MarkeZine Launches 'BEST OF MARKETING AWARD 2026' to Honor Innovative Marketers

MarkeZine Introduces the Inaugural 'BEST OF MARKETING AWARD 2026'

In a groundbreaking move, MarkeZine, a renowned marketing media platform operated by Shoeisha Co., Ltd., has announced its first-ever marketing award, the BEST OF MARKETING AWARD 2026. With a mission to recognize and celebrate outstanding marketing efforts, this award aims to illuminate the path towards innovative practices in the industry. The award is part of MarkeZine's commitment to leading industry transformation as it approaches its 20th anniversary.

The concept driving this initiative, "Creating Future Through Marketing," resonates deeply with the ongoing evolution of marketing practices and the pursuit of excellence among marketers. Currently, applications are being sought from those willing to showcase their innovative marketing strategies and successes.

About the Award

Scheduled to coincide with the MarkeZine Day 2026 Spring conference on March 3–4, the award presentation will serve as a platform for recognized companies to present their projects and share insights with peers. Participants will compete across six specialized categories, each with its unique focus, and winners from these will then vie for the Grand Prize.

Categories and Judging Panel

The award encompasses the following six key categories:

1. CX (Customer Experience) Category: This award celebrates initiatives that leverage technology for integrated customer experiences, enhancing customer loyalty through innovative engagement strategies.
Judge: Yasufumi Fujii, President of BEBBIT Japan Region.

2. Data & Technology Driven Category: Recognizing efforts that strategically utilize AI, data, and AR to tackle marketing challenges and create new customer experiences.
Judge: Satoru Yamamoto, CAIO Executive Officer at Dentsu Digital.

3. Social Impact Category: This category shines a spotlight on initiatives that positively affect society, focusing on sustainability, diversity, and collaborative creations across multiple organizations.
Judge: Natsumi Akita, Executive Officer at Mizuho Financial Group.

4. Branding Category: Targeting projects that greatly enhance brand recognition and image through integrated communication strategies or exceptional creative campaigns.
Judge: Koichiro Shima, Executive Officer at Hakuhodo.

5. BtoB Category: This award acknowledges innovative BtoB marketing that contributes to business growth across processes such as lead generation and sales engagement.
Judge: Masatake Tomatsu, Head of Integrated Marketing at NTT Docomo Business.

6. Growth Innovation Category: Highlighting initiatives that drive business growth through new business models, service launches, or organizational transformations.
Judge: Shichau Liu, President at Sunny Side Up.

Application Process

MarkeZine strongly encourages all marketers, whether BtoC or BtoB, to submit their entries. To be eligible, companies or their supporting partners must complete the application process from October 9, 2025, to November 13, 2025. The judging structure will consist of an initial document review followed by face-to-face evaluations for shortlisted applicants.

Application criteria include providing detailed information on the initiative timeline, budget size (optional), project specifics (problem / strategy / innovation / objectives / metrics / results / replicability / highlights), and optional reference materials.

Host: Shoeisha MarkeZine Editorial Team
Contact: [email protected] for inquiries regarding the award.

Conclusion

With this new initiative, MarkeZine aspires to cultivate a new generation of marketing stars from its platform. As the marketing landscape evolves, this award will serve as a beacon for creativity, innovation, and collaboration, contributing positively to the industry's future.

For further information and participation details, visit the official contest site.
Join in and let your marketing endeavors be recognized at the BEST OF MARKETING AWARD 2026!