SMS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masaki Takahata; Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market; hereinafter "the Company"), operator of Kurohon.jp—the comprehensive media platform for aspiring therapists—announces the free distribution of its exam preparation guide, 'Kokushi Kurohon', starting Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Previously sold commercially with cumulative sales of 230,000 copies, this move aims to place the guide into the hands of more students and contribute to the development of qualified therapists.

Background and Implementation Details

With rising health awareness, demand for 'therapists'—practitioners of anma, acupuncture, moxibustion, and judo orthopedics who provide musculoskeletal care—is increasing. Partner hiring companies have reported difficulties in securing talent due to growing demand. However, despite rising demand, training schools face challenges such as enrollment shortfalls due to declining birthrates (※1), students requiring financial support, and a plateau in the number of students successfully obtaining national qualifications. To increase the number of therapists, it is essential to improve learning environments and strengthen support for passing national exams.

Since 2017, the Company has operated 'Kokushi Kurohon' as a comprehensive media platform for aspiring therapists. The website supports users through seminar videos, past exam questions, school introductions, and job listings. Since 2003, the Company has published the 'Kokushi Kurohon' exam guide, now totaling 230,000 cumulative copies (※2), supporting students' studies. Additionally, the Company hosts job fairs specialized for the therapy industry, supporting students from learning through to clinical practice and career development.

Starting June 23, 2026, the Company will offer the following exam guides—previously sold at 2,640 yen (tax included) each—for free: 'Kokushi Kurohon: Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Anma Massage Therapist Edition (Vol. 1)', 'Vol. 2', 'Judo Orthopedic Therapist Edition (Vol. 1)', and 'Vol. 2'. By eliminating costs, the Company aims to reduce financial burdens on aspiring therapists and further support their qualification success.

Moving forward, the Company will continue supporting students from education through employment and career development, contributing to therapist talent cultivation and extending healthy life expectancy.

≪Implementation Details≫

・Content: Free distribution of 'Kokushi Kurohon' (book editions: Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Anma Massage Therapist Vols. 1 & 2; Judo Orthopedic Therapist Vols. 1 & 2), including both books and shipping fees.

Content will be updated annually to align with curriculum and exam scope.

・Distribution Methods (subject to change):

① Learning Campaigns: Distributed to participants who complete designated online tasks or problems.

- Campaigns scheduled from late June to early July.

② Online Seminars: Distributed to participants of Kurohon-hosted national exam prep seminars.

- Seminars scheduled for late July to early August and mid-November.

③ Job Fairs: Distributed to participants of in-person and online job fairs.

- In-person fairs to be held in 12 cities nationwide starting May 2026 (16 events planned by March 2027).

- Online job fair scheduled for September 2026.

- Job fair URL: https://kurohon.jp/gakusei/event

With the start of free distribution, sales and trade-ins of 'Kokushi Kurohon' will be discontinued. Those who own previous editions and wish to obtain the latest version must receive it through one of the above methods. Resale of 'Kokushi Kurohon' is strictly prohibited.

※1: Based on survey results from the Japan Society of Judo Therapists (https://www.judo-seifuku.or.jp/info/20250919/1237/) and the Japan Association of Oriental Medicine Schools (https://www.toyoryoho.or.jp/news/index.php?mode=show&seq=834), pp.60-65.

※2: As of end of August 2025.

【About 'Kokushi Kurohon'】

A comprehensive media platform providing exam guides and learning, technical, and career content for aspiring Judo Orthopedic Therapists, Acupuncturists, Moxibustion Therapists, and Anma Massage Therapists. Also hosts job events.

URL: https://kurohon.jp/

【About SMS Co., Ltd.】

Founded in 2003, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2011, and moved to the Prime Market in April 2022. The Company's mission is to 'build information infrastructure suited for an aging society to improve quality of life and contribute to society.' It develops and operates services at the intersection of 'an aging society and information.'

Company Name: SMS Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Sumitomo Fudosan Shiba Koen Tower, 2-11-1 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Representative: President and CEO Masaki Takahata

Founded: April 2003

Capital: 2.55172 billion JPY (as of March 31, 2026)

Employees: 4,660 (consolidated), 3,214 (individual) (as of March 31, 2026)

Business: Builds information infrastructure platforms connecting end users, professionals, and businesses in areas critical to aging societies—healthcare, nursing care, disability welfare, and senior lifestyles.

URL: https://www.bm-sms.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン