#Japan #Startup Support #PR TIMES #Kumamoto #Kumamoto City

Kumamoto City Partners with PR TIMES

On April 17, 2025, Kumamoto City celebrated a significant partnership with PR TIMES, a prominent press release distribution service based in Tokyo. This collaboration aims to bolster the public relations capabilities of local startups and businesses, enhancing the economic landscape of the city. With this agreement, PR TIMES establishes a footprint in Kumamoto for the first time, committing to assist regional businesses in their information dissemination efforts.

Enhancing Local Business Visibility

As part of the collaboration, PR TIMES will offer a complimentary program that allows local businesses and organizations supported by Kumamoto City to utilize their press release distribution services free of charge. Additionally, PR TIMES will host seminars focusing on public relations and effective press release strategies, enabling local businesses to harness the power of communication in promoting their initiatives. This strategic union aims to foster an ecosystem where startups can flourish and where businesses can thrive through heightened visibility.

Supporting Innovation and Startups

Kumamoto City has been proactive in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like Kumamoto City Pitch and KUMAMOTO STARTUP NIGHT. These events are designed to support startup promotion, helping budding entrepreneurs connect with potential investors and stakeholders. The XOSS POINT business support facility, which reopened on April 1, 2022, represents the city’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to innovation. With an emphasis on lasting economic growth, the partnership with PR TIMES is expected to further enhance these efforts by providing businesses with the tools and resources needed to communicate effectively.

In addition, initiatives targeting small and medium-sized enterprises in the region aim to tackle challenges such as succession planning. Events like KUMAMOTO Atotsugi Venture DAY 2024 will focus on identifying and nurturing successors and fostering digital transformation among local firms. Through workshops and mentoring from industry experts, Kumamoto aims to elevate productivity and innovation across sectors.

PR TIMES: A Catalyst for Growth

Established in 2005, PR TIMES has made significant strides, surpassing 100,000 registered companies by July 2024. This includes a diverse clientele ranging from startups to large corporations, as well as government agencies and individual entrepreneurs. The mission of PR TIMES, “Towards a time when information from active contributors stirs the hearts of people,” reflects their dedication to ensuring that positive, action-oriented narratives take center stage in public discourse.

Notably, among companies newly listed on the Tokyo Growth Market in 2024, 74.6% utilized PR TIMES, indicating strong trust and recognition of their services. With a majority of clients based in Tokyo, PR TIMES is now actively expanding its outreach to other regions, including Kumamoto. The partnership is a strategic move aimed at democratizing PR resources and ensuring companies across Japan can effectively share their stories.

A Promising Future Ahead

This collaboration with Kumamoto City underlines the city’s historical role as a major cultural and economic center in Kyushu since the establishment of Kumamoto Castle. The recent recovery from the Kumamoto earthquake and the investment influx from key industries such as semiconductor manufacturing have reinforced the city’s economic standing.

The partnership is not only about providing resources but also about building a sustainable ecosystem that encourages local entrepreneurs to thrive. Kumamoto City’s mayor, Kazushi Onishi, expressed excitement about the potential impact of this partnership in amplifying the voices of local businesses and enhancing their market presence.

Yamamoto Takuji, CEO of PR TIMES, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, emphasizing the shared vision for innovation and support for local enterprises. The upcoming events, workshops, and resources provided through this partnership aim to equip local businesses with the necessary skills and tools to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

In summary, the collaboration between Kumamoto City and PR TIMES stands as a vital initiative in promoting local businesses' growth and visibility, reaffirming the region's dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, they aspire to create a thriving community that not only supports existing industries but also fosters the emergence of new ventures in the vibrant fabric of Kumamoto’s economy.