Tag: Japan

Japan – Accenture has announced its agreement to acquire Yumemi, a Japan-based digital services and product provider, in a move that will significantly boost its ability to rapidly design and launch innovative digital products at scale for clients.

Founded in 2000, Yumemi has developed a wide range of digital products for more than 600 companies across various industries, serving an estimated 60 million monthly active users worldwide. The company is known for its “design engineering” approach, which brings designers and engineers together in integrated teams to accelerate product development and delivery.

Following the acquisition, Yumemi’s team of around 400 professionals in Japan will join Accenture Song, the company’s creative and technology arm.

Accenture said the move will enhance its ability to support clients throughout the digital product lifecycle by tapping into user insights and combining both firms’ strengths in data analytics and generative AI. The company added that demand for digital products continues to grow, as businesses seek new ways to engage customers and remain competitive.

By integrating Yumemi’s development model with its own AI-driven transformation capabilities, Accenture aims to offer end-to-end support in building, operating, and refining digital products at scale.

Atsushi Egawa, CEO of Accenture, Japan, and co-CEO for Asia-Pacific, explained, “By integrating Yumemi’s advanced capabilities, we will bolster our ability to help clients address critical business challenges by anticipating their needs and supporting the development of innovative new digital products. Yumemi’s growth is fuelled by its strong corporate culture and active engagement of its diverse talent, and its leaders prioritise the development of their people and cultivate a flexible, transparent environment, fostering new ideas and exceptional employee experiences.”

“Embracing Yumemi’s forward-thinking approaches and agility, we are committed to creating world-class digital products that significantly impact the market, driving transformation and competitiveness of enterprises in Japan and across the globe,” Egawa added.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Yumemi will become part of Accenture Song’s design and digital products unit, following its 2024 acquisition of Work & Co.

Toshiyuki Kataoka, CEO of Yumemi Inc., shared, “Accenture’s commitment to delivering on the promise of technology and human ingenuity perfectly aligns with our vision of ‘crafting timeless services to enhance people’s lives worldwide.’ By combining Accenture’s comprehensive offerings with our proven ‘design engineering’ expertise, unique and diverse employee culture, and strong customer community, we aim to accelerate the development of groundbreaking digital services that will transform industry norms.”

He continued, “We have immense respect for Accenture’s culture, which aligns harmoniously with our own. This perfect fit is destined to create remarkable synergy, enabling our teams to refine their skills and unlock new levels of value for our customers, employees, and business.”

Japan – MCDecaux, the Japan branch of global outdoor advertising company JCDecaux, has officially launched programmatic buying for its premium digital out-of-home (DOOH) inventory in Japan through VIOOH, the global DOOH supply-side platform.

The initial rollout includes 55 digital screens at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITAMI), now available for programmatic purchase via VIOOH. Additional digital street furniture screens across 10 cities are expected to be added in the second quarter of the year.

Through this launch, advertisers can run DOOH campaigns in a more flexible and data-informed manner. Programmatic buying allows for greater control, with the ability to tailor messaging based on time of day, day of the week, and passenger movements such as arrivals, departures, and travel type.

The approach aims to improve media buying efficiency and audience engagement at KIX and ITAMI airports by enabling more precise targeting of both international and domestic travellers. Its timing also aligns with increased travel activity ahead of Osaka Expo 2025 in spring.

Jean-Christophe Conti, chief executive officer at VIOOH, said, “At VIOOH, we are committed to growing our programmatic DOOH offering globally. Already available in 26 markets, we’re pleased today to launch in our twenty-seventh market, Japan.”

“Initially available at airport locations, we plan to expand our DOOH footprint in Japan later this year. Programmatic DOOH now offers advertisers, both those buyers within Japan and overseas, the ability to connect with a multitude of new potential customers. The flexibility, efficiency and omnichannel campaign opportunities are infinite,” he added.

Premium DOOH inventory at KIX and ITAMI is now available through VIOOH, joining JCDecaux’s programmatic network of 7,500 screens across 26 international airports, including major hubs in the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

MCDecaux has expanded its DOOH presence across airports and street furniture in Japan. The programmatic offering will soon extend to 180 digital screens in bus shelters and city panels across 10 major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

Malik Roumane, president of MCDecaux, said, “We are pleased to announce our entry into the programmatic DOOH market in Japan, which has rapidly expanded and is a major growth factor of the OOH industry in Japan. We start with KIX/ITAMI, which are two top airports in the west area of Japan.”

Roumane continued, “With the two airports, advertisers can reach the highest number of inbound travellers from Asian countries as well as domestic travellers, both for business and leisure. Tailor-made communication with data makes it possible to broadcast the right message at the right time and contribute to the best return on advertising investment. With Street Furniture to join in the programmatic inventory, advertisers will see opportunities to leverage the nationwide pDOOH network in Japan soon.”

