#Japan #student loans #Chiba #Chiba Prefecture #Active and Company

Chiba-Based Regional Newspaper Ventures into Student Loan Repayment Support Recruitment

In a landmark move aiming to enhance support for job seekers, the Chiba-based Regional Newspaper Company has officially announced a strategic capital and business partnership with Active and Company (AAC). This collaboration focuses on launching a fresh business model known as the "Student Loan Repayment Support Recruitment Service".

A Unique Business Model to Tackle Student Loan Debts

Every week, the Regional Newspaper distributes approximately 1.74 million copies of its free paper, contributing to community engagement and providing dependable information to both businesses and residents in the Chiba and Ibaraki Prefectures. With this solid community presence, the new recruitment service targets job seekers burdened with student loan repayment obligations. Utilizing a trust-based framework called "Student Loan Bank", the service will assist individuals regardless of whether they are fresh graduates or experienced professionals.

Through this program, job seekers who find employment through the Regional Newspaper will receive monthly financial support of 10,000 yen for three years, totaling 360,000 yen to help ease their loan repayment. The source of this repayment support will come from a portion of the recruitment fees received from hiring companies, meaning that these companies will incur no additional financial burden.

Furthermore, leveraging its media channels and local networks, the Regional Newspaper expects to rapidly attract a large pool of job seekers and establish a competitive edge through a unique value proposition that combines rarity, inimitability, and robust organizational structure.

The Objectives Behind the Capital and Business Partnership

Active and Company is a comprehensive HR consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the vitality of individuals and organizations. They provide innovative solutions in the HR sector, including job evaluation systems, talent development programs, and the cloud-based HR management system "Saireco". Through the establishment of the "Student Loan Bank" service, which combines job placement support with loan repayment assistance, AAC aims to alleviate the repayment burdens faced by degree holders. By forming a partnership with AAC, the Regional Newspaper plans to actively enter the recruitment business leveraging the resources offered by the Student Loan Bank.

Previously, initiatives designed to support student loan repayments were limited to certain companies due to management complexities and costs. The introduction of the Student Loan Repayment Support Recruitment Service marks a significant advancement anticipated to gain widespread adoption. According to data from the Japan Student Services Organization, 55% of undergraduate students in the 2022 survey utilized student loans, with many facing repayment requirements. Given the current challenges of low wages and rising costs of living, the pressure of loan repayments often restricts personal milestones like marriage and starting a family, rendering this a pressing social issue.

In light of these societal challenges, the demand for such innovative services is immensely high, forecasted to witness future revenue growth. However, being a newly developed and revolutionary scheme places a significant emphasis on robust promotional activities to ensure wide acceptance and recognition.

Utilizing their media platform, which has a readership that closely aligns with the service's target audience, the Regional Newspaper is in an advantageous position to effectively communicate the importance and structure of this new service to potential job seekers and hiring companies.

Partnership Details

The capital and business partnership agreement established between the Regional Newspaper and AAC consists of the following aspects:

1. The Recruitment Service

The Student Loan Repayment Support Recruitment Service focuses on candidates who carry student loan obligations. If a candidate is successfully employed through the designated referral company, part of the recruitment fees received by the Regional Newspaper will be forwarded to the Japan Student Services Organization via the Student Loan Bank, sustaining the monthly repayment support of 10,000 yen for up to three years.

The service targets not only new graduates but also individuals seeking to switch careers. Job seekers can benefit from personalized consultations, resume editing, and interview preparations during their job search, with repayment support beginning after they complete their probation period at the new employment.

2. Capital Participation Details

To capitalize on this agreement, the Regional Newspaper will acquire 1,120 shares (2.2% of total issued shares) of AAC through a secondary transaction with the existing shareholder, Kibo Investment Limited Liability Partnership. The specifics of the transaction will remain confidential due to agreements in place, but the overall acquisition costs will remain minimal.
- Type of Shares: Common shares
- Acquisition Method: Transfer from an existing shareholder (secondary transaction)
- Number of Shares Acquired: 1,120 shares (2.2% of total shares)
- Anticipated Acquisition Date: October 16, 2025

3. Timeline

- Board Resolution Date: October 10, 2025
- Contract Signing Date: October 10, 2025
- Business Launch Date: October 16, 2025 (Expected)

Company Overview

• - Name: Chiba Regional Newspaper Company
• - Address: 5F VH Katsutadai Building, 1-11-16 Katsutadai Kita, Yachiyo City, Chiba, 276-0020
• - CEO: Katsutoshi Hosoya
• - Established: August 28, 1984
• - Website: chiikinews.co.jp

For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact:
Corporate Communication Department, Shogo Igarashi
Phone: 047-485-1107
Email: [email protected]

This innovative venture demonstrates the commitment of the Regional Newspaper to create potent support systems for job seekers hampered by student loan debt, paving the way for enhanced employment outcomes and financial stability.