Suntory Holdings receives the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award. The Japan Magazine Advertising Association announces the "Japan Magazine Advertising Awards."

On September 16, the Japan Magazine Advertising Association announced the results of the 58th Japan Magazine Advertising Awards (sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). The top prize, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, went to Suntory Holdings for its "Kuro Oolong Tea" campaign. Kao received the Grand Prize, awarded to advertisers demonstrating outstanding achievements including the number of awards won, while Start Today was selected for the Advertising Awards Steering Committee Special Award.

The selection committee, comprised of creative experts, narrowed down 4,043 entries submitted by member publishers to 305. The nine committee members—Chairman Keisuke Nagatomo (Art Director, Illustrator), Ms. Junko Takahashi, Assistant Director of the Cultural and Information-Related Industries Division at METI, and copywriter Masakazu Tanigawa—reviewed the entries. They selected 15 Gold Awards and 15 Silver Awards, from which the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award was chosen.

The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award-winning work by Suntory Holdings features a visually striking image of a bloated stomach from overeating and a shirt about to burst, adorned with delicate illustrations, paired with the catchphrase "That belly will decide your fate." It earned high praise for its humorous expression that makes you laugh and for its perfect match with the special theme of the issue of the magazine 'ku:nel' it appeared in: "Things that move the heart, good things and important matters."