Limited to advertising agency employees under 30! "Communication Grand Prize" now accepting entries.

The Japan Advertising Agents Association (JAAA) has begun accepting entries for the 3rd "Communication Grand Prize - Innovative Communication Award (ICA) - Selected by Young Professionals in the Advertising Industry" starting October 1st (until October 31st).

Eligible applicants are employees aged 30 or younger working at JAAA member companies.

Eligible communications must include a "mechanism that moves people," clearly present a "problem and its solution," and show the "result." Entries need not be advertising activities; initiatives the applicant was not involved in are also acceptable. Examples that sparked admiration or envy based on the applicant's own sensibilities are also widely accepted. In essence, this award challenges the applicant's "discernment."

Indeed, the Grand Prize winners of the 1st and 2nd editions—Seven Sense's "Elections Where Teens Can Vote: TEENS OPINION" and Iwata Bookstore's "10,000 Yen Book Selection"—were both non-advertising communication activities submitted by third parties.
*Reference: First RoundResults / Second Round Results

Judging criteria include: "Is it based on a visionary new idea?", "Does it demonstrate creative thinking?", "Does it believe in the potential of next-generation communication?", "Does it capture societal trends?", and "Is it a viable solution?"
Grand Prize winners receive complimentary admission to the Japan Advertising Association's seminar.

Details here (JAAA website).