The bank’s strange policy: staff signs an oath in blood that they will “commit suicide” if they steal Trends

A Japanese bank is redefining a “strong work ethic” after employees signed a pledge to “commit suicide” if found involved in any financial irregularities. The management of Shikoku Bank signed an oath in blood, promising not to commit any financial misconduct and to commit suicide if caught embezzling or misappropriating funds in any way.

The unusual donation gained wider attention after popular account X shared a screenshot of the bank’s website on social media. Account X compared corporate governance Japanese banks vs American banks, where even large-scale financial frauds can only benefit from bills.

Promise

“Any employee of this bank who stole money or caused theft from the bank will pay for it with his own wealth and then commit suicide,” reads the pledge signed by the management of Shikoku Bank.

According to the bank’s website, 23 employees they signed the oath in blood. “This undertaking is part of a document signed and sealed in blood by all 23 employees, including President Miura, of the 37th National Bank, the predecessor of the Bank of Shikoku, to ensure the proper handling of banknotes,” the corporate information website reads.

The website explains that if irregularities are found in financial transactions, the accused will refund the injured customers and then commit “seppuku”.

Seppuku, also called hara-kiri, is a form of ritual suicide originating from Japan. In the past this was practiced by samurai as a way to maintain honor.

According to the bank, the pledge highlights “ethics and a sense of responsibility not only as a bank employee but also as a member of society and is passed on as the treasure of Shikoku Bank.”

However, people who saw the pledge on social media were taken aback by the bank’s extreme expectations for accountability.

“Now it’s clear why everyone has so much cash on their balance sheets,” one X user joked. “This pact has a World War II vibe,” said another.

“How charmingly medieval. The world needs more of this approach,” wrote one user.