JAAA Announces Dentsu Inc.'s Takasaki as 2013 Creator of the Year, Along with Six Medalists

The Japan Advertising Agents Association (JAAA) announced the winners of the 2013 "Creator of the Year Award" on March 12. This award honors the individual who produced the most outstanding creative work among JAAA member companies, marking its 25th year. From 39 creators nominated across 27 companies, one Creator of the Year and six Medalists were selected.

Takuma Takasaki (Executive Creative Director/CM Planner, Dentsu Inc. Communication Design Center) was selected for the top prize, Creator of the Year. This marks his second win, following his 2010 award.

JAAA Director Yasunori Nakata (President, Yomiuri Advertising), who served on the judging panel, commented on Takasaki's win: "He devised and implemented various strategies to secure the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games bid. He handled all aspects of the Tokyo bid effort, including the final presentation video. His memorable creative work captivated people, truly embodying the spirit that 'every project represents Japan.'" Osamu Saotome, Chairman of the JAAA Creative Committee (Executive Creative Director, Asatsu-DK), commented: "Takasaki's award is fitting for this year's Face of the Year, and all judges selected him with pride. The medalists were chosen from entries across multiple fields, resulting in six outstanding individuals of diverse quality. Their robust communication, valuing human relationships, reflects our current era."

Announcing Director Nakata (left) and Chairman Saotome	Mr. Takasaki, Creator of the Year

 

Takasaki shared his thoughts on receiving the award: "My previous win came right after the earthquake. I used that award as great motivation, thinking about what I could do and giving it my all. Receiving it again this time feels like being told to do even more. I want to use the power of this award correctly, so it becomes energy for the entire industry."

 

The Medalist award recipients are as follows. (Affiliations are as of the time of application; titles omitted)

Hidehiko Shiozaki (Executive Creative Director / CM Planner, Hakuhodo First Creative Bureau)

Yasushi Kuroda (Creative Director / Copywriter / CM Planner, Hakuhodo Kyushu Branch Production Department)

Yoshihiro Yagi (Creative Director / Art Director, Dentsu Inc. Sixth CR Planning Office and Communication Design Center)

Shinichi Ikeda (Senior Creative Director, I&S BBDO Content Development Group)

Hiroki Ishiyama (CM Planner, Communication Architect Division, Asatsu-DK)

Takayuki Niizawa (Creative Director, TBWA/HAKUHODO)