#Japan #Tokyo #SSFF & ASIA #Branded Shorts #Personal Branding

Celebrating a Decade of BRANDED SHORTS

In 2025, the BRANDED SHORTS will mark its 10th anniversary, coinciding with the prestigious Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA). This celebration will not only reflect on a decade of impactful short films but also look ahead to the future by introducing a new category: the Personal Branding Award. This award aims to recognize creators who excel at storytelling through video content in the age of social media.

On June 4th, a ceremony will take place at the Akasaka Intercity Conference, where the winners of the Personal Branding Award will be revealed among nine finalists. These finalists were chosen based on five criteria: engagement, business potential, video quality, viewer retention, and recall. The nine finalists selected represent a diverse range of content creators who utilize their unique experiences to connect with audiences.

Meet the Finalists

1. Akiton-Ton - A passionate educator who shares engaging study videos aimed at those struggling with education, making it memorable and enjoyable.
- YouTube Channel

2. Unparunpa - A comedic creator who gained popularity with humorous school-related sketches that resonate with middle and high school students.
- TikTok Profile

3. Gadabout - A creative team from Wakayama Prefecture focused on delivering compelling visual storytelling in promotional videos.
- TikTok Profile

4. Kengo - A novelist introducing impactful book summaries in concise formats, garnering acclaim across various ages.
- TikTok Profile

5. Gomi Hiroi Samurai - Merging street cleanup with entertainment, this unique creator promotes environmental consciousness while captivating audiences with their persona.
- TikTok Profile

6. Cyber Bunny - A content creator who connects Japanese and Hawaiian cultures through humorous, bilingual videos.
- YouTube Channel

7. Harumichi Shibasaka - An art teacher sharing watercolor techniques, making art accessible to everyone on their vibrant YouTube channel.
- YouTube Channel

8. HARE - A relationship advisor sharing valuable insights on love and dating for young men, combining psychology and relatable content.
- YouTube Channel

9. Paint Seiya - An oil painter who fuses artistic creation with engaging short-form video, driving interest in art for novices.
- TikTok Profile

Importance of the Personal Branding Award

The introduction of the Personal Branding Award emphasizes the growing significance of individual storytelling in the digital space. As more creators leverage platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, BRANDED SHORTS acknowledges this trend by establishing a category that recognizes outstanding individuals in personal branding. This venture aims to inspire and consolidate the next generation of branding possibilities.

The BRANDED SHORTS ceremony is not merely an awards event; it serves as a platform for dialogue among creators, audiences, and industry leaders. By highlighting trends in digital storytelling and discussing the future of branding, this event reinforces the crucial role of accurate representation and storytelling in today's media landscape.

The 2025 BRANDED SHORTS festival promises to be an exciting chapter in the history of short-form film, celebrating a decade of creativity while paving the way for new narratives in personal branding and video content. Join us in this celebration, which starts with a special online program highlighting past award-winning films, leading to screenings of nominated works and culminates in the vibrant ceremony on June 4th. Together, let's embrace the power of creative expression and personal storytelling.