#Japan #Tokyo #Healthcare Professionals #SMS #Kurohon

Launch of Free Reference Books for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

In a significant initiative, SMS Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has announced that it will start offering its highly-regarded examination reference book, "Kokushi Kurohon," for free beginning June 23, 2026. With a total circulation of 230,000 copies, this comprehensive resource has been a staple for students aiming to qualify as healthcare professionals. By providing these vital materials at no cost, the company aims to support the academic efforts of students aspiring to enter the field of healthcare.

Background of the Initiative

With rising health awareness among the public, there is an increasing demand for healthcare professionals such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, and judo rehabilitation specialists. Employers in the field report challenges in sourcing qualified candidates due to this escalating demand. Compounding the issue, vocational schools are facing difficulty in attracting new students due to declining birth rates, resulting in insufficient enrollment. Additionally, not every student who enrolls completes the necessary qualifications. This situation presents significant challenges in producing enough qualified professionals to meet market needs. Therefore, enhancing the learning environment and providing support for national exam success have become critical priorities.

SMS Co., Ltd. has been delivering this integrated media platform, "Kokushi Kurohon," since 2017. The platform offers a variety of resources, including seminar videos, past examination questions, and information about educational institutions and job opportunities, aimed at assisting students on their path to becoming healthcare professionals. Additionally, since 2003, the publication has evolved into a prominent reference resource, thereby further helping students in their study efforts. The company also organizes job fairs specifically for the healthcare sector, supporting students from education to clinical practice and long-term career development.

Details of Free Offering

Starting June 23, 2026, SMS will provide free copies of the "Kokushi Kurohon" references, which were previously sold at 2,640 yen each. The following volumes will be included in this free offer:

• - Acupuncturist and Moxibustion Therapist (Volume 1)
• - Acupuncturist and Moxibustion Therapist (Volume 2)
• - Judo Rehabilitation Therapist (Volume 1)
• - Judo Rehabilitation Therapist (Volume 2)

This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on aspiring students and encourage their qualification by offering these texts for free.

Implementation Plan

Overview of Implementation:

• - Provided Materials: The Kokushi Kurohon (book versions) will be available for free, including the cost of shipping. The contents are subject to annual updates consistent with learning and examination ranges.
• - Distribution Methods: The company plans to provide the reference books through various channels, which may be subject to changes:

1. Learning Campaigns: Books will be distributed to participants who engage with specified tasks or challenges in an online setting during a learning campaign scheduled between late June and early July.
2. Online Seminars: Participants of the national exam preparation seminars hosted by Kokushi Kurohon will receive copies during the sessions planned for late July to early August and mid-November.
3. Job Fairs: Distribution will occur at job fairs (both online and in-person) scheduled in 12 cities across Japan starting May 2026 and continuing through 2027. An online job fair is set for September 2026. Participants can get more details at Job Fair URL.

The launch of this free offering will result in the cessation of sales and trade-ins for the previous editions of Kokushi Kurohon. Those currently owning earlier versions can request the latest materials through the aforementioned mechanisms. Importantly, the resale of Kokushi Kurohon books is strictly prohibited.

About Kokushi Kurohon

Kokushi Kurohon caters to students preparing for careers as judo rehabilitation specialists, acupuncturists, and masseurs, offering both reference books and a range of content linked to learning, skills development, and job placements. The platform actively supports job events tailored to the healthcare industry. For more information, please visit Kokushi Kurohon.

About SMS Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2003 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2011, SMS transitioned to the Prime Market in April 2022. The company is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the aging population by developing and managing services that address the needs of an aging society.

• - Company Name: SMS Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 2-11-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Masaki Takahata
• - Founded: April 2003
• - Capital: 2.555 billion yen (as of March 31, 2026)
• - Employees: Consolidated: 4,660; Standalone: 3,214 (as of March 31, 2026)
• - Services: The organization connects various stakeholders within healthcare, caregiving, disability welfare, healthcare, and senior living through a comprehensive information platform.
• - Company URL: SMS Co., Ltd. Website