Japan – Hakuhodo Inc., the integrated marketing and innovation company based in Tokyo, has appointed Akihiko Imai as the new president and CEO of Hakuhodo International, effective immediately.

With extensive experience in the marketing and advertising industry, Imai brings a proven track record of leadership and innovation to his new role. Succeeding Shuntaro Ito, his appointment signals Hakuhodo International’s focus on strengthening its global presence and continuing to deliver value to clients worldwide.

Imai began his career at Hakuhodo in 1989 and spent much of his professional journey at TBWA\HAKUHODO. He became a corporate officer of Hakuhodo in 2016 and was promoted to senior corporate officer in 2021. As of April 1, 2025, he will also serve as director and senior corporate officer of Hakuhodo.

Throughout his career, Imai has held key positions, including president & CEO of TBWA\HAKUHODO and director of both TBWA\HAKUHODO China and OMD HAKUHODO.

He has also received numerous accolades, highlighting his significant impact and influence within the industry and underscoring his commitment to excellence and innovation in marketing and advertising.

Commenting on his appointment, Imai said, “I am honoured to take on this role and lead Hakuhodo International into its next chapter. I look forward to working with our talented team to drive growth and innovation and to further strengthen our relationships with clients around the globe as a creative force for meaningful change with sei-katsu-sha*.” 

“Sei-katsu-sha” is a term Hakuhodo uses to describe individuals not just as consumers but as fully realised people with unique lifestyles, aspirations, and dreams.

Japan – Global media intelligence and consulting firm CARMA has expanded into Japan with the launch of its Tokyo office, marking its 23rd global location and reinforcing its commitment to delivering advanced media insights to Japanese organisations.

CARMA currently works with several Fortune 500 Japanese clients across banking, automotive, FMCG, and technology sectors, providing media intelligence and research solutions. The company helps organisations translate media data into actionable business insights.

With the opening of its Tokyo office, CARMA aims to strengthen its support for Japanese businesses and government agencies by offering AI-driven analytics and consulting services.

CARMA’s expertise spans key areas such as brand reputation, crisis measurement, competitor analysis, and market landscape evaluation. The firm’s move into Japan reflects its commitment to providing tailored support for multinational corporations, government departments, and international organisations operating in the country.

Leading the development of the new Tokyo office is Kenichiro Watai, a media professional with over 30 years of experience. Watai most recently served as group account director at BBDO Worldwide and previously held the role of deputy general manager at Hakuhodo.

Commenting on his appointment, Watai said, “I am truly honoured to be joining CARMA at such an exciting time. It is deeply meaningful to be able to introduce the world’s most advanced PR measurement methodologies to clients in Japan.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving media and social landscape, CARMA’s insights and data hold unlimited potential for organisations that must respond to complex challenges and make swift, informed decisions. Moving forward, I am committed to helping organisations in Japan achieve greater growth and strengthen their competitiveness through CARMA’s solutions,” he added.

CARMA’s technology processes social, digital, print, and broadcast data in over 100 languages, providing media analysis across various platforms. With a presence in 23 offices across five continents, the company applies global methodologies in PR measurement and evaluation while adapting to local market needs.

Andrew Nicholls, managing director of CARMA, shared, “Japanese clients prioritise quality and find CARMA’s unique combination of technology, global reach and experts on the ground in key territories appealing.”

He continued, “This expansion comes at a time of great disruption for many Japanese organisations who increasingly demand insights to navigate the complex global marketplace and defend their position against increased competition from markets like China and Korea. I look forward to working with Watai-san to fulfil our brand promise of delivering what matters to clients in Japan.”

Japan – Nexxen, a global advertising technology platform with deep expertise in data and advanced TV, has appointed Masatsune Shironishi as its new vice president, country manager for Japan.

With over 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and advertising, Shironishi brings deep expertise in linear TV, in-stream video, over-the-top (OTT) and connected TV (CTV), digital media, ad tech, and branding solutions to Nexxen. Based in the company’s Tokyo office, he will play a key role in driving Nexxen’s growth in the Japanese market.

Before joining Nexxen, Shironishi spent nearly three years at Microsoft Advertising as regional vice president, marketplace development. During his tenure, he successfully led the launch of Netflix Ads in Japan—where Microsoft served as the tech partner—and played a key role in advancing programmatic business strategies across Microsoft-owned platforms.

Shironishi also held leadership roles at leading ad tech firms, including Xandr, Amobee, and Videology. His career also includes senior sales positions at OpenTable, Elsevier, and I&S BBDO, further showcasing his expertise in driving growth across digital media and advertising.

Commenting on his appointment, Shironishi said, “I am thrilled to join Nexxen as its new VP, Country Manager for Japan. Given Nexxen’s strengths as a platform – particularly in data, CTV and creative solutions – I’m confident we’ll be able to help to transform advertising strategies throughout the Japanese market, and I’m eager to leverage my industry experience to drive this growth.”

“We are delighted to welcome Masatsune Shironishi as our new VP, Country Manager for Japan. His extensive knowledge and skill set will be instrumental to innovating within Japan’s digital advertising ecosystem, and we look forward to working with him as Nexxen continues to expand its presence across Asia,” said Josif Zanich, managing director for JAPAC at Nexxen.

Japan – Canva has teamed up with Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo (W+K Tokyo) to launch a captivating new film series that showcases how creativity can transform everyday challenges into innovative solutions.

Directed by filmmaker Yuki Tanada, known for The One Million Yen Girl and My Broken Mariko, the eight-part series follows Yuki, a curious young girl, and her fellow islanders as they navigate daily life on a remote Japanese island.

Each short film presents an everyday challenge faced by the islanders, with creative solutions emerging through digital design tools. From making artwork and presentations to editing videos and designing printed materials, the series explores how technology can support problem-solving in daily life.

The first four films introduce the island’s quiet charm and its eccentric residents. ‘The Postman’ follows Yuki as she befriends the local postman, played by Kanji Furutachi, and helps revive the tradition of Nengajo, Japan’s New Year postcard custom. In ‘A Fresh Start,’ Yuki tries to help her grandmother, played by Naoko Ken, reignite her passion for running an island salon.

In ‘Dream Boyfriend,’ Yuki playfully reshapes the reality of her surfer crush, Kai, to match her idealised vision of a boyfriend. ‘Island Romance’ sees her scheming to make the entire island fall in love, hoping it will bring more children to play with—leading to unexpected twists and chaos.

The series will continue into 2025, introducing new island characters and expanding the story’s focus on creativity, community, and connection.

Max Pilwat, creative director at W+K Tokyo, said, “This year, we explored the power of Canva on a deeper level. Through this series, we brought the app to an unexpected setting—an island—demonstrating how it can allow real people to design and connect beyond their imaginations.”

Japan – To celebrate National Cat Day, Uber Eats has teamed up with Special (Australia and Japan), Whatever Tokyo, and EssenceMediacom to launch a playful new initiative in Japan, urging pet owners to stay in and enjoy quality time with their furry companions over the long weekend.

This February, Japan will observe a long weekend with National Cat Day on February 22 and a National Holiday on February 24. To mark the occasion, Uber Eats has introduced a limited run of Uber Eats Pet Buttons, designed to playfully encourage pet owners to stay in and order food, giving them more time to spend with their furry companions.

When pressed, the pet buttons play the well-known phrase from campaigns featuring Naka Riisa and Nakao Akiyoshi, “Uber Eatsで、いーんじゃない?” (Why Not Uber Eats?), serving as a light-hearted prompt for pet owners to stay in and share a meal with their furry companions.

The initiative will be shared through social media, digital platforms, and influencer collaborations, encouraging pet owners across Japan to spend more time at home with their furry companions.

Yasunari Aoyama, brand marketing manager for Japan at Uber Eats, said, “At Uber Eats, we know pets are a huge part of the family. Pets and Uber Eats have one thing in common… they want their humans to stay inside.”

“We wanted to give pets the opportunity to suggest ‘Why not Uber Eats’ to their owners so they can keep their humans home and enjoy their favourite meals together this weekend,” Aoyama added.

Singapore – In a significant reshuffling of its leadership team, Manulife Asia has announced key strategic changes across its operations in emerging markets, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and its finance division.

As part of the leadership changes, Manulife Asia has appointed Dr. Kah Siang Khoo, currently the CEO of Singapore, as the new CEO of Emerging Markets. In this expanded role, he will oversee operations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

Dr Khoo, who joined Manulife in 2018, has played a key role in driving growth and enhancing the company’s position in the region. He has also contributed to digital initiatives and new distribution strategies while overseeing a successful bancassurance partnership with DBS. Prior to his new role, Dr. Khoo served as the president of the Life Insurance Association of Singapore.

During the transition, Dr. Khoo will remain CEO of Singapore until he officially hands over the role to Benoit Meslet on June 1. Meslet, who is currently CEO of Japan, will assume the position pending regulatory approval.

Benoit has been with Manulife since 2020, driving four years of core earnings growth, doubling new business value since 2022, and leading a fast-paced digital transformation that boosted customer satisfaction and employee engagement. With over 20 years of leadership experience in Asia’s life insurance sector, he is well-equipped for his new role.

Following this change, Ryan Charland, currently CEO of Indonesia, will succeed Meslet as CEO of Japan, effective May 1, 2025. He will join Meslet in Japan in April to facilitate a smooth transition.

