The All Japan Advertising Federation Conference "Akita! A New Era of Advertising" in Akita
The All Japan Advertising Federation (AJAF) held its 66th "All Japan Advertising Federation Akita Convention" (hosted by the organizing committee and AJAF) at the Akita Prefectural Civic Center in Akita City on May 16.
The theme was "A Surebeat Begins Here: Akita! A New Era of Advertising." Approximately 1,200 advertising professionals from across Japan participated, with events including the presentation of the Saburosuke Suzuki Grand Prize and the Zenkyoren Japan Advertising Awards, as well as a commemorative lecture.
At the ceremony, Mr. Yasumi Funaki (Managing Director, Akita Sakigake Shinbunsha), serving as the Executive Committee Chairman, declared the opening. Following this, Mr. Naoki Ogasawara (President, Akita Sakigake Shinbunsha), the Conference Chairman, stated, "We invited this conference to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Akita Advertising Association. This is the second time it has been held in Akita, the first being 33 years ago. We want this to be a convention where we consider the mission, responsibility, and role of advertising—how we can effectively grasp the rapidly changing flow of information and communication technology while also listening carefully to the true heartbeat within the Japanese people, and what kind of message we can send to society through the power of advertising."
Akira Ohira, Chairman of Zen-Kyoren, stated, "The evolution of digital technology is ushering in an era where regional and language barriers are disappearing. Society is becoming one where regions and the world connect directly, enhancing regional outreach capabilities. As regional communities, we are called upon to develop new visions and future strategies. Here in Akita, we wish to contemplate the future of advertising and our regions. Zen-Kyoren will join forces with its member associations and strive to revitalize advertising." Guests Governor Takahisa Satake of Akita Prefecture and Vice Mayor Shuetsu Ishii of Akita City offered congratulatory remarks.
Next, the awards for the 12th Zen-Kyoren Saburosuke Suzuki "Regional Campaign Grand Prize" and "Regional Creative Grand Prize" were presented. The Regional Campaign Grand Prize was awarded to the Niigata Dementia Awareness Campaign "Connecting and Expanding the Orange Circle" by the Niigata Nippo Newspaper Company and the Niigata Advertising Association. The Grand Prize for the Regional Creative Award went to the newspaper advertisement "The Final Chapter of 'Human Stories: Getting Close to People' – The Source of Excellence: 'A Journey to Trace the Roots of My Heart'" (Kanbun Go-nen-do / Akita Advertising Association). The Excellence Award was awarded to the TV commercial "Wedding Venue Marielle '#We've Started Our Marriage'" (Heiankaku / Aichi Advertising Association).
All awards can be viewed online.
The panel discussion themed 'The Future of Advertising, The Future of Regions' featured Akita Bank President Akihiro Shintani, KDDI Chairman Takashi Tanaka, Yahoo Managing Executive Officer Gen Miyazawa, and Dentsu Inc. President Toshihiro Yamamoto. Risa Tanaka, President of the Graduate School of Business Design and Director of Sendenkaigi, served as moderator.
During the afternoon session, the 6th "Zen-Kouren Japan Advertising Awards" were presented, an annual honor recognizing individuals who have contributed to the advancement and development of the advertising industry. The "Matsushita Award" for advertisers went to Mr. Takashi Tanaka (Chairman, KDDI). The "Masariki Award" for media companies and content producers was awarded to Mr. Yasushi Akimoto (Lyricist/Producer). The "Yoshida Award," selected from advertising-related companies, went to Mr. Akira Kagami (Executive Advisor, Drill Inc.). The "Yamana Award" for creators was awarded to Mr. Hiroshi Sasaki (Creative Director).
Following the ceremony, Professor Kang Sang-jung (Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo; Director and Chairman of the Board, Kumamoto Prefectural Theatre) delivered a commemorative lecture titled "Encounters Between People Opened by Advertising: Regional Revitalization Starts with People."
Finally, the Toyama Advertising Association introduced Toyama City, the host city for next year's conference.
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