TOKYO -- A public relations company will acquire a Tokyo publisher of an English-language magazine in hopes of expanding the readership beyond the usual expatriates to include foreign visitors.

     Sunny Side Up, whose marketing and communication services include consulting and event planning, plans to acquire all shares in BC Media as early as mid-October for an undisclosed sum.

     BC Media's Tokyo Weekender provides event listings and other information in English. The monthly magazine has a print run of about 10,000 copies, and online editions are also available. About 60% of its readers are high-income earners making at least 10 million yen ($82,500) a year, according to the company.

     Sunny Side Up aims to expand the audience to foreigners visiting Japan, hoping to reap synergies with its other businesses.

     The company launched the Omotenashi Nippon business with such partners as Microsoft Japan last year to introduce Japan's unique products and services to the world. A specialized company will be set up for this business in November, with capital of 10 million yen.

(Nikkei)