Public Relations Manager, APAC / Japan

Core Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Foster relationships with Tier 1 and local media outlets and partners across Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the broader APAC region.
• Contribute to marketing communications plans, encompassing strategy, goals, budget, and tactics.
• Develop a strategic media relations plan to secure high-profile placements in print, broadcast, and online media across Japanese- and English-language outlets, with additional coverage in regional games, fintech, and web3 events.
• Assist in coordinating all public relations activities, including event logistics and speaking opportunities at key regional games, fintech, and web3 events.
• Collaborate closely with the integrated marketing manager to create engaging content for audiences across traditional and new media platforms, with sensitivity to regional cultural norms and platform preferences (e.g., LINE, X/Twitter Japan, Naver).
• Utilize existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within the business, technology, and gaming industry media across the APAC region, including key Japanese outlets such as Famitsu, 4Gamer, Dengeki, and Game Watch.
• Manage media inquiries and interview requests.
• Craft content for press releases, bylined articles, and presentation scripts.
• Continually evaluate opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising within the region's gaming and entertainment ecosystem.
• Establish relationships with thought leaders, industry associations, and gaming ecosystem stakeholders to increase industry awareness across APAC.
• Keep abreast of industry trends affecting clients and the APAC gaming market, and make appropriate recommendations regarding the communication strategy surrounding them.
• Engage in content creation focusing on thought leadership, creativity, and maintaining a content bank of editorial ideas aligned with regional market plans.

Education/Experience

• BA/MA degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related discipline.
• 6-8 years of proven track record in strategizing and executing successful public relations campaigns at both domestic and international levels, with meaningful APAC market experience, including Japan.
• Strong networks with both local and international business and industry media outlets across the APAC region, including Japan. Relationships with content creators/influencers are an added advantage.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills – short form, long form, branded content, light ad copywriting.
• PR event planning and execution experience within the APAC region, particularly Japan and South Korea.
• Expertise in handling crisis communications.
• Prior work experience in the video game industry is a prerequisite, and fintech experience would be a bonus.
• Proficiency in localizing press releases for the Japanese market and an understanding of cultural nuances across the region.

Freedom to Act

• Ability to self-motivate, work independently across time zones, and contribute effectively within a globally distributed team environment.

Size and Complexity

• A proven track record of successfully managing a company's reputation and launching multiple products, while consistently projecting a positive, professional image of the organization across diverse APAC markets.

Interaction

• Willingness and ability to undertake special projects.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost level of professionalism.
• Excellent performance in cross-functional project teams and with external vendors.

External Relationships

• Understanding of the comprehensive range of skills required to manage customer-centric relationships with partners and regional gaming ecosystem stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

As the successful candidate will be working across the APAC region, knowledge and understanding of Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information is required.