In this paper, the significance and the role of propaganda over the past approximately 100 years are reconsidered through examining the key theses on propaganda theories. The history of propaganda dates back to B.C., however, it was only theorized during the World War I. Definitions and claims on propaganda by the key scholars, including Edward Bernays, Walter Lippmann, Harold Lasswell, Jacques Ellul, Lindley Frazar, and etc. are hereby introduced, as the contents provide thought-provoking lessons for our society of today. Now in the 21^st century, faced with political and social transformations, it is imperative to reconsider the substance of propaganda underlining mass communications and public relations.

This study examines the legitimacy formation process of activist shareholders in the Japanese business community. Text analysis of articles in national newspapers showed that the perceptions of activists has changed, and that the corporate governance reforms implemented during the second Abe administration after 2013 were a factor in this change. Activist shareholders have gained legitimacy in Japanese business community due to changes in activist behavior and changes in the social system of Japanese business community (legitimization of management involvement by outsider shareholders). Finally, this study provides some important points in the ideal relationship between activist shareholders and companies.

In this study, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, is the field of study in order to consider how local government public relations are propagated to the elderly generation, who are concerned about being vulnerable to information in modern society where ICT is progressing. Second, we investigated the actual situation of word-of-mouth occurrence among elderly people from the relationship between salons and cable TV. As a result, it was clarified that the elderly generation, who may be vulnerable to information in the ICT era, have useful means to eliminate disparities other than "owning" digital devices. In addition, based on the results of this research, we will make policy proposals to help public relations for local governments.

This study proposes when a defect in an innovative product can prevent the worsening of attitude toward a corporate. We suggest that congruence between corporate and innovative product image impacts attitude toward a corporate when a product defect occurs. Especially a corporate image with an exciting personality, compared with that with a sincere personality, tends to be perceived to be congruent with an innovative product image. The congruence, in turn, can enhance attitude toward the corporate. We add to our understanding of public relations theory on defect and offer actionable insights to corporate communication practitioners.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, is an unusual kind of war where the PR industry was openly involved from the beginning. In order to analyze the PR industry's movements during the war, this study collected and analyzed statements released by PR firms and industry associations and press reports that referred to PR firms and associations during the first three months of the invasion. The study revealed that support for the government by PR firms in Ukraine and abroad began immediately after the invasion, and included not only the provision of various PR services but also the formation of an international support network, issue of consistent statements condemning Russia and appealing for support for Ukraine, withdrawal from Russia and exclusion of Russia from the industry.

Overseas weddings have become widespread in recent years amid the diversification of wedding ceremonies. The media platform "Zexy" is a popular information source for weddings, and many consumers use it to access information on wedding companies.

This study examines how Zexy provides its information. The results indicate that Zexy provides information on the availability of types of wedding halls, location, and other wedding events based on the tourism status and perception of region. Hawaii also provided more diverse and detailed information than other regions, indicating its advantage in overseas weddings.