In an exciting development within the advertising industry, Yoshihiro Yagi, the Executive Creative Director of Dentsu's internal creative boutique Zero, has been named Chair of the Art Direction category for the D&AD Awards 2026. Scheduled to take place in May 2026 in the UK, the D&AD Awards is globally recognized as a premier platform that celebrates outstanding creative works that push the boundaries of potential.
Founded in 1962 in the UK, D&AD (Design and Art Direction) is an esteemed international awards program honoring only the most exceptional contributions to visual creativity across various fields of advertising and design. The awards are categorized into 46 distinct sections, each recognizing diverse forms of creativity from digital platforms and print media to video content and outdoor advertising. D&AD is particularly well-known for its symbolic representation of creativity, featuring the iconic Pencil, which stands as a testament to the genesis of creative ideas. The awards distribution includes five versions of the Pencil: Black, Yellow, Graphite, Wood, and White, where each symbolizes various levels of distinction among the recipients.
One of the most coveted recognitions, the Black Pencil, represents the highest accolade, given to only a select few entries each year. Notably, it is widely regarded as one of the most challenging awards to receive in the global design and advertising landscape, as it is not guaranteed to be awarded annually. Yoshihiro Yagi's recognition as a recipient of the Black Pencil places him in a rare category among Asian creatives, enhancing the expectations for integrity and rigor in the evaluation process for the Art Direction category.
The Art Direction category will assess the design, visual direction, and style of campaigns as a whole or within their individual components. This encompasses works created for various formats, including digital platforms, outdoor advertising, video, print media, games, and virtual environments. The jury typically consists of prior award winners, ensuring that the panel is well-versed in the excellence of creative standards.
Yagi's leadership in this prestigious role is a testament to Dentsu Group’s commitment to excellence in creative advertising. His experience and background mark him as a key figure to uphold the high standards expected by the international creative community. As the D&AD Awards 2026 aims to explore the cutting edge of design, Yagi's appointment is poised to inspire innovative and groundbreaking submissions.
For more information about the D&AD Awards and updates on preparations for the event, please visit the official website at
D&AD Awards. This milestone represents not just a personal achievement for Yagi, but also a significant moment for Dentsu Group, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the creative industry.
For further inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact the Corporate Communication Office at Dentsu Group: Koji Koji and Shimazu at
[email protected].