As a leading France-based photo editing software company prepared for its full-scale entry into the Japanese market, JAYID was responsible for developing and proposing its public relations strategy in Japan. While the company enjoys strong recognition and a solid user base globally, it had not previously established a dedicated PR function in Japan. As a result, its communications in the Japanese market were limited to short-term and fragmented initiatives. This meant that the product’s technical strengths and competitive advantages were not being fully conveyed, and the brand had yet to be positioned within the unique cultural and media context of Japan. Drawing on extensive experience supporting foreign and global companies entering the Japanese market, JAYID redesigned the core communication strategy, identifying story angles that genuinely resonate with Japanese journalists, creators, and users. Rather than focusing solely on product specifications or feature-driven messaging, JAYID proposed multiple strategic narratives based on key considerations, including: Why this product should be discussed in Japan now How it connects with Japan’s photography culture and creative community Which audiences need to understand its value, and at what level JAYID goes beyond localization, translating global brand value into locally meaningful narratives that resonate in Japan and support long-term brand building.

This year, I had the privilege of returning to Chiba University to deliver a lecture on global careers and entrepreneurship, marking my fifth consecutive year teaching at the institution. Under the theme of how individuals who will shape Japan’s future should make decisions in an increasingly uncertain world, I engaged with more than 300 students. Rather than focusing solely on success stories, the lecture intentionally included candid reflections on my own failures, detours, misjudgments, and moments of frustration. By sharing these experiences honestly, I sought to convey the weight and responsibility of choosing one’s own path in a life that only comes once. Special attention was given to female students, addressing the complex relationship between marriage, childbirth, and career. In a world without simple answers, I emphasized the importance of making these decisions deliberately, while also speaking frankly about the very real challenges of returning to a career after stepping away from it. As Japan inevitably becomes more deeply connected to the global community, the ability to adapt to change will no longer be optional. Looking only inward and prioritizing short-term stability risks narrowing one’s future choices. I encouraged students to broaden their perspectives early, design their careers with the world in mind, and actively shape their own possibilities in a global context.

The Saudi Arabian international summit FII PRIORITY ASIA was held over two days on November 30 and December 1, drawing a distinguished audience from Japan and around the world. From Japan, senior political leaders participated, alongside key figures from the financial sector, including the heads, CEOs, and chairpersons of Japan’s three major megabanks. From the business community, Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, also took the stage. More than 100 journalists from leading domestic and international media outlets attended the summit, which concluded to great acclaim and strong international attention. When media outreach first began, many Japanese media outlets responded candidly that they were unfamiliar with “FII.” However, through carefully structured media briefings, localized messaging tailored to the Japanese context, and clear communication of FII’s value through data-driven narratives and key thematic messages, the summit succeeded in generating significant media interest and engagement. As a result, FII PRIORITY ASIA achieved broad visibility in Japan, firmly establishing its presence as a high-level global platform connecting policy, finance, and innovation.

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) PRIORITY ASIA will take place in Japan for the very first time on November 30 and December 1, 2025. JAYID has been selected as the exclusive PR partner for this landmark event, leading the strategic communications for FII’s Japan debut — from media relations and localization consultancy to press materials translation, local content development, and journalist operations onsite. Established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – one of the world’s most influential sovereign wealth funds managing USD 1 trillion in assets – FII is globally recognized as a platform where transformative investment decisions are made, attracting heads of state, global CEOs, and top-tier investors from around the world. As FII’s presence in Japan continues to expand, JAYID will leverage its deep relationships with local media and stakeholders to build FII’s brand and amplify its impact within the Japanese market.

JAYID took charge of planning and operating an event that gathered media and executives, hosted by Kpler, a Brussels-headquartered company. Kpler, founded in 2014, is a company dealing with maritime big data and intelligence. Since its establishment, it has rapidly expanded its business and gained attention as a unicorn company. JAYID, in collaboration with the global PR agency Eat Creative, supported the planning and operation of this event at the Belgian Embassy from a public relations standpoint. JAYID provided comprehensive support, including overall planning tailored to the event's objectives and purpose, managing the entire process up to the event day, media selection, media outreach, negotiations with the embassy, developing media kits, and directing staff schedules. On the day of the event, JAYID's representative, Nanako Akiyoshi, served also as the MC, energizing the venue!