Industry Big Event Cable Convention 2015 Held
The cable television industry's major event, "Cable Convention 2015" (hosted by the Japan Cable Television Federation, Japan CATV Technical Association, and Satellite Broadcasting Association; supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), was held on June 10 and 11 at the Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda Ward. The theme was "Innovation & Challenge ~Challenge and Collaboration~".
The venue hosted numerous programs including lectures and seminars by corporate and organizational representatives and experts, planned exhibitions, and information exchange sessions, drawing large crowds both days.
On the 10th, the award ceremony for the 8th "Best Promotion Awards" was held. This event recognizes outstanding activities and pioneering initiatives by companies, aiming to enhance awareness of cable television services across various regions and promote industry development. Winners were announced and awarded from among 13 entries in the Flyer, Commercial, Internet, and Good Practice categories.
The Grand Prix was awarded to Iruma Cable TV (Saitama) for "Conveying Love-Filled School Lunches Through Media Mix." Their program "I Love School Lunches" reports on the entire process of school lunches at elementary schools in the city, from preparation to cleanup, and is also distributed via FM radio, Twitter, and free newspapers.
Keiko Shinoda, Manager of the External Affairs Planning Section in the Administration Department, stated, "We look forward to this award every year because it reveals the unique aspirations of cable TV stations nationwide. We've always wanted to win an award, so we're delighted." The Runner-up Grand Prize was awarded to the "Summer! Festival! Live Broadcast!" campaign (a joint advertisement aimed at raising awareness and improving the image of independently produced programs) bythe NaganoPrefecture Council of the Japan Cable Television Federation Shinetsu Branch (17 stations total, Nagano)and the "Chukai Go! Go! Rescue Team: Gainare Tottori Coach Edition" (a series of commercials promoting broadcasting services) by Chukai Television Broadcasting (Tottori).
Furthermore, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of cable television's inception in Japan, freelance announcer Junko Kubowas appointed as the award's ambassador. A special prize was established for works themed around "Children and Education." This prize was awarded to Ueda Cable Television (Nagano) for "Handmade Fairy Tales: Story Land" (a program featuring original fairy tales created by local groups based on regional themes). Ms. Kubo praised the work, stating, "The warm desire of the local community to pass on what should be preserved, along with the handmade feel, is wonderful. Storytelling gives children great potential."
Following the award ceremony , the "Best Promotion Forum" was held, featuring a seminar by Susumu Namikawa of Dentsu Inc.'s Business Creation Center on the theme of "Regional Communication Design." Namikawa introduced projects that created connections beyond typical relationships, such as "idols and fans" and "toilet paper and consumers." He discussed methods for "renewing relationships by shifting perspectives," pointing the way toward better communication between cable TV stations and their communities. He also facilitated a discussion with panelists Professor Ryuko Furukawa of Meiji Gakuin University, President Atsushi Fukuda of Sony Digital Entertainment, and Director Katsuhisa Mizuno of Starcat Cable Network. Referencing award-winning works, the session explored the potential and future of stations and communities together with attendees.
The convention also featured the concurrent event "Cable Technology Show 2015." Under the theme "Cable TV's Challenge for Tomorrow," 65 related companies exhibited at booths. Each company promoted their initiatives in 4K/8K broadcasting and internet services, showcasing and introducing the latest equipment and devices. Approximately 3,000 people attended the lectures and seminars, while the technology show drew around 10,000 visitors over two days.
Official Website: http://www.catv-conv.jp/
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