#Japan #Tokyo #Kao #Quiet Cleaning #YouTube Works

Kao's 'Quiet Cleaning' Triumphs at the YouTube Works Awards 2026

In an incredible achievement, Kao's game, 'Quiet Cleaning,' has secured the prestigious Grand Prix award at the YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026, hosted by Google. This award signifies the highest honor in recognition of creative and effective advertising within video content.

The game has not only won the Grand Prix but also taken home the award for the 'YouTube Creator Collaboration' category, underscoring its strong impact as a representative campaign on YouTube for the year 2025.

About the Awards

The 'YouTube Works Awards' is an annual ceremony that honors the most effective video advertisements on YouTube, with the first event held in the UK in 2017. The awards have now expanded across various countries, showcasing the talent of leading advertising creatives and brands, all judged by an esteemed panel from diverse fields. The first iteration of the YouTube Works Awards was launched in Japan in 2021, with the sixth event set for May 29, 2026, where one Grand Prix winner and awards in eight different categories will be revealed.

This year's recognition of 'Quiet Cleaning' stems from the innovative marketing strategies employed by Kao’s Home Care division, particularly through synergizing their cleaning simulation game with popular YouTube creators. The uniqueness lies in their approach: they designed a campaign around the culture of gaming livestreams and collaborations, fostering a dynamic that allowed content to organically spread across the platform.

A notable collaboration video associated with 'Quiet Cleaning' amassed an impressive 450,000 views. This particular video acted as a catalyst, prompting hundreds of thousands of engaging responses from game streamers, leading to over 3,200 related broadcasts—an impressive feat for organic outreach.

Judges’ Praise

During the selection process for the YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026, the jury praised how 'Quiet Cleaning' transformed a mundane activity like cleaning into an engaging form of entertainment, seamlessly integrating the user experience into the content. The collaboration between the brand and content creators exemplified a new way of communication while promoting a structure that encouraged natural dissemination of the campaign across numerous channels.

Award Acceptance Remarks

In reflecting on their victory, the Kao team acknowledged that the idea for 'Quiet Cleaning' emerged from seeking innovative ways to convey brand value outside traditional advertising. They expressed their joy and excitement at the overwhelming interest from content creators on YouTube right after the game's release. It highlighted their dedication to treating the gaming livestream culture not merely as a trend but as a fundamental aspect of contemporary culture. The team also extended heartfelt gratitude towards their collaborators, Whatever Co. and the streamer Gachiman.

About ‘Quiet Cleaning’

• - Game Title: Quiet Cleaning
• - Platform: Steam®
• - Genre: 3D Exploration Horror/ Cleaning Simulation
• - Player Count: Single Player
• - Price: Free
• - Store Page: Quiet Cleaning on Steam

Game Synopsis

In 'Quiet Cleaning,' players step into the shoes of a protagonist who inherits a long-neglected villa from their late father. As the protagonist begins cleaning the house to prepare it for sale, they stumble across a hidden code beneath layers of grime in the kitchen. As they continue to clean, more mysteries unfold, leading to revelations tied to the villa and their father's past. With each discovery, players unravel the story while tidying up the abandoned space, blending mystery with the satisfying gameplay of cleaning.

This recognition of 'Quiet Cleaning' is a hallmark of creative marketing that pushes boundaries, offering valuable insights into how innovative game design can dovetail with modern advertising principles to create engaging and viral content.