#Japan #Tokyo #Short Shorts #Tokyo Event #Visual Voice

Unveiling a New Era in Brand Storytelling

The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA), recognized as one of the premier international short film festivals in Asia, is set to launch a groundbreaking event titled Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS. This initiative, organized by Visual Voice Inc., shifts from a decade-long focus on corporate film showcases to establishing a global business platform. Scheduled for September 28–29, 2026, at the Akasaka Intercity Conference in Tokyo, the expo also offers online streaming until November 30, 2026.

Bridging Cinema and Technology

The Visual EXPO aims to create a nexus between cinematic art and corporate branding while exploring the latest trends in technology. Esteemed brands have submitted their works, including WhatsApp, British Airways, Amazon Books, Doritos, and Toray Industries. All nominations showcase the compelling power of visual storytelling in business.

Features of the Event

Notable industry experts will lead discussions at the summit, focusing on various themes relevant to today’s media landscape:

1. Navigating AI in Visual Storytelling: As generative technology transforms media production, panels will cover how brands adapt creative workflows driven by AI.
- Industry insights from PYRAMID FILM QUADRA and amana inc. will guide attendees through encoding a brand's identity into creative AI outputs.

2. Exploring Virtual Humans: Discover insights into imma, the widely recognized virtual human, and how she adds value to corporate campaigns, presented by Aww Inc..

3. The 'Editorial Film' Paradigm: A partnership between Kodansha and Visual Voice introduces a new concept blending deep journalism with short cinematic storytelling.

4. Regional Revitalization: This theme will explore how local narratives can be interwoven with international branding strategies, showcasing the importance of cultural storytelling.

Leadership and Guidance

The event benefits from the expertise of prominent advisors Takuma Takasaki, creative director and founder of WRITING & DESIGN Inc., and Kentaro Kimura, international CCO of Hakuhodo. The jury president, Keiichi Higuchi, a former Executive Creative Director at Dentsu, alongside a distinguished panel, will oversee the nominations and award procedures.

Ticketing and Official Website

Attendees can purchase tickets via Peatix, with options including a Day Pass, 2-Day All-Access, and Online Pass. An early bird discount of 10% is available until September 14, 2026.

For more details, visit the official website: https://expo.brandedshorts.jp/en/.

Conclusion

The Visual EXPO marks a significant evolution in how brands can leverage storytelling through innovative cinema. The blend of brand identity with cutting-edge technology promises to captivate both audiences and industry participants alike, making it an event that should not be missed by anyone interested in the future of brand storytelling.