PRESS RELEASE
2023.12.1
Candlewick Co., Ltd.

Candlewick Announces Business Alliance with Material Group
Candlewick and Material Group to provide PR services to support overseas brands’
successful expansion into Japan
Effective 30th November 2023, PR and Marketing consultancy agency Candlewick Co., Ltd. (Head
Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Noriko Silvester; Hereafter ‘Candlewick’) has formed a business andcapital alliance with comprehensive marketing communications agency Material Group Inc. (Head
Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: So Aosaki; Hereafter ‘Material Group’). This alliance aims to further
strengthen and grow the business through the expansion of service content and scale.

■Business and Capital Alliance Background
Since its establishment in 2004, Candlewick has built up a wealth of knowledge through its diverse
track record, ranging from the localisation of overseas brands, to government and corporate brandprojects. In parallel with Candlewick’s reputation for the rapid response only a boutique agency canprovide, there have also been requests for larger-scale project support requiring a full complement ofpersonnel.

In contrast, group member Material has received numerous consultations from overseas companies
looking to the Japanese market as an opportunity for business growth and stepping up theirmarketing activities. The two companies believe that joining forces will expand their capabilities inglobal project work. Candlewick will apply its unique position that it has built up in the premium brandmarket, and will be able to provide the best possible service to meet the challenges of its clients.

■Synergy Effect through Group Participation
With Candlewick’s participation, Material Group’s new management structure will ensure that bothparties will be able to strengthen their capabilities and increase the value they provide to their clients.
The Group companies will be able to handle global projects based on deeper knowledge, andCandlewick will be able to provide new PR strategies and services beyond its existing business areas,utilizing the Group’s valuable assets. For the employees of both companies, the alliance will provide
more opportunities than ever before to work on global assignments and enhance the career paths of
their PR professionals.

■Company Comments
So Aosaki, Material Group CEO‘Updating the concept of PR in Japan’ – this is the vision of Material Group that we communicated toNoriko Silvester when we met her. We were convinced that our vision could be shared by her, and thecompany she has created. Candlewick, where all staff members are fluent in two or more languages,
have built bridges between Japan and the rest of the world, and our alliance will further expand thepossibilities of the Material Group.

Noriko Silvester, Candlewick CEO
My decision to join the Material Group is based on my strong belief in their powerful team. Led by MrAosaki, a leader befitting the Reiwa era, the Material Group is committed to transforming
communications for the next generation. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, we aredelighted to be able to utilise our accumulated knowledge to benefit the world, and for our valued
employees to have the opportunity to grow even further. With renewed, higher expectations for all ofour employees, we are ready to take on the challenge of this new chapter.
■About the Material Group
The Material Group is a specialist business group that provides comprehensive support for marketing
communications for all types of businesses. They contribute to success by partnering to solve businessproblems together, strengthening the relationship between clients and society. With their vision‘Switch to Red’ (light passion in individuality, change values and common sense, and make the worldhotter), their mission is to maximise the potential of all individuals by bringing together companies
with different areas of expertise and developing business centred on relationship building, thusbuilding desirable relationships between brands and their stakeholders.

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■About Candlewick
Candlewick is a communication design company that ‘enriches life on Earth’. They believe theirexistential meaning lies in uncovering, launching and delivering undiscovered value. Solving big-scaleissues such as ‘Redefining domestic tourism resources’, or widely communicating the value ofproducts and corporate brands, they have achieved proven results through Perception Change. Theirmission is to further enhance their meaningful sustainability efforts and fulfil their commitment to thefuture.

Company Profiles

Material Group Inc.
Name

Material Group Inc.

URL

https://materialgroup.jp/

Established

18th August 2014

CEOSo AosakiLocation

35F Ark Mori Building, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, TokyoBusinessFormulation of management policies and business management of Groupbusinesses<Group Companies>
Material Inc. (integrated marketing communication services)
ROOMS Inc. (product placement and styling business)
Material Digital Inc. (consulting support for all aspects of digital marketing)
CONNECTED MATERIAL Co., Ltd. (CLOUD PRESS ROOM operation and recruitment business)
PRAS Inc. (public relations and PR support business with a focus on start-ups)

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Candlewick Co., Ltd.
Name

Candlewick Co., Ltd.

URL

https://www.candlewick.co.jp/

EstablishedMarch 2004

CEONoriko SilvesterLocation

7F Parkside House, 2 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Business

Public Relations, advertising agency and consultancy services

For enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Hashizume or Ms. Ishii
TEL: 03-6261-6050 Email: info@candlewick.co.jp

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