Miyagi-based Housing Company Ai Home Co-hosts Construction DX Forum for Financial Institutions, Marking 67th Anniversary

Ai Home (Headquarters: Tomiya City, Miyagi Prefecture; President: Ken Ito) and Craft Bank (Headquarters: Chuo City, Tokyo; President: Eiji Han) co-hosted a forum for financial institutions on March 13, 2026. A total of 103 participants, including 58 representatives from five regional financial institutions, engaged in discussions regarding Construction DX and the future of the regional economy.

Background The business environment in the construction industry is rapidly changing due to advancements in AI and digital technology. However, there is growing concern that many firms are being left behind due to a shortage of IT personnel and a lack of understanding regarding DX.

In this context, the role of regional financial institutions has gained attention. Given their established trust with local business owners, they are expected to effectively identify management issues and support company adaptation. However, financial institutions themselves often lack a full understanding of the realities of the construction industry and the latest DX trends.

Marking its 67th anniversary in March 2026, Ai Home—a Miyagi-based housing firm—aimed to create a learning and networking opportunity for regional banks and construction firms. They partnered with Craft Bank, which has a proven track record of collaborating with over 60 regional financial institutions nationwide, to hold this forum.

Event Overview - Date: Friday, March 13, 2026, 13:00–17:00 - Venue: Ai Home HQ (1-31-6 Ooshimizu, Tomiya City, Miyagi Prefecture) - Participants: 103 total (58 representatives from 5 regional financial institutions: Akita Bank, Iwate Bank, Sendai Bank, 77 Bank, Toho Bank)

Event Highlights ### 1. Data-Driven Analysis of the Construction Industry Discussed themes such as declining housing starts and carpenter shortages in Miyagi versus rising factory investment and public works. The importance of bank-led matching and management support was highlighted.

### 2. Future Regional Potential from a Field Perspective Discussion focused on "Business Succession x DX" and AI application. Insights from Ai Home’s business succession experience during the pandemic emphasized that AI presents both a crisis and a major opportunity.

### 3. Significance of Strategic Partnerships Examined the current state of construction support by banks nationwide, emphasizing the necessity of proposing operational improvements based on deep understanding of industry characteristics.

### 4. Networking Session Cross-industry networking, featuring a tuna carving show, fostered deeper relationships between bank and business representatives.