News
Branded Shorts of the Year 2026 Winners Announced! Selected from 654 Submissions Worldwide
National Winner: Even Though No One is to Blame/ International Winner: Feel
On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS 2026 Awards Ceremony was held, announcing the winners of this year’s awards, including Branded Shorts of the Year 2026.
This year, BRANDED SHORTS received 654 submissions from Japan and around the world, with 25 films selected as nominees.
Following the judging process, No One Is to Blame by Marriage For All Japan was selected as the winner of the National Competition, while Feel by checkyourbreasts.today received the award in the International Competition.
Branded Shorts of the Year 2026 | National Competition
Even Though No One is to Blame
Director: Ayumu Omori
Brand/Organization: Marriage For All Japan
Production Company: SPOON Inc.
The film explores the conflicts surrounding same-sex marriage within a family, portraying the perspectives and emotions of both those directly affected and their loved ones, without casting anyone as the villain.
It was recognized for its ability to make an important social issue relatable through personal relationships, encouraging audiences to reflect on the subject from different perspectives while conveying a message with broad relevance.
At the awards ceremony, Gon Matsunaka of Marriage For All Japan and producer Yusuke Kobayashi took the stage to receive the trophy from Jury President Keiichi Higuchi.
Branded Shorts of the Year 2026 | International Competition
Feel
Director: Judith Veenendaal
Brand/Organization: checkyourbreasts.today
Production Companies: Bonkers United, division7, SMUGGLER
Through the simple, everyday act of touch, the film naturally guides viewers toward the importance of becoming familiar with their own bodies and noticing changes.
Rather than delivering a direct message about breast self-examination, the film was praised for its delicate and beautiful storytelling, expanding the theme into a broader reflection on experiencing the world through touch and the importance of caring for oneself.
Director Judith Veenendaal shared a video message expressing her hope that the film would reach many women and inspire meaningful change.
HR Best Short Award
TEAR Corporation — For Their Final Jouney #32-34″Even demons cry”
Chief Director: Yui Miyatake
Production Company: TBS SPARKLE, Inc.
Based on a true story, the film portrays people working in the funeral industry as they sincerely engage with the lives of the deceased and the families who cherish them.
It was recognized for its heartfelt storytelling, which highlights the importance of compassion and conveys the deeper meaning and value of work dedicated to supporting others.
15th Tourism Video Awards — Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner’s Award
Fukufuku Map
Director: Sunao Katabuchi
Production Company: TOHOKUSHINSHA FILM CORPORATION
The film was recognized for its beautifully crafted animation, which captures the joy of discovering the unknown and the desire to learn about the places and cultures connected to those we care about—expressing the very essence of travel.
Personal Branding Award
Kazu Languages / KELO
The Personal Branding Award recognizes individuals and social media accounts that demonstrate outstanding visual storytelling and communication, attracting audiences through their distinctive perspectives, creativity, and influence.
This year, five nominees were selected, with Kazu Languages and KELO receiving the awards.
Public Impact Award
SEKAI NO OWARI — THE CINEMA
Director: Dai Ikeda
Built around the concept of “the world’s largest movie theater,” THE CINEMA combined visuals displayed on massive screens with music and live performances to create an immersive entertainment experience.
The project received the Public Impact Award for expanding the artistic world of SEKAI NO OWARI through visual storytelling and creating a new form of entertainment experience.
Watch the Award-Winning Films Online
Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS 2026 continues online through Monday, November 30.
The online platform features this year’s award-winning films, BRANDED SHORTS nominees, and a diverse selection of visual works from Japan and around the world.
Beyond the winning titles, discover how this year’s filmmakers have explored different themes and creative approaches to communicate brand messages through the power of storytelling.
We invite you to explore the films and enjoy Visual EXPO online.