Entries are now being accepted for the “PR Awards 2026,” which recognizes the very best in public relations and PR activities.

The Public Relations Society of Japan (PRSJ) began accepting entries for the “PR Awards 2026” on Thursday, August 20.

The “PR Awards” broadly solicit practical examples of public relations that have driven business and society through co-creation with the community—going beyond initiatives by the public relations departments of general companies and organizations or PR firms—and, through a judging process, recognize and publicize outstanding activities representative of Japan. The awards aim to contribute to further qualitative improvements in Japan’s communication skills and the development of talent, while also promoting a deeper understanding of public relations.

Its predecessor, the “PR Activity Commendation,” began in 1961. After relaunching as the “PR Award Grand Prix” in 2001, it marked its 25th anniversary last year and was renamed the “PR Award.”

Regarding this year’s judging panel, Tomoko Tagami (Synaxia) has been appointed as Chair of the Judging Committee. The 10-member panel consists of public relations professionals, as well as academics and journalists. By evaluating the diverse range of entries from multiple perspectives, the award aims to recognize the very best in public relations and communications activities.

For entries submitted by September 15, the “Early Entry Program” reduces the entry fee to less than half the standard rate. The deadline for early entries is Tuesday, September 15; the final entry deadline is Tuesday, October 13, by 5:00 p.m. (must be received by this time).

■ Click here for award details and entry instructions

[Application Overview]
Organizer: Japan Public Relations Association
Supported by: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Japan Public Relations Society; Japan Public Relations Association
Eligibility Criteria: Entries must be practical examples of public relations that have driven change in business and society through co-creation with the community, not limited to communication activities implemented or participated in by companies or organizations. Activities must have yielded results within the most recent one-year period, regardless of when they began.
*Includes activities currently ongoing
* Projects that have been entered in the past may be resubmitted if they meet the above criteria
* Prior approval for the submission and permission to use materials (such as copyrighted works) must be obtained in advance from the project sponsor and related organizations
Entry Fee: Early Entry—12,000 yen (tax included) per entry (bank transfer fees not included)
　　　　　　Standard Entry: 25,000 yen (tax included) per entry (bank transfer fees not included)
Entry Deadline: Early Entry—Entries must be received by the end of the day on Tuesday, September 15
　　　　　　　　　Final Entry: Must be received by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13
Judging: First Round: Wednesday, November 11, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
　　　Final Judging: Tuesday, December 1, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: Tuesday, December 15, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (tentative)

■About the Public Relations Society of Japan
The Public Relations Society of Japan (PRSJ), a public interest incorporated association, was established in 1980 through the merger of the Japan PR Association (founded in 1964) and the PR Industry Association (established in 1974) to explore contemporary approaches to public relations and to promote public awareness and understanding of the field.Today, it is a professional public relations (PR) organization composed of individual members, including those from the public relations departments of general corporations and organizations, PR firms, advertising agencies, PR-related companies, and experts. It was certified as a public interest incorporated association in April 2012.Its main activities include educational programs such as “various training sessions” and “seminars”; networking events for members; distribution and publication of the email newsletter “Association News ‘Relations’” and “PR no Mikata” (formerly “PR Techo”);as well as the administration of the “PR Awards,” which recognize outstanding PR case studies; the “Person of the Year,” which honors exceptional PR professionals; and the “Citizen of the Year,” which honors individuals and organizations that have contributed to the broader development of society and local communities. Through these activities, the association promotes the dissemination and awareness of public relations, improves public relations and PR skills, and ensures the strict observance of ethical standards.