Web Advertising Research Institute Holds "Web Grand Prix Award Ceremony"

The Japan Advertisers Association (JAA) Web Advertising Research Group held the 4th "Web Grand Prix Awards Ceremony" on December 7 at Happo-en in Minato Ward, Tokyo.

Mr. Shinji Suzuki, Managing Director of the JAA, stated in his address: "The advertising environment is undergoing dramatic changes, with diverse information converging with the internet. New approaches to digital advertising are being developed, and high-value-added advertising is introduced almost daily. As the digital advertising market grows, it has become necessary to move beyond the traditional relationship between advertisers, advertising agencies, and media, and instead work as partners engaged in mutual dialogue. Together with all of you who are sensitive to these changes, I want to redefine advertising value."

Aimed at promoting the healthy development of websites, this Grand Prix honors companies and individuals with outstanding achievements. It features two categories: the "Corporate Grand Prix" and the "Web Person of the Year."

In the "Corporate Grand Prix Category," which aims to enhance the richness and quality of corporate website content and employs a peer-review system among participating companies, NEC's "NEC Vision for Social Value Creation" won the Grand Prix in the "Asakawa Award," which evaluates factors such as the appropriateness of alternative text for the visually impaired and consideration for accessibility.

 

Next, the Student Award, which evaluates usability for the younger generation who have grown up with the internet since birth, awarded its Grand Prix to the Pola Art Foundation's "Pola Museum 'Rousseau, Fujita, and Photographer Atget's Paris' Exhibition Special Site."

 

The "Social Site Award," which evaluates company-operated social sites, was won by Shiseido Japan's "Majori-ga." The "Promotion Site Award," which evaluates brand sites for company products, was won by Nissin Foods Holdings' "10-Minute Donbei." The "Corporate BtoC Site Award," evaluating websites created for BtoC audiences, was won by KDDI's "Omoide Timeline." The "Corporate BtoB Site Award," evaluating corporate sites created for BtoB audiences, was won by Morisawa's "Morisawa Inc."

In the "Web Person Category," which honors individuals who have contributed to the broader web community, Mr. Setsuto Murai (Niantic) and Mr. Yushi Kawashima (Niantic) received the Grand Prize.

Mr. Murai commented, "My goal isn't to enhance the internet itself, but to create an environment where people can thrive and effectively utilize the internet. In 2017, I want to provide enjoyable services that help make the world a better place."