From 'No VISA' to Ministry Review: Kosen Alumni Detail 2.5-Year Grassroots Lobbying Success

On Monday, June 15, 2026, Shireru Inc. (Yokohama, Kanagawa; CEO: Mikan Yamada) hosted an online webinar titled 'Towards Degree Conferment for Kosen Graduates, MEXT to Consider: Turning the Pleas of Kosen Grads Facing VISA Issues into a Social Movement! A Closer Look at the Activities that Moved MEXT.'

The issue gained significant attention on June 7, 2026, when the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that 'MEXT to Consider Conferring Degrees on Kosen Graduates.' Behind this news were the Kosen alumni of the Human Network Kosen, who had been persistently raising their voices for about two and a half years. This webinar featured the movement's leaders, Mr. Shigemaru Nishiyama and Mr. Takaaki Takaaki, who, along with moderator Ms. Yamada, recounted the journey of how a single graduate's struggle transformed into a force that could move the nation.

The Spark: A Graduate Abroad Lacking a 'Degree Certificate'

The movement began with a problem faced by a Kosen alumna living abroad. When asked by a local government office if she had a 'Degree,' she assumed she did, only to discover she had no 'degree certificate.' She then realized for the first time that the 'Junguakushi (Associate)' awarded upon Kosen graduation is a 'title,' not an academic degree.

The first step of the movement was when the alumna presented this issue at a gathering of Kosen graduates, and Ms. Yamada wrote an article about it. This led to the formation of a chat group including Mr. Nishiyama and Mr. Takaaki, and they began their campaign advocating for the 'Associate' title to be changed to a degree.

Gathering Cases: A Search for 'N=1'

A search began for others with similar problems. Mr. Nishiyama, with experience in a foreign-affiliated company, had also been strictly questioned by HR about his degree status. The investigation uncovered cases of students unable to meet study abroad requirements and an alumnus who struggled with graduate school admission while seeking permanent residency in the U.S.

Mr. Nishiyama reached out, saying, 'I don't want future students to suffer as you did,' and secured their cooperation. These concrete case studies, published as articles, generated a significant response.

Furthermore, a survey of about 55 members of the Human Network Kosen revealed that approximately 20 had experienced degree-related issues, and half of the respondents (25) were unaware that the 'Associate' title was not a degree. The research also found that some Kosen colleges misleadingly stated on their official websites that a 'degree could be obtained.'

Consolidating Evidence: Reports and Academic Presentations

Based on the collected cases and data, the alumna who sparked the movement and Mr. Takaaki compiled a comprehensive report. They chose to publish it on a website rather than as an academic paper to reach a wider audience quickly. The report, which included comparisons with technical education systems abroad, streamlined information sharing and was used as briefing material for lawmakers.

Later, Mr. Takaaki presented at the annual conference of a Kosen academic society, and the content was published in its journal. It was also made available online, becoming a citable source for search engines and AI.

Moving the Media: A Nikkei Business Article Goes Viral

The turning point was a request for an interview from a Nikkei Business reporter. A feature article published in March 2026 and reposted online in April went viral on social media. Seizing this opportunity, they published additional articles. This, combined with questions raised in parliamentary committees around the same time, increased interest in the Kosen degree issue, leading to the milestone of MEXT's consideration.

Hopes for the Future of Kosen

Mr. Nishiyama spoke of a future where Kosen colleges share knowledge and students can move between campuses for a more flexible education. Mr. Takaaki expressed hope that Kosen would embody the spirit of bold challenges that are possible precisely because they are a 'minority.' Moderator Ms. Yamada concluded by expressing her desire to continue supporting the challenges of these graduates.