Written by Patrick Balfe
Learn how to best utilize PR for your business.
What to expect
HerRise is a hands-on, results-driven program designed for women entrepreneurs and startup founders seeking to scale their businesses in Japan and globally.
The program emphasizes learning through action and putting insights directly into practice, and this next workshop is the third in the series.
Happening on September 24, the upcoming workshop is entitled Media and PR Strategy – Storytelling for Impact: Turning Your Business into a Brand That Speaks, and with the help of guest presenters and mentors, focuses on:
- What PR is and how it works
- How startups can approach media and PR strategy
- Key points in branding your business
- Practical tips and common pitfalls
Guest speakers:
- Yuko Endo – Executive Officer and Head of the Editorial Division at Mediagene Inc.
- Chris Kirkland – CEO of Fast Train Japan (Tokyo Cheapo)
Office hours professionals
Core Mentors
- Moeko Suzuki (President, Startup Lady Association)
- Heather Dobbin (Founder, HD Coaching)
- Yoshifumi Hoshino (Representative Director, Taylor Innovations Inc.)
- Kazumasa Ito
- Guillame Hansali (Founder and Country Manager, Wizcorp)
Guest Mentors
- Apolline Daimaru (Director of Strategy, nowthen Inc.)
- Helen Iwata (President, Sasuga Communications K.K.)
- Kenji Fujita (Business Design Department Manager, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance)
Schedule
- 9—5 p.m. – Office hours with professionals. Receive personalized mentorship, coaching, and support from diverse experts on various topics.
- 6:30—8:30 p.m. – Main Workshop (In-person)
- 8:30—9 p.m. – Networking (optional)
Upcoming workshops
- STEP 4｜Facing Investors: Investment Mindset and Pitch Practice (November 26, 2025)
- STEP 5｜Sales and Contracts: Practical Guide to Building Trust and Closing Deals (January 21, 2026)
- Women Entrepreneur Partner Matching event (3rd or 4th week of February)
- STEP 6｜Learning from Real Stories: Entrepreneurial Trial and Error Case Studies (18th March 2026)
Participation
Participation in the workshop is free. Register via the Google Form on the event home page.
Eligibility:
- Women entrepreneurs or all-gendered members of Shibuya Startup Support are welcome
- Individuals or businesses registered in Japan (or planning registration within one year)
- Ventures founded within the past ~10 years (flexible depending on applicant numbers)
- Proficient in Japanese or English at a business level
- Willingness to participate continuously and agreement to program policies
How to get there
This event will be held at Shibuya Startup Support, located approximately a 10-minute walk from both Shibuya and Ebisu stations.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.