Crosscat's Scholarship Repayment Support Program Reaches 200 Participants Amid Rising Prices and Interest Rates

Crosscat Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Mitsunori Yamané; hereinafter "Crosscat") announces that the number of participants in its 'Scholarship Repayment Support Program' has reached a cumulative total of 200, including new hires for April 2026.

With over half of students utilizing scholarships (※), creating a societal challenge that affects young people's future planning, Crosscat has continuously implemented its scholarship repayment support program. Approximately 40% of employees joining in 2026 are utilizing this program, establishing it as a key initiative to alleviate financial stress among young employees.

The program, implemented continuously since 2017, aims to create an environment where young employees can focus on career development with peace of mind—not by increasing income, but by reducing future burdens. Since its inception, the program has undergone multiple revisions and operational improvements. It also serves as a strategy that provides students with a sense of security during job hunting, influencing their motivation to apply, while enhancing employee engagement.

Recently, with more than half of students using scholarships (※), the burden of repayment has been increasing annually, expanding its impact on young people's future planning. This financial pressure, combined with rising interest rates and inflation, can create psychological burdens when considering life events such as marriage and childbirth.

(※) Japan Student Services Organization, "FY2022 Student Life Survey"

Employees who have actually used the program have shared feedback such as, "My financial anxiety has eased, allowing me to approach work and personal growth more positively." In recruitment, comments include, "I applied because I learned about the program," and "The feeling of being able to work in a secure environment was the deciding factor for joining." The program has also received positive evaluations from university officials, fostering understanding and trust in the company's social responsibility, contributing to constructive industry-academia relationships and stronger recruitment engagement.

Crosscat will continue to create an environment where each employee can confidently perform and thrive long-term, achieving sustainable business growth together with its employees.

■ About the 'Scholarship Repayment Support Program'

As the importance of talent, including IT engineers, continues to grow, Crosscat has, since its founding, placed 'people-first management' at the core of its corporate activities. Through ongoing dialogue between management and employees, it became evident that many young employees were beginning their professional lives burdened with substantial student loans. In response to this reality, and driven by the desire that 'financial concerns should not limit opportunities for challenge and growth,' and that 'employees should be able to envision long-term careers with peace of mind,' Crosscat launched the scholarship repayment support program.

【Program Overview】

Crosscat's scholarship repayment support program began in 2017 by providing a lump sum of up to ¥1.2 million in the first year of employment, with employees handling repayment procedures themselves. In FY2021, the program was enhanced with installment payments and an increased total support of up to ¥1.8 million. Since FY2022, the program has transitioned to the Japan Student Services Organization's direct repayment system, evolving into a more effective support mechanism that allows employees to work without worrying about repayment.

Eligibility: New graduate hires who have received loans from the Japan Student Services Organization or similar loan-type scholarship programs

Support Details: ¥30,000 per month for up to five years

Total Support: Up to ¥1.8 million

Disbursement Method: Utilizing JASSO's direct repayment system to reduce employees' administrative and tax burdens

■ Recent Initiatives for Creating a Supportive Work Environment

Crosscat actively enhances internal systems and workplace environments to enable each employee to perform at their best and continue working with confidence.

□ Initiatives to Enhance Work Flexibility and Productivity

By introducing interval rest periods between shifts, flexible working hours, and telework, the company ensures adequate rest while enabling flexible work arrangements.

□ Strengthening Talent Development and Career Support

Through revising promotion criteria to enable early advancement of young employees and expanding training programs that employees can choose independently, Crosscat supports self-directed career development.

□ Supporting Diverse Work Styles and Life Events

In addition to introducing side-job policies and casual office attire, the company has expanded its childcare short-hour work system to support work styles tailored to individual lifestyles.

・For more details on Crosscat's initiatives for a supportive work environment, please visit:

Our Work-Life Balance Initiatives (https://www.xcat.co.jp/en/sustainability/social/worklife.html)

■ Crosscat's Sustainability Initiatives

In June 2023, the Crosscat Group established its Sustainability Basic Policy, aiming to become an IT group that addresses social challenges by jointly solving customers' environmental issues through IT solution services. The company will further promote sustainability efforts by tackling social issues through its core business. (https://www.xcat.co.jp/en/sustainability.html) This initiative, supporting the growth and success of each employee, is positioned as part of these broader sustainability efforts. This program contributes to SDG 8: 'Decent Work and Economic Growth.'

■ Company Overview: Crosscat Co., Ltd.

An independent IT company supporting system development and operations for clients in critical social infrastructure sectors such as banking, credit, insurance, and government agencies. Leveraging strengths in system integration and BI (Business Intelligence) services, the company handles over 1,200 IT projects annually, including digital transformation initiatives.

Representative: President and CEO Mitsunori Yamané

Headquarters: 20F, Shinagawa Season Terrace, 1-2-70 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Founded: June 1973

Business Activities: System development, BI business, in-house product development and provision

Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market

URL: https://www.xcat.co.jp/