Global summit showcases 2026 award winners, strategic AI video partnerships, and free worldwide online streaming through November 30.
TOKYO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Voice Inc. officially held the inaugural “Visual EXPO by BRANDED SHORTS” at Akasaka Intercity Conference in Tokyo on September 28 and 29, 2026. Evolved from BRANDED SHORTS—the brand film unit associated with the Academy Awards®-accredited Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA)—the EXPO serves as a physical platform under the theme “Creating the Future of Business Through the Power of Cinema.” Out of 654 submissions globally, the festival announced the Branded Shorts of the Year 2026 alongside key category winners celebrating human-centric storytelling.
Honoring Storytelling: Branded Shorts of the Year 2026 The award ceremony celebrated films addressing profound social issues and human relationships through delicate storytelling:
- National Category Winner: “Even Though No One is to Blame” (Director: Ayumu Omori / Brand: Marriage For All Japan). A moving family narrative navigating same-sex marriage in Japan, praised by the jury for bringing a broad social topic down to an intimate, relatable level.
- International Category Winner: “Feel” (Director: Judith Veenendaal / Brand: checkyourbreasts.today). A poetic piece focused on bodily self-care to raise breast cancer awareness through tactile, sensory imagery.
Expanding Sector Honors Visual EXPO presented awards across multiple domains:
- HR Best Short Award: “The Last ‘Thank You’ #32–34 ‘Tears From the Toughest'” (Tear Corporation), depicting the dignity of funeral service work.
- 15th Tourism Video Award (Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner’s Award): “Fukufuku Map” (Fukushima Prefecture), an animated film directed by Sunao Katabuchi.
- Personal Branding Award: Creator Kazu Languages and dancer/artist KELO.
- Public Impact Award: SEKAI NO OWARI’s 15th Anniversary Tour “THE CINEMA” (Director: Dai Ikeda), blending live music with custom short films.
AI Innovation and Digital Certificates A major highlight was the announcement of a global strategic partnership between Nihon Chokuhan (Japan Direct) and ByteDance. Utilizing ByteDance’s generative AI technologies (including “Seedance”) and TikTok, the initiative establishes an AI-driven video ecosystem for creators and advertising. Additionally, winners received Web3 Digital Certificates hosted on “LIFE LOG BOX” using blockchain technology to verify creator credentials.
Nominated and winning films, along with archived panels, are streaming globally for free on the official platform through November 30, 2026 (https://app.lifelogbox.com/visualexpoonline).
Contact:
Fuyumi Tanaka
0354748201
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SOURCE Committee for Short Shorts Film Festival
