FROGMAN from Secrets Society Taka no Tsume Joins Horror Film Awards Committee

FROGMAN Appointed as Judge for the 4th Japan Horror Film Awards

In an exciting development for horror cinema enthusiasts, FROGMAN, the acclaimed director behind the beloved series Secret Society Taka no Tsume, is set to serve as a judge for the upcoming 4th Japan Horror Film Awards. This prestigious competition is organized by DLE (Digital Life Entertainment), a company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and known for its pioneering work in the horror genre alongside KADOKAWA, a prominent entertainment firm in Japan.

The Japan Horror Film Awards aim to discover and support new talent in the horror filmmaking community, bringing fresh voices and innovative storytelling to the forefront. With a commitment to nurturing the next generation of horror writers and directors, the awards have already gained significant recognition in their three previous editions.

The winners of the past competitions have made notable impacts in the industry. In 2023, the first award was claimed by Minani Sachi Are, which starred actress Kotone Furukawa and was developed into a full-length film set for national release in January 2024. The director, Yuta Shimotsu, was praised for his groundbreaking contributions to J-Horror, leaving a lasting impression both domestically and internationally. Similarly, in 2023, the third installment of the awards celebrated director Ryota Kondo, whose debut film Missing Child Videotape will hit theaters in January 2025, garnering acclaim with audience reactions praising it as the epitome of J-Horror.

The Judging Panel

Continuing its tradition, the panel for the 4th Japan Horror Film Awards features an impressive lineup of industry experts. Leading the charge is Takashi Shimizu, a prominent film director known for his work in the horror genre. The committee also includes comedian Yuriyan Retriever, actress Miona Hori, multimedia creator and voice actor FROGMAN, musician Yusuke Koide from Base Ball Bear, and film journalist Masashi Uno, showcasing the diversity of expertise contributing to the judging process.

FROGMAN himself shared his enthusiastic thoughts on the evolving landscape of horror cinema. He remarked on the impact of AI technologies in contemporary visual storytelling, stating, “The true question facing us now is what constitutes fear. It’s the human ability to pull out the deep, dark, and damp essence of 'fear' and present it on screen. I look forward to encountering the 'true essence of modern horror' that will shake the audience’s subconscious.”

About DLE

Founded on December 27, 2001, and currently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the code 3686, DLE has established itself as a significant player in the entertainment sector. The company's headquarters is located at KDX Kojimachi Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo. DLE is focused on developing intellectual properties (IP) similar to Secret Society Taka no Tsume, producing various animated content and character projects. Since its IPO in 2014, the company has expanded its operations to spotlight anime and K-POP, two of Asia's leading entertainment forms. Looking ahead to 2025, DLE plans to dive deeper into the fusion of AI and its properties by launching AI-generated VTubers and powering an AI studio, propelling its business strategies into the future.

For more details about the 4th Japan Horror Film Awards, check the official website at Japan Horror Film Awards.