Hi, I’m Hiroaki Iwata. I’m a corporate PR and communications professional with 19+ years of experience specializing in media relations for global and technology-driven companies in Japan. I’ve built a track record of securing high-impact coverage in top business and tech outlets through strategic outreach, strong media relationships, and bilingual communications that align with global objectives. I’m highly self-motivated and capable of managing end-to-end PR activities in fast-paced, remote environments. I enjoy supporting international clients entering or expanding in Japan, coordinating cross-border teams, and shaping integrated PR strategies that resonate with both local and global audiences. My strength lies in navigating the Japanese media landscape and delivering consistent messaging across internal and external channels while driving employee engagement and brand visibility.

Hiroaki Iwata

Hi, I’m Hiroaki Iwata. I’m a corporate PR and communications professional with 19+ years of experience specializing in media relations for global and technology-driven companies in Japan. I’ve built a track record of securing high-impact coverage in top business and tech outlets through strategic outreach, strong media relationships, and bilingual communications that align with global objectives. I’m highly self-motivated and capable of managing end-to-end PR activities in fast-paced, remote environments. I enjoy supporting international clients entering or expanding in Japan, coordinating cross-border teams, and shaping integrated PR strategies that resonate with both local and global audiences. My strength lies in navigating the Japanese media landscape and delivering consistent messaging across internal and external channels while driving employee engagement and brand visibility.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Hiroaki Iwata. I’m a corporate PR and communications professional with 19+ years of experience specializing in media relations for global and technology-driven companies in Japan. I’ve built a track record of securing high-impact coverage in top business and tech outlets through strategic outreach, strong media relationships, and bilingual communications that align with global objectives. I’m highly self-motivated and capable of managing end-to-end PR activities in fast-paced, remote environments.

I enjoy supporting international clients entering or expanding in Japan, coordinating cross-border teams, and shaping integrated PR strategies that resonate with both local and global audiences. My strength lies in navigating the Japanese media landscape and delivering consistent messaging across internal and external channels while driving employee engagement and brand visibility.

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Language

Japanese
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Senior Account Executive (Lead PR for Japan market) at REDHILL Pte. Ltd.
April 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Singapore-based global PR agency with operations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Led PR for global technology and enterprise clients (including Nokia), driving media visibility in the Japan market. Managed content development, media relations, and coordination with overseas HQ teams. Secured consistent media coverage through strategic press releases and strong media relationships; organized media events and roundtable interviews; executed cross-border collaboration with HQ. Achievements include high-impact coverage for Emirates, Nokia, Expo 2025 Osaka initiatives, and Nokia Amplify Japan 2025 AI event.
In-house PR (Internal Communications) at Rakuten Total Solutions, Inc. (Rakuten Group)
November 1, 2019 - March 1, 2025
Rakuten Group company supporting internal operations. Led internal communications for large-scale organizations (2,000–3,000 employees), driving employee engagement and ensuring consistent corporate messaging across the Rakuten Group. Responsibilities included newsletters (Japanese/English), intranet updates, executive messaging, content management, and facilitating large-scale meetings to share best practices and recognize employees.
Public Relations (External Communications) /PR Lead at Thirdwave Co., Ltd.
April 1, 2016 - October 1, 2019
PC manufacturer and retailer. Led PR for consumer tech brands and retail businesses, independently managing PR for GRAMAS (lifestyle brand). Built media relations, distributed press releases, and supported product launches and brand campaigns. Shifted PR strategy from paid advertising to earned media, achieving approximately 40 media placements annually and notable coverage in major outlets.
Public Relations (External Communications) /Senior PR Specialist at Rains International Co., Ltd.
May 1, 2014 - March 1, 2016
Restaurant chain operator. Led PR for major brands (Gyu-Kaku, On-Yasai) with emphasis on media relations, TV promotion, and brand campaigns. Strengthened relationships with TV program producers, organized media events and tasting sessions, and expanded TV coverage significantly.
Public Relations (Film Publicity) /Chief Publicist at Kadokawa Media House, Inc. (Kadokawa Group)
October 1, 2008 - March 1, 2014
Advertising agency specializing in entertainment. Managed publicity campaigns for theatrical film releases, coordinating media relations, promotional strategy, and stakeholder collaboration. Secured extensive coverage across print, broadcast, and online platforms and contributed to promotional planning through production committee participation.
Video Division /Chief Publicist at Quaras Inc. (Fujisankei Group)
April 1, 2000 - September 1, 2008
Comprehensive advertising agency. Led end-to-end PR campaigns for theatrical film releases, coordinating with major distributors and media. Planned publicity events, built media relationships, and managed PR budgets to maximize ROI while delivering measurable outcomes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts) at Tokai University
April 1, 1995 - March 1, 2000

Qualifications

Associate PR Planner
January 1, 2020 - April 15, 2026
Japanese Test Level 2
January 1, 2017 - April 15, 2026
MOS PowerPoint2003
January 1, 2011 - April 15, 2026
Eiken Level 2
January 1, 1994 - April 15, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Telecommunications