The 72nd Dentsu Inc. Advertising Awards Ceremony First time two companies win the Grand Prize

Chairman Takashi Imai of the award's deliberation committee stated, "Once again, we saw numerous works that demonstrate the rich development of advertising communication. In recent years, advertising faces the significant challenge of not only stimulating consumption and publicizing corporate activities but also addressing social issues. We expect everyone to further hone their skills as powerful driving forces toward a better society."
Chairman Akira Ohira reported on the selection process and judging, noting that the Selection Committee reviewed 1,424 entries, with all 57 award-winning works decided during the final selection in May. He praised, "Panasonic received an award for a work commemorating its 100th anniversary, while Fukushima Minpo received its first award and also became the first media company to win. Both companies' works are outstanding pieces that directly confront social issues." He also introduced the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra's special award-winning project, which gained significant attention for its use of cutting-edge technology to enable people with hearing impairments to participate in concerts.

Center left: Panasonic President Tsuge Center right: Fukushima Minpo President Takahashi

Panasonic President Kazuhiro Tsuga explained the winning entries, including a video (Grand Prize in Digital Communication) that promotes hearing aid use by encouraging early detection of hearing loss through a new habit of checking one's "ability to listen" by listening to birdsong. He stated, "I believe these ads express our company's identity by showing how we stand alongside our customers while confronting societal challenges and changes. I feel the Dentsu Inc. Advertising Award questions how companies contribute to society through better products and services, beyond mere promotion.
Masayuki Takahashi, President of Fukushima Minpo, spoke about the corporate advertisement (winner of the Activation Planning Grand Prize and other awards) that could be folded and mailed, published for the special "Prefectural Citizens' Day" in August last year. "It was a project conceived as the mission of a local newspaper to deliver the scent of home to those living outside the prefecture due to the earthquake and nuclear accident. Despite its simple mechanism, it generated significant response both within and outside the prefecture. I firmly believe that harnessing the power of advertising will lead to a vibrant Japan and its regions." He shared testimonials from recipients expressing joy and emotion upon receiving the mail.

Toshihiro Yamamoto, President of Dentsu Inc., remarked, "The Grand Prize wins by these two historic companies reaffirmed that the power and significance of advertising are timeless, while its meaning continues to expand. As advertising techniques evolve daily, I, as someone involved in advertising, have renewed my determination to constantly transform myself to truly serve advertisers and consumers. I will strive to deepen my expertise further so that the Advertising Dentsu Inc. Award remains an attractive prize.