Japan Advertising Agents Association (JAAA) Holds 2019 Annual General Meeting

The Japan Advertising Agents Association (JAAA) held its 2019 Annual General Meeting at the Palace Hotel Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward on May 31. The meeting deliberated and approved the 2018 business and financial results report, the 2019 business and income/expenditure plan, and the appointment of directors. The commemorative ceremony following the meeting featured the award ceremonies for the 48th Prize Essay Contest and the 2018 Creator of the Year Award, as well as the presentation of the 54th Hideo Yoshida Memorial Award.

Chairman Junji Narita (Advisory Director, Hakuhodo) stated, "As the challenges facing the advertising industry diversify and become more complex, the advertising business itself is being forced to transform. Last year, JAAA established the vision 'JAAA will support the rapidly changing advertising industry and become the engine that leads it,' determined to take on new challenges so that the advertising industry remains an attractive place where the next generation can work and fulfill their dreams. This year, the second year of this vision, we will focus on solving major challenges: responding to changes in the media environment, strengthening creative capabilities, and securing and nurturing the talent that supports the industry."

Chairman Narita's Address

Regarding FY2018 initiatives, he explained that various committees spearheaded efforts in: "creating a platform for the entire industry to collaborate and solve challenges," "establishing new mechanisms for talent development," "strengthening digital capabilities and adapting to next-generation data marketing," "further advancing 'Work Style Reform,'" "revitalizing media business," "enhancing creativity," and "rebuilding PR strategy."

For FY2019, he clarified the intention to advance activities more proactively as the second year of the "Hop/Step/Jump" plan to achieve the vision set in FY2018.

Executive Director Tomoya Murai explained FY2018 business and financial results, as well as FY2019 business and proposed income/expense plans.

The subsequent commemorative ceremony honored winners and finalists of the essay contest themed "The Future Advertising Professional." Gold Prize winner Kenta Ikegawa (Hakuhodo) and others took the stage.

Essay Award Winners

Additionally, Toshihiko Tanabe (Dentsu Inc.), who won Creator of the Year, and eight medalists were honored. Tanabe stated, "I'm delighted to receive this award, especially considering some of the work wasn't broadcast in Japan and was only known overseas. The advertising campaign was completed thanks to the hard work of many people. While there is pressure, I want to continue creating good work and socially meaningful pieces."

Mr. Tanabe delivering his remarks

Creator of the Year Award Winner

Finally, the award was presented to Mr. Hisashi Omori (Chairman of Hakuhodo DY Media Partners), who was selected for the Hideo Yoshida Memorial Award (Individual).

Individual Award Winner Mr. Omori