2014 Japan PR Grand Prize: Person of the Year and Citizen of the Year Winners Announced

The Japan Public Relations Association selects and honors recipients of the "Japan PR Grand Prize Person of the Year" and "Japan PR Grand Prize Citizen of the Year" to promote understanding of public relations and PR. The 2014 award winners have now been decided.

The "Japan PR Grand Prize Person of the Year" honors individuals who have contributed to the public interest or excelled in their respective fields from a PR perspective. This year's recipient is Mr. Koji Karai, Chairman of Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu), who gained attention for initiatives like the operation of the "Seven Stars in Kyushu" train.

The Japan PR Grand Prize "Citizen of the Year" honors individuals or groups (including NPOs) who have practiced innovative public relations activities over many years, contributed broadly to the development of society and their communities, and achieved commendable results. This year's recipient is the "NPO Association for the Preservation of the Tomioka Silk Mill," which has sustained activities instrumental in securing World Heritage designation.

"Japan PR Grand Prize Person of the Year" Winner: Koji Karai
Reason for Award: He advanced business restructuring based on bold management strategies, improving JR Kyushu's profitability. He created new attractions for rail travel, such as the Kyushu Shinkansen with its Japanese-inspired interior, distinctive sightseeing trains operating within Kyushu, and the operation of the luxury sleeper train "Seven Stars in Kyushu." He actively promoted Kyushu's appeal by leveraging the railway while also deepening close collaboration with the region. Furthermore, leveraging Kyushu's geographical proximity to East Asia, he has worked to attract overseas tourists, making a significant contribution to the revitalization of the entire Kyushu region.

《Japan PR Grand Prize "Citizen of the Year" Winner: NPO Tomioka Silk Mill Preservation Society》
Reason for Award: The "Association for the Preservation of the Tomioka Silk Mill" was founded in 1988, the year after operations ceased at the mill under its then-owner, Katakura Industries. Starting as a small study group of just a few people seeking to understand the value of the Tomioka Silk Mill, they learned of its exceptional historical and cultural significance as an industrial heritage site. They worked tirelessly to raise awareness, becoming the driving force behind its World Heritage designation.
Past recipients of the "Japan PR Grand Prize Person of the Year" and "Japan PR Grand Prize Citizen of the Year" awards can be found below.
" can be found below.

"Japan PR Grand Prize Person of the Year": http://www.prsj.or.jp/shiraberu/personcitizen/person
"Japan PR Grand Prize Citizen of the Year": http://www.prsj.or.jp/shiraberu/personcitizen/citizen