Bank employees in Japan sign a 146-year-old “suicide pledge” to prevent theft

(Source)

Employees at a Shikoku bank in Japan have signed a declaration promising to “commit suicide” if found guilty of financial fraud. The pledgewhose origins date back to 1878, when bank was founded as the 37th National Bank, requires employees “make repayment using their own money or belongings and then commit suicide” if they steal the funds.

• Blood pact: Signed in blood by 23 employees, including the bank’s founding chairman, the company’s pledge reflects the strong emphasis on professional pride and honor in Japanese culture. “This artifact reflects (our founders’) ethics not only as bankers but as members of society and is the treasure of Shikoku Bank,” the website reads in Japanese.

• Historical context: Enable suicide consequently, it refers to the samurai tradition seppukuAND ritual suicide committed to preserve honor. While the bank continues to present this commitment as evidence of its commitment to ethical behavior, it is unlikely that the suicide clause will continue to be enforced. Bank Shikoku, now headquartered in Kochi Prefecture, has modernized its operations and communications regarding financial security. The promise remains a historical curiosity and a stark example of how far the bank’s founders were willing to go to ensure integrity.

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