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Seminar on Redefining Marketing and Branding

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Amana Inc., a creative communications company based in Tokyo, will host a seminar titled "Redefining Marketing and Branding — Unveiling the Nature of Division and Creative Coexistence." This event will take place at the Incubation CANVAS TOKYO and aims to address the often opposing dynamics of marketing and branding in Japanese companies.

Understanding the Division

In recent years, the relationship between marketing and branding has become increasingly fragmented. The marketing function tends to focus on short-term objectives, treating market share as a contest, while branding can sometimes be viewed as an ornamental aspect disconnected from core business strategies. This division is, paradoxically, becoming more pronounced as efficiency increases through advancements in AI and digital technologies.

To explore this complex issue, the seminar will feature Yuu Miura, a leading creative from Shiseido’s Art & Creation Department, and Noriko Kitahara, an advisor at GreatRIVER who collaborated on the rebranding of Maquillage. They will engage in a dialogue dissecting the essence of this division between branding and marketing and will consider how creative solutions can foster business growth.

The Role of Reframe Studio

The seminar will also highlight Reframe Studio, a collaborative space where practitioners from various fields such as design, innovation, and creativity can reinterpret their current challenges through shared inquiries. This environment fosters resonance among participants, allowing them to exchange ideas and cultivate innovations that lead to actionable change.

Expert Speakers

Yuu Miura

• - Position: Head of Creation, Shiseido Art & Creation Department
• - Background: Since joining Shiseido in 2006, Miura has held numerous roles, promoting brand creativity across various markets, including Japan, Europe, and the Americas. Most recently, he served as the Global Creative Director for Shiseido.

Noriko Kitahara

• - Position: CEO, MICHI; Brand Designer, MIDOT
• - Background: Kitahara has extensive marketing experience with brands such as Tsubaki and Elixir. In 2025, she founded MICHI, where she focuses on connecting experience and resources to create unarticulated value within brands.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is ideal for:

• - Individuals struggling with the disconnection between marketing and branding in their organizations.
• - Executive leaders who find it challenging to articulate the importance of brand investments.
• - Marketing managers seeking to balance short-term measures and long-term brand development within their teams.
• - Strategy and business leaders wanting to include creativity from the outset of the value specification process.
• - Corporate communication heads looking to bridge the gap between brand and business.

Event Details

• - Date: June 16, 2026
• - Time: 16:00 - 17:30
• - Venue: Incubation CANVAS TOKYO, 29F, Kyobashi Edogrand, 2-2-1 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
• - Capacity: 50 participants (subject to lottery if oversubscribed)
• - Fee: Free of charge
• - Registration URL: Sign Up Here
• - Contact: Phone: 03-3740-4011, Email: [email protected]

About Amana Inc.

Established in 1979, Amana Inc. has evolved from a photo production company to one of Japan's largest visual communication firms, providing comprehensive media production services including video, sound, and CG. With a wealth of creative resources and experience in executing over 10,000 projects annually, Amana is committed to facilitating transformative communication strategies that resonate with clients and audiences alike. Their innovative solutions support companies in enhancing their communication initiatives and driving digital transformation.

For further information, visit Amana's website at amana.jp.