Transforming Local Government Communications Through Photography and Video Strategies

On August 4, 2026, NAVICUS, a Tokyo-based communication support company specializing in social media strategy, and PR TIMES, a respected name in public relations, will co-host a vital online seminar titled, “How Will Local Government Communications Change with Photos and Videos?” This interactive webinar is designed specifically for local government officials, focusing on the effective use of photos and videos across various communication platforms.

The Purpose of the Webinar

Local government communication relies heavily on visuals. Photographs and videos are not merely additional materials but crucial elements that can shape public understanding, encourage community engagement, and influence media coverage. Yet, how these visuals are utilized varies significantly from one medium to another, whether it be press releases, newsletters, or social media platforms.

In this seminar, attendees will learn about the distinct roles and functions of photographs and videos in various communications. It will emphasize the necessity of considering the target audience and the appropriate messaging strategy. By understanding what and how to convey these elements visually, municipalities can significantly improve their public relations efforts.

What Attendees Will Learn

Participants can expect to gain practical insights, including:

- Distinctions Between Visual Contents: Learn how to effectively choose photos and videos tailored to specific communication channels like newsletters, press releases, and social media.
- Focus on Purpose and Audience: Shift from selecting merely 'nice' visuals to those that fulfill the specific needs of their intended audience, thereby enhancing message clarity.
- Media-Focused Photography Skills: Gain understanding in creating compelling photo content that media professionals find useful for coverage.
- Real-World Case Studies: Hear from award-winning officials about successful strategies and techniques applied in local government communications.
- Practical Takeaways: Attendees will leave the seminar with actionable tips that they can implement immediately in their daily work.

Overview of the Webinar

- Date: August 4, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (JST)
- Format: Online (via Zoom)
- Cost: Free of charge
- Target Audience: Local government officials responsible for public relations, information dissemination, tourism, city promotion, and more.
- Co-organizers: NAVICUS and PR TIMES
- Registration Link: Register Here

Participants will also have the opportunity to pose questions in advance concerning photography, video, and newsletter production, ensuring a tailored experience.

Program Agenda

Opening Session (NAVICUS)

- Introductions and overview of why media-specific visual strategies are critical.

Session 1: Using Photos and Videos on Social Media (NAVICUS)

- Understand the significance of visual content in social media channels.
- Discuss the unique roles of different social media platforms.
- Key points on shooting and structuring photos for effective engagement.

Session 2: The Role of Photos in Press Releases (PR TIMES)

- How to create images that assist the media in their editorial decisions.
- Convey objective and newsworthy content through visual assets.
- Principles for producing easily usable images for media purposes.

Session 3: Case Studies from Itoman City (Uehara, Itoman City Office)

- Insights on the differences between pictures that attract attention versus those that convey messages.
- Building rapport with interview subjects to capture their natural expressions.
- Showcase of the award-winning works from the Local Government Communications Award 2025.

Q&A Session

- The speakers address questions submitted by participants, clarifying real-world applications, challenges, and strategies in local government communications.

Featured Speaker

Morita Uehara, from the Itoman City Office, will share valuable insights from their award-winning communication initiatives, focusing on the practical differences between engaging visuals and impactful photographs.

Naoyuki Takada, from PR TIMES, will provide expertise on how visuals contribute to creating newsworthy content.

Asumi Narita, from NAVICUS, will delve into strategies tailored for various social media outlets, leveraging their practical experiences from this rapidly evolving field.

About NAVICUS

NAVICUS excels in communication strategy design, helping companies and local governments in their quest to build strong community connections. With a background that spans consumer products, retail, and services, NAVICUS not only adapts to unique contexts but also embraces innovative practices that have garnered them well over 100 million followers across various platforms by May 2025. Recently, NAVICUS has joined PR TIMES to expand their influence in the communication field.

For more information about NAVICUS, visit their corporate site here.