Masahiro Makiguchi | The Innovator 25 Asia-Pacific 2021
innovator-25-2021-masahiro-makiguchi

Masahiro Makiguchi

President & CEO

PR Consulting Dentsu

Tokyo


"Making something far better"

Since assuming his role in March 2020, PR Consulting Dentsu president and CEO Masahiro Makiguchi has promoted the Japanese communications industry’s shift to using PR to create social value versus building buzz for brands.  Backed by research from Dentsu’s in-house thinktank, Makiguchi has advocated for what he calls Kachizukuri PR (created from the words for social value and creation) through findings that show that the reputations and business outcomes of brands doing business in Japan are, like elsewhere in the world, subject to new consumer expectations around issues like values, ESG and social impact. 

How do you define innovation?
Making something far better.

What is the most innovative comms/marketing initiative you've seen in the last 12 months?
Summer Olympic bid of Finland's coldest town.

In your opinion, what brands and/or agencies are most innovative around PR and marketing?
Apple

Who do you admire for his/her approach to innovation?
Sir Richard Branson

What would you be doing if you weren't doing your current job?
TV guy

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through this year or provided inspiration?
Downton Abbey

What's your favourite time of day and why?
Time to rise. New beginning.