Osaka Advertising Association Launches "Fun" New Advertising Award "HaHaHa Osaka Creativity Awards"

On September 1st, the Osaka Advertising Association announced a complete overhaul of the "MADE IN OSAKA CM AWARDS," held for 16 years until last year, and the creation of a new advertising award: the "HaHaHa Osaka Creativity Awards" (HaHaHa).

HaHaHa is a unique advertising award unlike any before, gathering "funny" content that moves people from across Japan to Osaka and celebrating its creators. Mr. Toshiki Tamura (Panasonic), Chairman of the Association's CM Joint Research Committee, explained the aim: "The new advertising award was prepared through members brainstorming ideas without being constrained by preconceptions. What we arrived at was the fundamental principle that 'people only move when their hearts are moved, when their emotions are stirred.' We want to re-communicate to the world what can be seen from the simple thesis that what moves people is 'funny'."

Content submissions will be accepted across multiple genres—including advertising, broadcasting, music, and film—under three categories: ① Surprised with a "Huh!" ② Made them go "Haaah!" ③ Made them laugh "Ha ha ha!" Judging will involve an initial screening by officers of the association's CM Joint Research Committee, followed by a final judging committee. The HaHaHa Grand Prix and other awards will be publicly decided and presented. The awards ceremony will also serve as a cross-genre networking event for creators, held in a party format. Prizes include: * HaHaHa Grand Prix (1 winner): ¥88,888 cash prize and trophy * Ha Award, HaHa Award, HaHaHa Award (1 winner each): ¥88,888 cash prize and trophy * Special Awards (1-2 winners): ¥8,888 cash prize

Submissions for the 1st "HaHaHa Osaka Creativity Awards" close on October 31 (no entry fee). The final judging and awards ceremony are scheduled for December. Details can be found on the association's website.