[Call for Participants] Waseda University Institute of Industrial Management Forum "History and Outlook of PR in Japan" January 19, 2026

The Waseda University Institute of Industrial Management will hold a forum titled "The History and Future of Public Relations (PR) in Japan" on Monday, January 19, 2026. The event is co-hosted by the Japan Public Relations Association, with cooperation from PR Consulting Dentsu Inc.

In Japan, PR is said to have begun when the GHQ introduced it after World War II. While PR signifies building long-term, positive relationships (relations) with the public (society), Japan lacked an appropriate translation term. Consequently, it has been widely misunderstood and used to mean things like publicity, advertising, or self-promotion.

This forum will present research and analysis on the differences in perception of PR between Japan and the West, review the history of PR's introduction and spread in Japan, and explore why it became misunderstood and widespread. It will also propose a vision for its future. Open not only to researchers but also to graduate and undergraduate students, as well as the general public, it aims to provide an opportunity to deepen the correct understanding of PR.

【Overview】
Date & Time: Monday, January 19, 2026, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Participation Fee: Free
Venue: Waseda University International Conference Hall, Ibuka Memorial Hall
1-20-14 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5286-1755
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM
Capacity: First 400 people ※Registration closes once capacity is reached
Target Audience: Researchers, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, General Public
Organizer: Waseda University Institute of Industrial Management
Co-hosted by: Japan Public Relations Association
Cooperation: PR Consulting Dentsu Inc.

■Forum detailshere

■RegistrationForm

【Program】

Opening Remarks
Kazue Shimamura (Professor, Waseda University School of Commerce) (5 min)

Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks by Kazuhiko Yago, Director of the Waseda University Institute of Industrial Management (Professor, Waseda University School of Commerce) (5 min)

Presentations (40 minutes each; 15 minutes for Presentation 1)
1. "The Current State and Challenges of PR in Japan"
Mr. Naoki Hayashi (Executive Director, Japan Public Relations Association)
2. "The Forgotten Origins of PR"
Professor Ha Kyung-jin (Associate Professor, Kokugakuin University)
3. "The Global History of PR: Interpreting Through 'Misunderstandings'"
Tomoki Kunieda (Associate Professor, Sophia University)
4. "Considering the Future of PR in Japan"
Mr. Osamu Iguchi (Executive Fellow, PR Consulting Dentsu Inc.)
5. Q&A with the Audience (30 min)

Closing Remarks (5 min)
Mr. Hiroaki Ishii (Associate Professor, Waseda University School of Commerce)