The 7th All-Japan Advertising Federation Japan Advertising Awards Winners Announced

The All Japan Advertising Federation (AJAF) announced the winners of the 7th "AJAF Japan Advertising Awards" on January 21. The "Matsushita Award" went to Koji Karai (Chairman and Executive Officer, Kyushu Railway Company), the "Masariki Award" to Akira Takada (Founder of Japanet Takata, President of V-Varen Nagasaki), the "Yoshida Award" to Yuichi Toda (President of Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Chairman of Hakuhodo), the "Yamana Award" to Yoshinari Nishimura (Copywriter), and the "Special Award" to Shizue Kishi (Vice President and Professor, Faculty of Business Administration, Tokyo Keizai University). The awards will be presented during the ceremony of the 67th "All Japan Advertising Federation Toyama Convention" (Toyama City Arts and Culture Hall) on May 16. The reasons for each award are as follows.

7th All-Japan Advertising Federation Japan Advertising Awards Winners and Reasons for Selection

■Matsushita Award

　Koji Karai
(Chairman and Executive Officer, Kyushu Railway Company)

Having served as Managing Director and President, he assumed the role of Chairman in 2014. He has held his current position since 2018. His strong leadership and innovative planning capabilities drove growth in railway operations and related businesses such as real estate, food service, and distribution, culminating in the company's listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section in 2016. He promoted Kyushu's appeal domestically and internationally through initiatives like the high-speed ferry "Beetle" and the sightseeing train "Yufuin no Mori." He also contributed to launching the cruise train "Seven Stars in Kyushu," sparking a nationwide boom within the JR Group. In 2011, following the Great East Japan Earthquake, the commercial for the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen line broadcast bright hope from Kyushu to Japan, winning domestic and international advertising awards. He fulfilled advertising's social mission and contributed to the development of the advertising industry.

■Masariki Award

　Akira Takada
(Founder of Japanet Takata, President of V-Varen Nagasaki)

In 1986, he founded a camera store by separating from his father's business. In 1999, the company changed its name to Japanet Takata. Despite being a latecomer to TV shopping, he boosted sales by appearing on air himself, contributing to the revitalization of the advertising industry. He also acquired a license as a commissioned broadcaster for CS digital broadcasting, established TV studios within the company's building in Sasebo and in Tokyo, and expanded the company's scope to include media operations. After stepping down as company president in 2015, he became president of the J.League club V-Varen Nagasaki in 2017 after Japanet Holdings acquired the financially struggling team as a group company. He spearheaded the club's restructuring, personally leading efforts to raise the team's national profile and making significant contributions to regional revitalization.

■Yoshida Award

　Yuichi Toda
(President, Hakuhodo DY Holdings; Chairman, Hakuhodo)

After serving as Director and President of Hakuhodo, he became Chairman in 2017. Following his entry into Hakuhodo, he excelled as a copywriter and creative director in the Production Bureau, winning numerous advertising awards. In the Corporate Planning Office, he played a pivotal role in the 2003 management integration of Hakuhodo, Daiko Advertising, and Yomiuri Advertising, leading to the establishment of Hakuhodo DY Holdings. He became President of Hakuhodo DY Holdings in 2006. He actively strengthened the management structure of the Hakuhodo DY Group, making significant contributions to the development of the entire advertising industry.

■Yamana Award

　Mr. Yoshiya Nishimura
(Copywriter)

After working at Sun-Ad, he founded West Village in 1975. He has served as a professor at Tama Art University and currently serves as an advisor to Amana Design. As a copywriter, he created numerous iconic works including Suntory Yamazaki Pure Malt Whisky's "Nothing added. Nothing taken away." for Suntory Yamazaki Pure Malt Whisky, "Touch it. It's wool." for Woolmark, "The Era of Women" for Seibu Department Store, and numerous other renowned copyworks for Nissan, Shiseido, Nippon Life, NTT, and others, shaping the history of advertising culture. Major awards include the ADC Member's Grand Prize, TCC Grand Prize, Mainichi Advertising Design Award, Clio Award, and Cannes Lions. He has dedicated himself to the advancement and improvement of the advertising industry for many years.

■Special Award

　Ms. Shizue Kishi
(Vice President, Tokyo Keizai University; Professor, Faculty of Business Administration)

Served as President of the Japan Consumer Behavior Research Association in 1996 and President of the Japan Advertising Association from 2010 to 2016, contributing to the development of both associations. As a researcher, she has advanced Japanese advertising studies. Her ongoing research focuses on advertising effectiveness theory, advertising management, integrated marketing communications, and consumer behavior. She has played an enlightening role in advertising education, notably through publications like "Modern Advertising Theory." Furthermore, she has taught at universities for many years, serving as a faculty dean and vice president. Her significant achievement lies in nurturing numerous outstanding talents not only for the advertising industry but across various fields.

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About the Zenkyoren Japan Advertising Award

Zenkyoren inherited the Japan Advertising Club's "Japan Advertising Awards" commendation program, which had been held since the 1950s, starting in fiscal year 2013. After necessary reorganization, it is now cultivated and developed as one of Zenkyoren's public interest projects. It annually honors individuals who have contributed to the advancement and development of the advertising industry by promoting the social mission of advertising, from the perspectives of advertisers (Matsushita Award), media companies and other media-related firms, event and other content producers (Masariki Award), advertising-related companies (Yoshida Award), and creators (Yamana Award). A "Special Award" is also presented to individuals or organizations recognized for exceptional contributions to advancing the social mission of advertising, in addition to the four main awards.