#Japan #Tokyo #Cannes Lions #Earth Centric Design #Kaz Sato

Kaz Sato to Lead the SDGs Jury at Cannes Lions 2026

Kaz Sato, the CEO and CCO of Earth Centric Design Lab, has made headlines by being appointed the Jury President for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) category at the renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026. This prestigious festival is known as the largest international advertising award that attracts creators, brands, and agencies from around the world. Sato’s selection is particularly significant as it marks the first time a Japanese individual has been chosen for this important role in the SDGs category.

Being Jury President at Cannes Lions requires an individual to represent the highest standards of global creativity while wielding substantial influence in the advertising industry. This nomination not only reflects Sato's personal achievements but also serves as a proud moment for Japan's advertising and creative sectors, showcasing the country’s growing recognition on the global stage.

Kaz Sato’s impressive career has been characterized by numerous awards and roles as a judge in various international competitions, including Cannes Lions. His innovative and global perspective has significantly contributed to addressing global environmental issues. In October 2024, he plans to launch the Earth Centric Design Lab, a subsidiary aimed at designing sustainable business and social systems. His commitment to integrating sustainability and creativity has garnered him high regard in the industry, paving the way for his current presidential role.

Profile of Kaz Sato

Kaz Sato, born in 1973, began his career at a leading record label and later transitioned to a foreign advertising agency. He joined TBWA HAKUHODO in September 2010, and in 2024, he established the Earth Centric Design Lab. Sato is dedicated to creating sustainable creative systems, with expertise not only in advertising but also in product, service, and public facility design. His accolades include hundreds of international creative awards, having served as a judge and jury president multiple times, and he is recognized as Campaign magazine's Asian Creator of the Year. His academic qualifications include a master’s degree in global environmental studies, and he holds a special associate professorship at Keio University’s SDM Future Society Co-Creation Innovation program.

Sato’s Commitment

In light of his new role, Sato reflects on the significant responsibility associated with leading the jury for SDGs Lions at Cannes Lions 2026. He emphasizes the responsibility of examining the importance of SDGs amidst the current unstable global circumstances. Sato expresses his intention to sincerely explore how creativity can contribute to solving societal and planetary challenges.

About Earth Centric Design Lab

Earth Centric Design Lab (ECD) is a creative company dedicated to designing sustainable business and societal systems. The organization approaches various challenges such as corporate branding, new business development, startup support, and regional revitalization through the lens of “sustainability × creativity.” ECD strives to support business growth by harnessing the power of ideas while minimizing the environmental impact on our planet across all processes. The firm envisions a future where both Earth and humanity can thrive together, emphasizing a ‘Earth-centric’ approach to design.

For more details, visit Earth Centric Design Lab.