Years of Experience: 5+ years
Department: Marketing
Employment type: Full time employee
Reports to: General Manager
Location: Kamiyacho, Tokyo
To apply, please submit your submit your CV and cover letter to Chris Ishikawa at chris@tokyogendai.com .
The Communications Manager leads the fair’s public relations communications, working across organic and paid media placements, media partnerships, and influencer/KOL engagements. This role ensures consistent messaging, strategic press coverage, and effective coordination between Japan-based and international PR teams. It is ideal for an experienced communications professional who can operate independently, manage multiple stakeholders, and deliver high-impact results.
PR Strategy Localisation & Execution
Localise, coordinate, and execute the international PR team’s annual strategy that aligns with the fair’s positioning and key storytelling priorities.
Draft, create, and refine press releases, media pitches, media kits and Q&A sheets, and other outgoing communications.
Identify press angles, trends, and narrative opportunities to enhance visibility across art, culture, and lifestyle media.
Manage an external Japanese PR agency handling press trips and press enquiries, and oversee coordination of interviews, statements, and media responses.
Manage sign-offs and approvals for press releases.
Cultivate year-round media relations and presence to maintain awareness.
PR Team Coordination
Act as the central liaison between the international PR team and the Japanese PR agency to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated rollout timelines.
Oversee deliverables, cross-team communication, and alignment on campaigns, press releases, and media alerts.
Ensure all parties have up-to-date materials, messaging, and schedules.
Media Buys and Media Partnerships
Plan and manage domestic and international media buys based on budget, audience, and performance metrics.
Evaluate proposals, negotiate rates, and oversee asset delivery and placement schedules.
Track campaign performance and provide clear post-campaign reporting.
Identify, develop, and manage relationships with media partners across art, culture, lifestyle, and business sectors.
Negotiate partnership terms, including content deliverables, banner placements, editorial exposure, and ticket giveaways.
Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and approvals for each partner.
Owned Media
Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy, including content pillars, posting cadence, and performance benchmarks.
Oversee day-to-day social media operations, ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and timely coverage.
Liaise with Brand Strategy to plan and publish website content, including structure, editorial approach, updates, and content optimisation.
Liaise with Brand Strategy to plan and publish newsletter content development and engagement, including editorial planning, writing, and performance evaluation.
Supervise all content writing, ensuring clarity, brand consistency, and high editorial standards.
Select and edit photography for use across owned channels.
KOL / Influencer Management
Identify and evaluate relevant KOLs, influencers, and creators suited to the fair’s brand and audience.
Manage outreach, briefings, contracts, and on-site experience for selected KOLs.
Review content for accuracy and brand alignment, and track deliverables and performance metrics.
Qualifications
Fully bilingual in English and Japanese.
5+ years of experience in communications, PR, or media-related roles.
Strong understanding of Japan’s media landscape; international exposure preferred.
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders while maintaining message consistency.
Experience coordinating with external agencies and handling multiple concurrent campaigns.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills in Japanese and English.
Ability to operate independently and meet deadlines.
Key Competencies
Strategic communication and narrative development
Project and stakeholder management
Cross-cultural and bilingual coordination
Negotiation and budget oversight
Strong organisational and execution skills
Employment Type: Full time employee
Trial Period: 3 months
Department: Marketing
Office Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (in-office 3 days/week, flex hours allowed)
Office Location: 5 minutes walk from Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
Holidays: Weekends, national holidays, end-of year
Paid Time Off: 10 days annually
Benefits: Social insurance and commuter benefits
To apply, please submit your submit your CV and cover letter to Chris Ishikawa at chris@tokyogendai.com .
