Bank of the Ryukyus takes seriously its responsibility as a regional financial institution to foster the development of regional society. In this role, we participate in various local clean-ups and other events, support welfare activities, and undertake a broad range of other initiatives, including environmental protection efforts. As a charitable trust agent, we manage the Uruma Welfare Fund and the Chomei Genka Memorial Naha City Welfare Fund. These funds are donated to corporations and groups involved in social welfare initiatives.

The Ryugin Yuimaru Support Committee

The Ryugin Yuimaru Support Committee makes donations to support the welfare and environmental safety activities being undertaken locally. The fund is financed by donations from the Bank’s officers, with the Bank donating an equivalent amount. Established in 1993, this fund has aided 144 charities, donating a total of ¥91.8 million (as of May 2003).

* Yuimaru means “mutual assistance” in the Okinawan dialect.

Promoting the Small Kindness Campaign

In February 1986, we established the Small Kindness Campaign at our Okinawa Prefecture headquarters. In addition to presenting badges to persons who have carried out such activities, we undertake environmental preservation projects, such as the “Green Challenge,” with members of this organization, comprised of Bank employees, as well as the officers and employees of our group companies.

100 used PCs donated to young people

The Bank takes part in a program sponsored by IBM Japan, Ltd. and Microsoft Ltd to reuse PCs. The Bank donated 100 of its used PCs to the support program. Through this program, local companies with the necessary technological expertise refurbish the donated machines with the cooperation of IBM Japan and Microsoft, for use at welfare facilities, educational institutions and other nonprofit organizations.

Social contribution through the charitable trusts

(charitable trust agent operations)

As a charitable trust agent, we manage the Uruma Welfare Fund and the Chomei Genka Memorial Naha City Welfare Fund. These funds are donated to corporations and groups involved in social welfare initiatives.

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Uruma Welfare Fund

A total of ¥21.3 million has been donated to 49 charities

(as of July 1, 2003)

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Chomei Genka Memorial Naha City Welfare Fund

A total of ¥24.7 million has been donated to 45 charities

(as of July 1, 2003)

Sponsoring the Bingata Design Competition

Dedicated to promoting traditional Okinawan arts, supporting the development of artists and encouraging new expressions in Bingata design, the Bank hosts an annual color stencil dyeing contest called the Bingata Design Competition. Prize-winning exhibits are used to adorn the Bank’s calendars, passbooks and cash and credit cards, as well as to decorate promotional materials.

Ryugin Friendship Concerts

The Bank’s concert series aims to increase opportunities for music appreciation by disabled persons and the local community’s exposure to the arts. The Bank simultaneously seeks to revitalize artistic endeavors within the prefecture. In fiscal 2002, the Bank sponsored the Okinawan traditional play Amawari in Kimotaka, performed by junior and senior high school students at Yokatsu High School.

Bank of the Ryukyus Foundation for the Promotion of Internationalization

With the aim of contributing to the globalization of Okinawa, the Bank of the Ryukyus Foundation for the Promotion of Internationalization sponsored two seminars. The foundation sponsored overseas training for a tourist resort globalization seminar, as well as a bilingual (Japanese/English) seminar on the society and economy of Okinawa. The foundation’s initiatives include the publication of bilingual cross-cultural books, such as the Okinawa Tour Guide, Folktales of Okinawa, and Okinawa: Society & Economy. In addition to support for various cross-cultural exchange programs in Japan and overseas, the foundation has co-sponsored trips to Okinawa by Latin Americans of Japanese ancestry.

Volleyball Championship for Elementary School Students

In December 2002, the Bank sponsored the 25^th Ryugin Cup Okinawa Volleyball Championship for Elementary School Students. A total of 99 teams (74 girls’ teams and 25 boys’ teams) took part, with spirited competitions repeatedly seen at each tournament site. Other initiatives by the Bank to support sports within the prefecture include the Ryugin Ping Pong School.

Support for Local Events

The Bank supports local events such as the Naha Marathon, All-Japan Triathalon Miyakojima Tournament, Okinawa All-Island Eisa Festival, along with other corporate sponsors. Bank officers and employees also actively work as volunteers at local events both large and small.