JAAA Holds Regular General Meeting ― Appoints Dentsu Inc.'s Nao Ishii as New Chairman

The Japan Advertising Association (JAAA) held its 2016 Annual General Meeting at the Palace Hotel Tokyo in Marunouchi on May 31. The meeting deliberated and approved the 2015 business and financial results report, the 2016 business plan and budget proposal, and the appointment of directors. The commemorative ceremony following the meeting featured the award ceremonies for the 45th Prize Essay Contest and the 2015 Creator of the Year Award, as well as the presentation of the 51st Hideo Yoshida Memorial Award.

 

The FY2015 business report explained that each committee spearheaded initiatives in "Association Operations," "PR for Advertising and the Advertising Industry," "Education and Research," and "Transaction Rationalization." The FY2016 business plan outlined plans to efficiently and effectively advance mutual benefit projects in line with the association's objectives.

Mr. Nao Ishii (President of Dentsu Inc.), who assumed the position of new Chairman at the Board of Directors meeting following the General Meeting, took the stage and stated, "The advertising environment, driven by the advancement of digitalization, has undergone unprecedented changes over the past decade, and the next decade will continue to bring unparalleled shifts unlike anything we've experienced before. While we must respond firmly to these changes, there are things that must not change. JAAA also aims to continue its activities to serve our clients, media, consumers, and society – the very foundation of our work."

At the commemorative ceremony held afterward, winners and finalists of the essay contest themed "Advertising Moves, Moves People" were honored. Gold Prize winner Mr. Fumio Hitou (Dentsu Inc.) and others took the stage. Mr. Hitou, who won the Gold Prize for the second consecutive year, stated, "Standing here last year made me realize that even in the seemingly unassuming field of essays, such a wonderful prize exists. It further motivated me to challenge myself again this year, making this moment even more meaningful. I consider essays the beginning of practice. I ask for your continued support."

続いてクリエイター・オブ・ザ・イヤーを獲得した篠原誠氏（Dents stated, "For 21 years in production, I've always admired past award winners. While there is pressure, I want to approach future advertising production with the mindset of not shying away from change and deeply and broadly linking with society, so as to live up to this award."

Mr. Naganuma stated, "When I was 15, I encountered the memorial monument for Mr. Seiro Mitsunaga, founder of Dentsu Inc., at the Yanaka Cemetery near my home. The donor was Mr. Hideo Yoshida. To receive an award bearing the name of this man who advanced the modernization of Japan's advertising industry 55 years later fills me with profound emotion. I pray that Japan's advertising industry will continue to develop and maintain a solid position in the world."