Strengthening Collaboration to Address Student Loan Issues in Japan

Active and Company, a Tokyo-based organization known for its student loan repayment support service “Student Loan Bank,” has announced an enhanced partnership with Kids Door, a certified non-profit organization focused on alleviating child poverty in Japan. This collaboration aims to effectively confront the pressing social issue of student loan debt, working together on initiatives that address educational disparities and mitigate the associated anxieties around loan repayment.

The Context of This Partnership

In recent years, a staggering 83.7% of high school graduates in Japan have pursued further education at universities or vocational schools. Of these students, around 55% rely on student loans to finance their education, leading to an average borrowing amount of 3.13 million yen and a repayment period of 15 years. For many young individuals, this creates a significant economic burden. This situation is particularly dire for children from economically disadvantaged families; while student loans present opportunities for further education, they also instill fears about future financial stability.

The “Student Loan Bank” is pioneering as Japan's first platform dedicated to supporting student loan repayments. By alleviating the repayment burden of these loans, the service fosters an encouraging environment for individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, switch careers, or embrace life changes such as marriage or childbirth. The aim is to create a sustainable cycle of education and employment. By partnering with Kids Door, which has a long-standing history of providing support to high school students and their parents, Active and Company is poised to expand its efforts in reducing the repayment stress associated with student loans. The ultimate goal is to create a society where more young people can pursue their education and careers with confidence.

Upcoming Collaborative Initiatives

Several initiatives are already planned as part of this new alliance:

1. Conferences and Workshops: Hosting symposiums to raise awareness about student loan issues.
2. Information Dissemination: Providing resources to high school students and their parents supported by Kids Door, thereby alleviating concerns related to loans.
3. Support Programs: Promoting donation and support programs directed at governmental bodies and corporate partners.
4. Resource Creation: Co-producing pamphlets and other materials to ease anxieties regarding student loans.
5. Research and Advocacy: Conducting surveys related to student loans and proposing policy recommendations based on the findings.
6. Educational Content: Producing and distributing video content aimed at increasing understanding of the student loan system.

For more information about the services provided by the “Student Loan Bank,” please visit their official website: Student Loan Bank.

About Kids Door

- Organization Name: Certified Non-Profit Organization Kids Door
- Location: 2-16-10, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Prime Urban Shinkawa, 2nd Floor
- Representative: Chairperson Yumiko Watanabe
- Established: October 2009
- Main Business: Support for children from impoverished families in Japan
- Website: Kids Door

About Active and Company

- Company Name: Active and Company Inc.
- Location: 3-8-11, Kudan Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Hiei Kudan Building, 5th Floor
- Representative: CEO Junya Ohno
- Established: January 5, 2006
- Capital: 99.98 million yen (with a capital reserve of 133.04 million yen)
- Main Business: Organizational revitalization consulting and cloud services
- Website: Active and Company