The Chugoku Shimbun's Customer Data Platform 'Tarupo' Wins the 2026 Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association Technical Award

The customer data platform 'Tarupo,' operated by The Chugoku Shimbun, has received the 2026 (32nd) Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association Technical Award. This marks the company's fifth time receiving this award since 2013.

About the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association Technical Award The award is presented by the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association to encourage improvements in production and information technology for newspaper companies. It recognizes technical developments published by member employees in the professional journal 'Newspaper Technology.' For fiscal year 2026, 5 projects were selected out of 34 submissions, including 'Tarupo.'

About the Customer Data Platform 'Tarupo' 'Tarupo' is a customer data platform that The Chugoku Shimbun began operating in March 2024. It integrates information from newspaper subscribers and digital service users using a common ID, allowing for cross-service utilization including points and monitor programs. It aims to be a 'Regional Co-creation Platform' that works with local companies and municipalities to solve problems and generate new businesses.

In April 2026, it was adopted as the foundation for the 'Hiroshima Plus Club,' a member organization of Hiroshima Toyopet Co., Ltd. As of May 18, 2026, the total number of members has exceeded 393,000.

Reasons for Recognition The award recognized how the platform leverages the regional touchpoints unique to a local newspaper to create a shared data infrastructure within the service area. Furthermore, the vision of extending collaboration beyond B2C to include external companies and local governments was highlighted. Technically, the platform was praised for its successful reconstruction using cloud services, high scalability through the common ID system, and an integrated operational design that allowed for a smooth transition for existing members.