#Japan #Tokyo #Material Group #Young Lions #Reinan Onoue

Reinan Onoue Takes the Helm at Young Lions Competition PR Judging

Reinan Onoue, a director at Material Inc., has been appointed as the head judge for the PR segment of the domestic selection for the 2026 Young Lions Competition. This prestigious competition, part of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity held annually in June in Cannes, France, invites creators and planners under the age of 30 from around the globe. Since 2016, Onoue has consistently served as a jury member, making this new role a significant step in her career.

A Look at the Young Lions Competition

The Young Lions Competition is not just a contest; it's a vital platform for emerging talent in the PR sector. Each year, teams consisting of two representatives from different countries compete by submitting proposals and videos that respond to challenges set during the event. The submissions undergo a thorough evaluation process which culminates in awards for Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Japanese domestic selection will ultimately determine the nation's representatives for the competition.

As Onoue takes on the role of chief judge, her extensive experience as a jury member leaves her well-prepared to lead this year’s selection. With a record number of entries submitted this year, the competition promises to showcase innovative ideas and practices in the field of PR.

Onoue's Statement on Her Appointment

In her own words, Onoue expressed: "I am truly honored to serve as the head judge for the PR segment of the Young Lions Competition. The PR segment has become an essential stepping stone for young PR professionals. With this year's unprecedented number of applications, I aim to not only discover and select the next generation of talent but also to nurture representatives who can compete globally and excel at Cannes. I look forward to the exciting opportunity to engage with the innovative and fundamental ideas that the youth will present."

About Material Inc.

Material Inc. is an innovative brand-building company, emphasizing storytelling to enhance corporate and product value. The company provides comprehensive marketing communications services, including branding, content development, creative solutions, PR execution, crisis management, digital marketing, and more. Under the leadership of CEO So Aozaki, Material aims to strengthen client communications and foster meaningful connections between their clients and the marketplace.

The Material Group's Vision

The parent company, Material Group, encompasses various businesses focused on comprehensive support for communications. With the mission to light passion in individuality and change value perceptions, the group works collectively to address diverse communication challenges that businesses face today. By coalescing various domains of expertise, they are devoted to building beneficial relationships between brands and their stakeholders.

Company Overview

• - Material Inc.

- Website: materialpr.jp
- Founded: February 2, 2005
- CEO: So Aozaki
- Location: Ark Mori Building 35F, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Focus: General marketing communication with an emphasis on PR services

• - Material Group Inc.

- Website: materialgroup.jp
- Founded: August 18, 2014
- CEO: So Aozaki
- Stock Code: 156A
- Location: Ark Mori Building 35F, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Focus: Strategic planning and management of group operations.