Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'public relations department' depends on the context and the type of organization. The most common and general term is 広報部 (kōhōbu), but other variations exist for specific sectors or nuances.
To refer to the department responsible for public relations, media relations, and corporate communications.
The standard term for a public relations department in most companies and organizations. It covers media relations, press releases, and internal/external communications.
広報部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the public relations department.
彼は広報部で働いています。
He works in the public relations department.
Used when the PR function is a section (課) rather than a full department (部). Common in smaller organizations or government offices.
市役所の広報課に資料を請求した。
I requested materials from the city hall's public relations section.
A direct loanword from English, often used in modern or international companies. It may sound more casual or trendy.
PR部のイベント企画はいつも面白い。
The PR department's event planning is always interesting.
Used when the PR function is a small office or room, often in government or non-profit organizations. Implies a smaller scale than 部.
広報室からプレスリリースが発表された。
A press release was issued from the public relations office.
To refer to a public relations or public information department in a government agency or municipality.
Common in local governments for the section handling public information, newsletters, and citizen communications.
県の広報課が新しい観光パンフレットを作成した。
The prefecture's public relations section created a new tourism pamphlet.
Used in larger government bodies or ministries where the PR function is a full department.
防衛省の広報部が記者会見を開いた。
The Ministry of Defense's public relations department held a press conference.
To refer to the office handling public relations, admissions PR, or external affairs.
Many universities have a 広報課 for handling media inquiries, publications, and promotional activities.
大学の広報課に取材の申し込みをした。
I applied for an interview with the university's public relations section.
Some universities use 広報室 for a smaller PR office, especially for internal communications.
広報室が学生向けのニュースレターを発行している。
The public relations office publishes a newsletter for students.
広報部 is the traditional Japanese term and is widely understood. PR部 is a loanword and may be perceived as more modern or international. In formal documents or traditional companies, 広報部 is preferred.
当社の広報部は50年の歴史があります。
Our company's public relations department has a 50-year history.
スタートアップなのでPR部を作りました。
Since we're a startup, we created a PR department.
The suffix (部, 課, 室) indicates the size and hierarchy. 部 is a department, 課 is a section, and 室 is an office. Choose based on the actual structure of the organization you're referring to.