A Japanese bank is setting a new standard for ‘strong work ethic’ by having its employees sign a pledge to commit suicide if they are found involved in any financial irregularities. The executives of Shikoku Bank have made a dramatic commitment, signing an oath in blood to abstain from financial misconduct and agreeing to take their own lives if they are caught embezzling or misappropriating funds.
The unconventional pledge attracted significant attention when a popular account on X shared a screenshot from the Shikoku Bank’s website. The post highlighted the stark contrast in corporate governance between Japanese banks and American ones, where even significant financial fraud might result in only minor repercussions.
The pledge reads:
“Anyone employed by this bank who has stolen money or caused others to steal from the bank will pay for it with his or her own property and then commit suicide,” signed by the executives of Shikoku Bank.
According to the bank’s website, 23 employees, including President Miura, have blood-signed this commitment. “This pledge is part of a document signed and stamped in blood by all 23 employees… to ensure the proper handling of banknotes,” states the corporate information section of the website.
The website further clarifies that if financial irregularities are detected, the individual responsible is expected to compensate those affected before performing “seppuku”.
Seppuku, or hara-kiri, is a traditional Japanese ritual suicide historically used by samurai to restore honor.
Shikoku Bank portrays this pledge as a symbol of “ethics and a sense of responsibility,” not only in a professional capacity but also as members of society, and considers it a cherished legacy.
Social media reactions to this pledge were varied, with users expressing shock at the bank’s severe accountability measures. One X user humorously remarked, “Now it’s clear why they all have so much cash on their balance sheets.” Another drew parallels to historical times, saying, “This pact has some WW2 vibes.” A different user commented, “How delightfully medieval. The world needs more of this attitude.”