sembear LLC and JICDAQ to Host "Basic Seminar on Digital Advertising for Local Governments" - Comprehensive Explanation from Budget Request to Proposal

sembear LLC (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kotaro Harita) is pleased to announce that its representative, Kotaro Harita, will be a speaker at the "Basic Seminar on Digital Advertising" for local government officials, hosted by the Digital Advertising Quality Certification Organization (JICDAQ) on May 11, 2026. Drawing on extensive experience supporting the digital marketing efforts of numerous local governments, the webinar will provide a thorough explanation of the indispensable "budgeting," "specification development," and "proposal screening" processes for local authorities implementing digital advertising. We encourage all local government officials involved in digital advertising for tourism, relocation, hometown tax donations, and city promotion to attend.

Webinar Event Overview

Title: Basic Seminar on Digital Advertising

Date and Time: Monday, May 11, 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM Venue: Zoom Webinar Target Audience: Officials from ministries, agencies, and local governments Individuals interested in digital advertising (internet advertising), including public relations staff Capacity: 500 people Participation Fee: Free Organizer: Digital Advertising Quality Certification Organization (JICDAQ)

Application URL: https://form.jicdaq.or.jp/kisokouza2605

Background of the Webinar

Importance of Digital Advertising Utilization in Local Governments

In 2020, the total amount spent on internet advertising surpassed that of the four traditional mass media (TV, radio, newspapers, magazines) and continues to grow. Beyond advertising, digital platforms have become the mainstream for information distribution in Japan, and their importance is accelerating. Consequently, local governments are facing an urgent need to disseminate information and expand their constituent base through digital channels.

A survey conducted by sembear LLC in the fiscal year before last showed that while nearly 90% of local governments expressed interest in implementing digital marketing, only less than 20% were actually doing so.

Challenges in Digital Advertising for Local Governments

Despite the importance of actively utilizing digital information dissemination and digital advertising, there are various reasons why actual implementation has not progressed in local governments.

Among these various reasons, the most significant are the "budget request," "specification development," and "proposal screening" processes, which are unique to local government operations. There is a lack of penetration of know-how regarding the knowledge required and how to execute these processes, making it difficult for local government officials to know how to approach them.

About This Webinar

In light of these challenges, Mr. Satoshi Niino, Executive Director of the Japan Interactive Advertising Association (JIAA), will present on "Basics and Precautions of Digital Advertising," covering the importance and overview of digital advertising for local government officials. Our representative, Kotaro Harita, will then speak on "From Specification Development to Proposal Screening," explaining the key points of each step – "budget request," "specification development," and "proposal screening" – which are indispensable for digital marketing in local governments.

・ I want to start digital advertising but don't know where to begin.

・ What's the concept behind digital advertising specifications?

・ I want to learn from the initiatives of other local governments.

We encourage local government officials who have these questions to attend.

Apply Here

Speaker Introduction

Satoshi Niino Executive Director, Japan Interactive Advertising Association

After over 20 years at Dentsu Inc. working on digital marketing for clients in finance, automotive, and telecommunications, and managing digital advertising group companies, he was seconded to the Japan Interactive Advertising Association in 2022 and currently holds his position.

Kotaro Harita Founder, CEO, sembear LLC

Throughout his career, he has led cutting-edge digital marketing technologies. In 2020, he founded sembear LLC, where he trains advertising agency and media professionals while also developing digital marketing support services for local governments. Since April 2023, he has served as a Digital Marketing Advisor for Tochigi Prefecture.

About sembear LLC

Established in January 2020. Based on extensive experience in marketing technology, the company provides digital marketing human resource development programs and marketing support services for domestic companies. Since 2021, it has expanded its services for local governments with the aim of promoting digitalization in Japan. It supports digital promotion initiatives for entities such as the Tochigi Prefectural Government, Utsunomiya City Hall, and Moka City Hall.

Introduction to Services for Local Governments

About the Organizer: Digital Advertising Quality Certification Organization (JICDAQ)

The Digital Advertising Quality Certification Organization (JICDAQ) was established primarily by the three advertising associations – the Japan Advertisers Association (JAA), the Japan Advertising Agencies Association (JAAA), and the Japan Interactive Advertising Association (JIAA) – to resolve issues related to ad placement quality in the digital advertising market, thereby aiming for the sound development of digital advertising and its benefit to both companies and society. It certifies and discloses advertising-related businesses that appropriately conduct operations related to digital ad placement, ensuring secure and safe ad distribution.

JICDAQ: https://www.jicdaq.or.jp/

Keywords: Digital Advertising, Digital Marketing, Local Governments, Municipal Marketing