Since taking the helm in 2019, Charland has led Manulife Indonesia to expand its market share and achieve a strong Net Promoter Score. He also launched a new Syariah-compliant company to serve Indonesia’s underpenetrated Muslim population. His extensive experience in product development, distribution, operations, finance, and risk management is expected to support ongoing growth in Manulife Japan.

Meanwhile, Lauren Sulistiawati will succeed Charland as CEO of Indonesia, starting February 24, 2025, pending regulatory approval. She will collaborate closely with Charland to ensure a smooth transition and will report to Dr Khoo.

Sulistiawati joins from Commonwealth Bank, where she led the transition to OCBC while maintaining customer satisfaction. She has held leadership roles in Indonesian and multinational banks, with a focus on transformation, Syariah business, and regional insurance partnerships.

Last on the roster of leadership changes, Adrienne O’Neill, currently global controller and group chief accounting officer, has been appointed Asia chief financial officer, reporting to Colin Simpson, global CFO, and Phil Witherington, president and CEO of Manulife Asia.

O’Neill has been with Manulife for over 17 years, holding various key finance roles, including global controller and group chief accounting officer. She also served as global head of investor relations from 2018 to 2021.

Speaking on the appointments, Witherington said, “These changes showcase the depth and strength of our leadership across Asia and position us to continue delivering high-quality sustainable growth and be the number one choice for customers.”

“We are well on track to achieve our goal of contributing half of Manulife’s core earnings by 2027, and these leaders have consistently executed our strategy. Their leadership in these new roles will help define the next chapter for Manulife Asia,” he added.

Phil Witherington will assume the role of president and CEO of Manulife on May 9, 2025. Until his successor is appointed, members of the Manulife Asia senior leadership team will report directly to him.

Manulife has also announced the departure of Michael Thomssen, chief financial officer for Asia, and Sachin Shah, head of emerging markets. The company thanked both for their contributions and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Japan – Months after announcing a possible major merger deal, Nissan is reportedly halting its $60b merger talks with Honda, a move that would have created the world’s third-largest automaker.

According to a Reuters report, multiple anonymous sources revealed that merger talks between the two Japanese automakers have become increasingly complicated due to growing differences. 

Earlier, Reuters also reported that Nissan was considering calling off negotiations after Honda proposed making Nissan a subsidiary. One source stated that Nissan baulked at the idea, as it deviated from the original plan of a merger between equals.

Additionally, another source revealed that Honda, with a larger market value than Nissan, has grown increasingly concerned about its smaller rival’s progress on its turnaround plan.

While the future of the merger remains uncertain, two anonymous sources suggested that the possibility of reviving talks has not been ruled out, Reuters further revealed.

Notably, Nissan shares dropped over 4% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, prompting a temporary trading halt after a Nikkei report claimed the automaker would exit merger talks. In contrast, Honda shares jumped more than 8%, reflecting apparent investor relief.

According to Reuters, both companies stated that the Nikkei report was not based on official information and reiterated their goal of finalising a decision by mid-February.

Nissan and Honda initially aimed to finalise their integration plans by the end of January but later postponed the decision to mid-February.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that last month, sources indicated Mitsubishi Motors—Nissan’s smaller alliance partner—was reconsidering its involvement in the merger and might no longer join.

Japan – SKYN Condoms teams up with independent creative agency UltraSuperNew Tokyo for its latest Valentine’s Day campaign, transforming an awkward tussle over the last packet of condoms into a hilarious showdown.

SKYN’s latest campaign film explores Honne to Tatemae, the Japanese concept of balancing true feelings (honne) with socially appropriate behaviour (tatemae).

Titled ‘Soft Competition,’ the ad follows a man and a woman reaching for the last packet of SKYN condoms in a convenience store. Their inner honne sparks a comical showdown of expressions and emotions, but they quickly rein it in, reverting to their composed, socially proper tatemae selves.

Annie Hou, associate director for sales and marketing at MAM LifeStyles, said, “This marks a monumental milestone for SKYN. After almost a decade in Japan, we are thrilled to announce that our products are now available in the highly competitive Konbini Market—a space traditionally dominated by big-name brands. This step allows us to bring SKYN closer to you, ensuring both our loyal fans and those discovering us for the first time can find our soft textured product not only in drugstores but also in select konbini locations nearby.”

Yousuke Ozawa, creative director for UltraSuperNew Tokyo, added, “This time, we decided to take a fresh approach by casting the characters as rivals instead of couples, adding a whole new dynamic to the brand. We also made the protagonist a woman, something only SKYN could pull off since the product is designed for both men and women. Instead of the usual submissive or cutesy portrayal of a Japanese woman, we made her a confident, charismatic go-getter. Through this, we hope to shift the image of Japanese women in a more empowering direction while also letting people know that SKYN is now available in convenience stores.”