaper Online, April 3, 2026 Interview with: Akari Yoshimatsu, 4th year student at Musashino University / Nina Ishikawa, 2nd year student at Sophia University

Reina Inomoto (1st year, Kyoto University of the Arts) / Mayuna Yoshimatsu (4th year, Musashino University) / Nina Ishikawa (2nd year, Sophia University)