All Japan Advertising Federation Nagoya Convention Opens From the Land of Craftsmanship, the Power of Storytelling

The All Japan Advertising Federation (AJAF) held its 62nd "All Japan Advertising Federation Nagoya Convention" (hosted by the same organizing committee and AJAF) at the Nagoya Congress Center in Nagoya City on May 14.

The conference slogan was: "Come to 'Love'. Speak of 'Knowledge'. Japan's Central Advertising Conference ~ Let's Share. From the Land of Craftsmanship, the Power of Storytelling ~". Approximately 1,600 advertising professionals from across Japan participated. Events included the presentation of the Saburosuke Suzuki Grand Prize and the Zenkyoren Japan Advertising Awards, along with commemorative lectures.

At the ceremony, following the opening declaration by Torau Oshima, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Atsushi Okaya, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, delivered a welcome address.

Akira Ohira, Chairman of the Japan Advertising Federation, stated, "This year, as we take a new step forward from last year's 60th anniversary of the Federation's founding, it is highly meaningful to exchange views on advertising communication for a new era in Nagoya, a city leading domestic manufacturing, and to establish a foundation for activities that invigorate industries nationwide." Guest speakers Governor Hideaki Omura and Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura each delivered congratulatory addresses.

Next, the 8th "Zenkyoren Saburosuke Suzuki Grand Prize" and the "Zenkyoren Saburosuke Suzuki Regional Prize" were awarded. The Grand Prize went to the "AICHI SAFETY ACTION" project for preventing traffic fatalities, a collaboration between six newspapers and four radio stations in Aichi Prefecture.

Nobuaki Koide, President of Chunichi Shimbun, accepted the award on behalf of the group. He expressed his joy, stating, "Wherever the light of a convenient civilization like the automobile shines, a shadow inevitably falls on the opposite side. I believe this award recognizes journalism's direct engagement with the shadow side of civilization – the prevention of traffic fatalities – using advertising as its means."

The Regional Award was presented to Seikōen (Plus Mind Office) for its "Nick and Rice TV Commercial Series."

Following this, the 2nd "Zen-Kōren Japan Advertising Award," which annually honors individuals who have contributed to the advancement and development of the advertising industry, was presented. The "Matsushita Award" for advertisers was presented to Takeo Higuchi (Chairman and CEO, Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.). The "Masariki Award" for media companies went to Toshio Suzuki (Representative Director and Producer, Studio Ghibli). The "Yoshida Award" for advertising-related companies was awarded to Isao Takano (Advisor, Daiko Advertising). The "Yamana Award" for creators was presented to Tadanori Yokoo (Artist). The award recipients took the stage and expressed their gratitude.

Finally, the Kanazawa Advertising Association introduced Kanazawa City as the host city for next year's conference.

After the ceremony, Fujio Cho, Honorary Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, delivered a commemorative lecture titled "Toyota's Manufacturing and Storytelling."