A direct marketing educational programme, launched in the US last summer, has now gone live in Japan.

The Certified Marketing Professional interactive courses offered by the USA Direct Marketing Association set a global standard for DM education and are now available online to associates of Japan Post – they will open to the Japanese public in March.

The course allows direct access to specialised education from around the world; giving individuals and companies the opportunity to stay current on initiatives affecting the global marketing community.

Eugene Raitt, chairman of the DMA board of directors, said: "We have entered a new era of one-to-one social communications that transcends time and space and now global borders, entirely changing the game for all marketing.

"We have taken our best and most current direct marketing education developed over many years and tailored those offerings for specific opportunities in Japan.

"We are honoured to work with Japan Post in this multichannel, changing world as we introduce this new approach to direct marketing education. Marketing will constantly need to work hard to educate people and equip them with tools and techniques they can use to keep up with the pace of change both in the marketing community and beyond."

The USA DMA is also discussion with international organisations to tailor the course programme for Spain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Dubai, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.