2008-05-06 20:39:38 - Kokokusha Co., Tokyo, Japan, has joined MAGNET Global Network of independent advertising agencies, effective May 1 - the 120th anniversary of the agency's founding.

PITTSBURGH - May 2, 2008 - With its membership, Kokokusha plans to leverage the capabilities of the Network to provide consistent, integrated advertising and marketing solutions for its clients in markets outside Japan.

"I'm very pleased to announce this alliance,' said Kokokusha president Hitoshi Yuzawa. 'The membership will enable us to provide clients with enhanced services and will expand our

business opportunities at home and abroad in this era of globalization.'

Kokokusha was drawn to MAGNET because of its strong belief in the independent agency model, similar to the manner in which Kokokusha has operated for its entire history. The members' spirit of independence allows them to be free thinkers and more entrepreneurial since they don't answer to shareholders or boards of directors. Kokokusha felt membership in the organization would be beneficial to their agency as they seek to grow the business outside Japan.

'We're delighted to welcome Kokoskusha to our member roster,' said Cheri Gmiter, executive director of MAGNET Global Network. 'They're very successful and highly regarded in Japan, and I anticipate their knowledge base will be a tremendous asset in providing both cultural and business insights for other members who have clients doing business - or seeking to do business - in Japan.'

About Kokokusha
Kokokusha Co., is one of Japan's leading independent advertising agencies - and its oldest, having been established in 1888. The agency has a rich history, having come into being just as the advertising industry was starting in Japan. The word 'Kokokusha,' evolved together with the word"kokoku' which stands for 'advertisement' in Japanese. The early history of the company was all about development of the industry and raising people's awareness for the importance of advertising.

Kokokusha offers a wide range of marketing services, and with eight offices across Japan, is highly adept at managing nationwide campaigns. The agency specializes in media strategy, research, planning, production and placement for advertising in print, broadcast, outdoor and interactive. The agency also offers sales promotion, public relations, event planning and execution and other marketing services. The firm serves a wide array of premier clients in diverse fields from healthcare, to education, government, manufacturing, publishing and professional services. For more information, visit www.kokokusha.co.jp/profile/pdf/KokokushaProfile.pdf

About MAGNET
The MAGNET Global Network is a membership-based organization comprised of some 35 non-competitive, like-minded, independently owned advertising agencies in major markets around the world. With individual annual billings of $8 million to more than $200 million US, MAGNET agencies work with some 800 consumer, retail, business-to-business and industrial clients worldwide, with total annual billings of more than $1.6 billion US. For 62 years, the network has cultivated an atmosphere of trust and respect, allowing members to share resources and experiences to enhance their abilities to compete, serve clients and to grow and raise the standards of work and service in the agency business. Only after the closest scrutiny of credentials are agencies offered the opportunity to join the MAGNET Network. For more information, visit www.magnetglobal.org

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