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“Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS 2026” Makes Its Debut! Two Days of Connecting People and Ideas Through the Power of Film
Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS 2026 made its debut at Akasaka Intercity Conference on September 28–29, 2026.
Since 2016, BRANDED SHORTS has highlighted branded films that communicate the identity and values of companies and brands. In its 11th year, it evolved into Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS under the concept “Creating the Future of Business Through the Power of Cinema,” expanding its scope to include brand strategy, talent development, and business networking.
Over the two days, visitors experienced a wide range of programs that went beyond watching films.
Film, Advertising, and AI: Exploring the Future of Creativity
At The Air, seminars explored the future of film and business through topics including advertising creativity, generative AI, XR, and regional revitalization.
Leading guests from each field shared their perspectives on evolving visual expression and brand communication.
BRANDED SHORTS on the Big Screen, Followed by Q&A Sessions with Creators
At The Amphitheater, audiences enjoyed screenings of the BRANDED SHORTS 2026 nominated films.
After each screening, directors, clients, and representatives from advertising agencies and production companies took to the stage. They discussed the origins of their ideas, their creative approaches, and the possibilities of expression unique to branded films.
These sessions offered audiences a chance to discover the ideas and intentions behind the films, alongside the works themselves.
New Connections Through Exhibitions and Networking
The venue also featured exhibition booths presented by 12 companies and local government organizations. Displays included a special retrospective of past Tourism Video Award winners, celebrating the award’s 15th anniversary.
At The Green lounge, visitors, speakers, creators, and representatives from companies and brands came together to connect.
Conversations sparked by seminars and films led to new encounters and ideas throughout the venue.
New Projects and Award Winners Announced on the Final Day
On September 29, the final day of the event, the BRANDED SHORTS 2026 jury talk and award ceremony took place.
This year’s winning films and creators were announced across awards including Branded Shorts of the Year 2026, the 15th Tourism Video Award / Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner’s Award, the HR Best Short Award, and the Personal Branding Award.
The program also featured the announcement of a new joint project by Nippon Chokuhan Co., Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd., alongside a special screening of YOKOHAMA blues, a short film from SEKAI NO OWARI’s Public Impact Award-winning 15th Anniversary Dome Tour, THE CINEMA.
In its 11th year, BRANDED SHORTS entered a new chapter.
The inaugural Visual EXPO offered two days of discovering the possibilities of film from different perspectives, bringing people together to watch, think, exchange ideas, and turn new connections into future action.
Visual EXPO Continues Online!
The in-person event in Akasaka has concluded, but Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS 2026 continues online through Monday, November 30.
The online venue features this year’s BRANDED SHORTS nominees and branded films from around the world with Japanese subtitles. Visitors can also enjoy Tourism Video Award films, food-themed works, recordings of seminars held at the Akasaka venue, and post-screening Q&A sessions.
Whether you joined us in person or were unable to attend, we invite you to continue exploring Visual EXPO online.