#Japan #Nagoya #SSFF & ASIA #Thank You #Tear Inc.

Tear Inc.'s Remarkable Achievement at the SSFF & ASIA 2026

Tear Inc., a company headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and led by President Norihisa Tomiyasu, is excited to announce that their original short drama titled 'Thank You for the Final Goodbye' has been selected as a finalist for the CyberAgent Vertical Award at the prestigious Short Short Film Festival & Asia 2026 (SSFF & ASIA 2026). The award ceremony is set to take place on June 10, 2026.

About the Award

SSFF & ASIA, one of the largest international short film festivals in Asia, was established in 1999 and holds the unique distinction of being the only accredited short film festival recognized by the Academy Awards in the United States. The recently launched CyberAgent Vertical Award aims to recognize innovative expressions and possibilities in vertical video formats while discovering the next generation of creators.

For more details, you can visit the official SSFF & ASIA 2026 website: SSFF & ASIA 2026 Official Site

Overview of the Short Drama

The series 'Thank You for the Final Goodbye' is based on a novel of the same name, which narrates the life of Norihisa Tomiyasu, the CEO of Tear Inc. He entered the funeral industry at the age of 18, where a pivotal encounter with his mentor, Fujita, profoundly changed the course of his life. The story encompasses his journey in confronting the endings of various lives and chronicles his founding of Tear Inc. in July 1997, culminating in its successful listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in June 2014. The special version selected for the award includes scenes from the first three episodes, creatively enhanced to illustrate Tomiyasu's connection to the funeral industry and the impactful relationship with Fujita.

Reception and Distribution

This drama has resonated with audiences across platforms, having been released as 60 episodes on TikTok in a vertical format and a complete version of 50 episodes on YouTube in a horizontal format, all available for free. The work has received significant acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of the meaning and value of the funeral industry, drawing attention not only from viewers but also from industry professionals. The recognition at this international film festival underscores the anticipation of increased interest both domestically and internationally.

Significance of the Selection

Being selected as a finalist in a highly competitive category, among 663 entries with only 12 advancing, marks a groundbreaking achievement for Tear Inc. as the first company in the funeral industry to achieve this recognition. The film effectively demonstrates Tear's long-standing commitment to honoring the final ceremonies in life with a heartfelt sense of gratitude and mission, earning international acclaim. This new vertical video format enables Tear Inc. to share their profound message with a broader audience.

Future Directions

In light of this recognition, Tear Inc. is committed to enhancing awareness of the values and significance of the funeral industry. The company intends to strengthen its outreach initiatives to foster greater understanding among the public. Additionally, they plan to leverage video content for information dissemination, aiming to uplift the overall image of the industry and contribute to its progressive development.

About the Work

• - Title: 'Thank You for the Final Goodbye'
• - Distribution: 50 complete episodes on YouTube in horizontal format and 60 episodes on TikTok in vertical format
• - Available from: October 1, on the official YouTube and TikTok channels!
• - Special Website: Thank You for the Final Goodbye

Release Links

• - YouTube: YouTube Channel
• - TikTok: TikTok Channel

Press and Marketing Social Media

• - Instagram: Instagram
• - X: X
• - TikTok: TikTok PR

About Tear Inc.

Founded in 1997 in Nagoya, Tear Inc. operates funeral halls primarily in the Chubu region. Collaborating with other funeral service providers, including Hakko-den in Osaka, Tokai Ceremony in Aichi, and Tear Hokkaido in Hokkaido, the company aspires to become Japan's leading funeral service group known for gratitude and impactful services.

• - Headquarters: 3-33-1 Kurokawa Hondori, Kita-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
• - President: Norihisa Tomiyasu
• - Establishment: July 1997
• - Capital: 1.89 billion yen (as of March 2026)
• - Stock Market: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard, Nagoya Stock Exchange Premier Market
• - Employees: 991 (as of March 2026)
• - Services Offered: Comprehensive funeral services, aftercare consultations, operation of 224 directly managed and franchise locations across Hokkaido, Chubu, Kanto, and Kansai
• - Corporate Site: Tear Inc. Corporate