Makaira KK, a specialized public affairs firm, announces that its CEO, Ko Fujii, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Public Relations Network (hereinafter “IPRN”), an international PR network comprising 50 independent PR firms across more than 30 countries worldwide.

International Public Relations Network（IPRN）：https://iprn.com/

The Role of IPRN in Addressing Globalized Social Issues and Communication

In today’s world, where social issues like climate change, human rights, and economic inequality grow increasingly complex across borders, communication strategies with a global perspective and local execution capabilities grounded in a deep understanding of each country’s unique culture and social context have become more important than ever.

IPRN is one of the world’s largest independent PR agency networks, established in 1995. It comprises leading independent PR agencies worldwide, sharing their expertise and networks to support clients’ international activities.

Makaira joined as a PR agency in Japan in 2022 and has been leveraging the IPRN network to support changemakers both domestically and internationally.

Ko will now serve as a director of IPRN, contributing to the development of IPRN’s global strategy and strengthening its network. He will especially focus on enhancing collaboration within the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region and promoting international knowledge sharing centered on social transformation.

About Makaira CEO Ko Fujii

As a public affairs professional with strong focus on the tech sector, Ko’s expertise ranges from strategic global communications to local community engagement.

Prior to his current position, Ko was Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for Google in Japan, and before that, a public affairs consultant at FleishmanHillard Japan. Ko originally started his career at the Japanese government’s Science and Technology Agency, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), where he was mainly responsible for international policy.

Ko is a board member of Information and Communications Policy Forum (ICPF), Vice Chair of Toyama Prefecture’s Growth Strategy Committee, a board member of the International Public Relations Network (IPRN), and a Certified Public Relations Planner of the Public Relations Society of Japan. Ko was selected as “The Innovator 25 Asia-Pacific 2019” by the Holmes Report (PRvoke Media). In 2022, he was chosen as “30 Rule Makers in Japan” by Forbes JAPAN. Ko graduated from the University of Tokyo and holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, majoring in marketing, as well as public and nonprofit management.

Upon Appointment as IPRN Director: Comment by Ko Fujii

I am deeply honored to have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the esteemed IPRN. I look forward to contributing to the growth of IPRN, an international network of respected PR agencies worldwide.

Our mission is “Advocacy for Changemakers,” meaning we serve as partners for social change. For changemakers striving to improve society across borders, IPRN’s global network is a powerful driver. With my appointment to the Board of Directors, I will further strengthen our role as a hub connecting global trends to Japan and Japan’s outstanding initiatives to the world. Through dialogue with diverse individuals, I will dedicate myself to helping co-create a better society.