Major banks are moving to downsize their branches, specializing in services with high demand. Of these, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation will convert 250 stores, or 60% of its total stores, to small-sized stores by fiscal 2025.
Mizuho Bank opened a small branch near Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo that only handles account opening procedures. As cashless payments and online banking become more popular, efforts are being made to reduce costs while retaining customers.. The bank's business hours are from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., making it easy to stop by on the way home.