BNI Launches First Chapter in Ibaraki Prefecture

BNI Japan (Operated by: JBN International Inc., Location: Mitaka City, Tokyo, Representative Director: Masanori Ohno), which operates the world's largest referral marketing (*1) organization in Japan, has launched its first BNI chapter in Ibaraki Prefecture on May 28.

BNI Hibari (Minami Ibaraki) is the first BNI chapter (*2) in Ibaraki Prefecture, and it is a face-to-face chapter where members meet directly every Thursday at 6:30 PM to build trust and generate business referrals.

*1 Chapter: In general organizations, this corresponds to a "branch." It is a BNI group composed of business owners and proprietors. Only one person from each specialized field can join a chapter, and all members work as a team to support each other's business creation.

*2 Referral Marketing: Creating business by building trust within a group called a chapter, composed of business owners and proprietors, and mutually referring business to each other.

The Meaning Behind the Name "Hibari"

The chapter name "Hibari" is derived from the "skylark" (hibari), the prefectural bird of Ibaraki.

The skylark is known as a bird that soars high into the sky while chirping, and it is a symbol of "growth," "ascent," and "hope for tomorrow."

This name embodies the desire to build a community where business owners and proprietors active in Ibaraki Prefecture can grow together, supporting and encouraging each other with mutual trust.

It also carries the wish to support local businesses and further invigorate Ibaraki Prefecture as a whole, based on the spirit of "Givers Gain®" advocated by BNI.

Background of Establishment

"BNI Hibari (Ibaraki)," the first BNI chapter in Ibaraki Prefecture, was established with the aim of further expanding connections among locally rooted business owners and proprietors and providing new business opportunities to local companies.

Director Consultant Yui Horikawa, who was in charge of establishing the chapter, commented on the emphasis on face-to-face meetings as follows: "I believe that trust is born from speaking face-to-face, and business grows on the foundation of that trust. I hope this chapter will become a place where business owners and proprietors in Ibaraki can support each other."

As the first chapter in Ibaraki Prefecture, we aim to be a chapter that contributes greatly to the region and is loved by the community for a long time.

Future Prospects and Contribution to the Region

BNI Hibari (Minami Ibaraki) will continue to expand its activities within Ibaraki Prefecture, contributing to the formation of a locally rooted business community and the revitalization of the regional economy.

In the future, we plan to expand our network throughout Ibaraki Prefecture by deepening collaboration with administrative bodies, local organizations, and local media.

True to the name of the skylark, a symbol of "growth," "ascent," and "hope for tomorrow," with the motto "Together, High from Ibaraki," we aim for each member to soar high and expand new business possibilities in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Overview of BNI Japan

Operating Company: JBN International Inc. (Representative Director: Masanori Ohno)

28 Prefectures Nationwide

Number of Chapters: 389

Number of Members: 12,735

(As of June 15, 2026)

BNI Global Statistics

77 Countries and Regions Worldwide

Number of Chapters: 11,710

Number of Members: 356,618

(As of May 2026)

JBN International Inc.

Company Name: JBN International Inc. (BNI Japan / BNI National Office)

Established: April 2006

Capital: 10 million yen

Business Activities: Providing a membership-based marketing service utilizing referrals for business owners, proprietors, and corporate sales representatives.

URL: https://www.bni.jp