Tokyo, Japan – September 20th: TBWA\HAKUHODO is delighted to announce that Ryota Haraguchi, Creative Director, has been selected for Campaign Asia-Pacific’s esteemed “40 Under 40” list for 2024. This recognition is awarded to the most influential and innovative young leaders reshaping the future of marketing and communications across Asia-Pacific.

Since joining TBWA\HAKUHODO, Haraguchi has led several high-profile campaigns that have significantly impacted the industry, including the award-winning “No Smiles” campaign for McDonald’s. This innovative campaign reimagined McDonald’s cherished brand asset, ” ‘0 Yen Smile’,” aligning it with modern sensibilities. It resonated deeply with younger generations, including Gen Z, who value authenticity in their work personas, sparking widespread empathy and acclaim. The campaign not only won a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2024 — the only Gold awarded to Japan that year — but also secured top honors at the New York Festivals 2024 Advertising Awards, MAD STARS 2024, and the APAC Effie Awards 2024. Haraguchi’s creative vision and leadership continue to push the boundaries of conventional advertising, making a notable difference in the marketplace.

This accolade by Campaign Asia-Pacific is a testament to Haraguchi’s outstanding contributions to the field and underscores TBWA\HAKUHODO’s commitment to fostering talent that leads and inspires.

For the full article and further insights, please visit Campaign Asia-Pacific’s feature on Ryota Haraguchi here [ https://www.campaignasia.com/article/40-under-40-2024 ].