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Interview with Founding Members of Kyodo News PR Wire

On October 15, 2026, Kyodo News PR Wire launched the third installment of its special interview series, commemorating the 25th anniversary of its premier press release distribution service, PR WIRE. This feature includes a compelling discussion between two of the founding members, Nobuo Oshika and Hidekazu Shibane, who share their experiences and insights regarding the service’s inception and operational principles.

The Genesis of PR WIRE

In the interview, Oshika and Shibane explored how PR WIRE transitioned from a mere concept to a viable business model. The duo drew inspiration from overseas press release distribution systems, noting the reliance on postal services and press clubs that characterized the Japanese market at the time. Their aim was to create a mechanism for companies to directly convey primary information to news organizations.

The fundamental principles discussed during their founding discussions include membership-based access, non-editing of press releases, and mandatory inclusion of contact information. Each principle, they explained, was rooted in the desire to establish a trustworthy service in the Japanese market.

The Challenge of Cultural Change

Oshika, who has extensive experience with the Kyodo News agency, noted that during his time in London, major UK media outlets consistently received information from dedicated press release agencies. This illustrated a systematic approach to information dissemination that he felt was lacking in Japan. After moving to Kyodo News in 1996, he encountered situations where foreign media questioned why Japanese companies rarely shared their own narratives, prompting him to recognize the need for a similar system in Japan.

Shibane acknowledged that their conversations transformed his perspective on the necessity of submitting information through a wire service to maintain transparency. He felt confident that Japan would eventually adopt this model.

Original Plans and Initial Resistance

Despite having a well-formulated business plan, collaboration between Kyodo News and Dentsu PR faced initial hesitation. Dentsu’s executive board dismissed the concept as premature. Confronted with this setback, Shibane proposed reframing their approach by focusing first on establishing overseas distribution partnerships. He emphasized the novel nature of Japan's electronic press release market when PR WIRE launched in September 2001, stating,

“We had to create the market from scratch.”

Both founders expressed belief in the strength of their initial design, citing the fundamental architecture of their business model as a key determinant for their continued success.

Principles of Press Release Distribution

In the latter part of the dialogue, the discussion shifted toward the service’s foundational principles:

• - Membership-Based Service: Press releases would only come from vetted corporate members to prevent misinformation and ensure responsibility, mirroring policies of Western wire services.
• - Non-Editing Policy: They agreed that press releases should retain their original intent as authored by the companies themselves, an approach essential to upholding integrity.
• - Mandatory Contact Information: To maintain clarity, it was critically important that all press releases included clear contact details of the issuing entity.

These operational guidelines continue to influence Kyodo News PR Wire’s functionality today.

Valuing Primary Information in the Age of AI

Amidst the rise of AI and social media, Shibane highlighted the increased importance of press releases as primary sources of information. He pointed out that in an era filled with misinformation, the value of authentic press releases has never been higher.

The conversation concluded with reflections on how these foundational principles should guide their vision for the next 25 years:

“We want to value the circle of trust, from companies to reliable wire services and then to trusted media.” — Hidekazu Shibane

Celebrating 25 Years of PR WIRE

The ongoing series explores the evolution of PR WIRE from multiple perspectives, including corporate communication and journalism. Previous interviews have featured notable individuals, including representatives from major corporations, creating an enriching dialogue about the past and future direction of press release distribution.

As the interview series continues, the commitment to professionalism and trust in corporate communication remains a vital focus for Kyodo News PR Wire.

About Kyodo News PR Wire

Kyodo News PR Wire, established in June 2001, provides innovative press release distribution services in both domestic and international markets. Under the leadership of President Yasuhiro Ihara, it operates out of Minato-ku, Tokyo, continuing to meet the evolving needs of corporate communications in Japan.

For more information, visit our official website: Kyodo News PR Wire