Japan Direct Mail Announces Short Drama Project Contest at SSFF & ASIA 2026

Japan Direct Mail's Innovative Initiative for Creators

Japan Direct Mail Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has recently unveiled an exciting initiative named the "Short Drama Project Contest" in collaboration with the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) for 2026. This contest aims to engage video creators from around the world and is part of Japan Direct Mail's ongoing evolution towards becoming a comprehensive service provider in the realms of entertainment, globalization, and digital transformation.

About the Contest

As a significant endeavor under the AYET Project, the Short Drama Project Contest primarily seeks to discover and cultivate emerging creators. The goal is to foster original intellectual property (IP) and promote content on a global scale. Japan Direct Mail will provide production funding of 10 million yen, ensuring that the original concept proposer receives credit and royalties based on commercial profit.

The contest culminates in a presentation at the SSFF & ASIA 2026 Award Ceremony on June 10, 2026, to be held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA. This ceremony will showcase the integration of creative talent with modern digital landscapes.

Background of the Initiative

In light of the emergence of WEB3.0, Japan Direct Mail is actively searching for novel experiences and support mechanisms for members in the content space. The Short Drama Contest extends beyond traditional filmmaking; it encompasses every aspect of production, from concept to output, IP development, and ultimately, commercial viability.

By merging skills honed through years in e-commerce with entertainment and digital systems, Japan Direct Mail strives to establish a new distribution model. This model envisions delivering narratives crafted by creators to everyday consumers, fans, and global markets.

Highlighting the Award Ceremony

In an event set to take place on June 10, 2026, Company President Akitaka Mizutani will announce the contest’s details during the SSFF & ASIA 2026 Award Ceremony at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA. Notably, ambassadors for the AYET Project will also join the event, including former Hinatazaka46 member Kumi Sasaki and the SHOW-WA group members, Hayato Aoyama and Masaki Shioda.

Comments from Industry Leaders

The Short Shorts Executive Committee's President, Tetsuya Bessho, expressed his enthusiasm: “As an internationally recognized short film festival, we are excited to launch the Short Drama Project with Japan Direct Mail, which will aid the career development of video creators.” He highlighted the innovative aspects of WEB3 technologies, blockchain, and tokens that could reshape the creator’s landscape through synergies with the LIFE LOG BOX.

President Akitaka Mizutani emphasized that this project symbolizes a journey into a new realm of possibilities for aspiring video creators, from concept realization to global dissemination. Collaboration with seasoned producers like Yasushi Akimoto aims to elevate the quality of content to international standards, ultimately creating original IP.

AYET Project Aims

The AYET Project plans to introduce the AYET cryptocurrency focused on entertainment. The initiative aims to provide utility tokens for product purchases, event access, and other privileges within Japan Direct Mail’s e-commerce framework, striving towards the establishment of a global economic ecosystem.

About SSFF & ASIA

Founded in 1999 by Tetsuya Bessho, SSFF began as an initiative to introduce the genre of short films to Japan. In 2001, the festival was renamed and gained official recognition as an Academy Awards festival by 2004. The festival also encourages the growth of young filmmakers and celebrates the cultural exchange through cinema, not only locally but globally.

To stay informed about the contest and the award ceremony details, visit the official SSFF & ASIA website here.