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KODANSHA Media Conference 2025: A Day of Inspiration and Connection

On October 30th, the KODANSHA Media Conference 2025 kicked off, setting the stage for an event dedicated to the theme of "Inspire Impossible Stories - The Power of Media and Content that Connects People." The day was filled with enriching programs, including the 'Mirai Talk' learning initiative, the awarding of the KODANSHA Media Awards 2025, and networking events like the 'Business Hangout.'

Mirai Talk: Exploring the Future of Media and Advertising

The 'Mirai Talk' sessions focused on unraveling the present and future of media and advertising. This year, the conference attracted over 300 attendees from advertisers and agencies, all keen to hear from various speakers. Each session will later be detailed in report articles, and archived videos will be available to registered participants.

Session Highlights

1. Connecting Users and Brands through Real Events
The first session featured planners from the newly established 'NEW MEDIA CHALLENGE.' This initiative acknowledges innovative projects and ideas in the media sector. The moderator, Wataru Nagasaki from KODANSHA, led a discussion with Sakiko Kawayoshi from mi-mollet and Tetsuya Hiramoto from ViVi, where they explored the burgeoning demand for real events in the post-COVID landscape.

2. Gold Medalists at Cannes Lions: Heralbony and KODANSHA's Journey
In the second session, Shuuichi Sone, COO of Heralbony, and Tatsuya Morimoto from KODANSHA relived their collaborative efforts that led to a Gold Award in the 'Glass: The Lion for Change' category at Cannes Lions 2025. The conversation facilitated a deeper understanding of their joint successes.

3. Upcoming Netflix Series: The Journey of 'Ikusagami'
The final session of 'Mirai Talk' featured a discussion on the highly anticipated Netflix series 'Ikusagami,' which stars Junichi Okada and premieres on November 13. The author Shogo Imamura and executive producer Shinichi Takahashi shared the creative journey behind transforming the novel into a visual narrative, captivating audience members with their insights.

KODANSHA Media Awards 2025

Following the enlightening talks, the KODANSHA Media Awards recognized six outstanding advertising initiatives that embody a forward-thinking approach. Those awarded took to the stage to share their enthusiasm and insights behind their awarded projects. Some of this year's winners included:

• - KDDI Corporation
• - Shiseido Japan
• - Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare
• - Felissimo Corporation
• - Mitsui Fudosan
• - Red Bull

A detailed report on the award ceremony and feedback from the judging panel will be released soon on the conference's special website.

Business Hangout: Fostering Connections

After the sessions and award ceremony, the conference transitioned into the 'Business Hangout' at the Tokyo Kikai's grand hall, 'Rose.' Over 1,000 participants, including advertisers and media representatives, mingled and exchanged ideas, creating fertile ground for collaboration. Highlights included displays showcasing KODANSHA’s endeavors and the unique 'Kagaku Kiko: SAC_2045' figures created in collaboration with Heralbony, capturing attendees' attention.

Closing Remarks

As the event came to a close, the chief executive of KODANSHA, Nobuhiro Noma, expressed gratitude towards participants. The feedback received emphasized the human-centric approach seen across all award-winning projects, highlighting how 'the power of media that connects people' remains at the forefront of today's initiatives.

In summary, the KODANSHA Media Conference 2025 was a vibrant nexus for inspiration, connection, and collaboration across the media landscape, firmly establishing itself as a key event for industry professionals.

For detailed information about the KODANSHA Media Conference 2025, please visit the dedicated website.