TBWA\HAKUHODO Inc., the leading disruption creative agency based in Tokyo, is proud to announce that Ryota Haraguchi and Shohei Ooishi, members of the ‘Disruption Lab’ creative division, have been selected as medalists in the prestigious “2023 Creator of the Year” awards by the Japan Advertising Agencies Association (JAAA). This recognition underscores their exceptional contributions and the innovative work they have produced over the past year.

Since its inception in 1989, the JAAA “Creator of the Year” award has aimed to showcase the individuals behind groundbreaking creative work, celebrating Japan’s brilliant creative talent. For thirteen consecutive years since 2011, TBWA\HAKUHODO has consistently been recognized by the JAAA, with the agency boasting two recipients annually for this esteemed award since 2015.
This thirteen-year streak of accolades is a testament to the creative excellence embodied by the ‘Disruption Lab.’ As TBWA\HAKUHODO’s hub of innovative thought and creative execution, the ‘Disruption Lab’ thrives on the DISRUPTION®︎ philosophy, challenging conventions and forging new pathways for brands towards success and creative distinction.

TBWA\HAKUHODO continues to inspire, transcending convention through its extraordinary talent. The agency is committed to generating groundbreaking ideas and innovations that not only propel brands and businesses forward but also foster meaningful social change.

■ Our Medalists　
Ryota Haraguchi, Creative Director, Disruption Lab
Since joining Hakuhodo in 2009, Ryota has made significant strides, beginning with media sales and nationwide TV planning. As an activation planner from 2011, he played a key role in nationwide promotions. Joining TBWA\HAKUHODO in 2016, today he leads with distinction as a Creative Director, earning widespread recognition in the industry including Cannes Lions, ADFEST, CLIO, and Spikes awards. Notably, he also earned a nursery school teacher license in 2021, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.

Shohei Ooishi, Creative Director/Copywriter, Disruption Lab
Shohei’s journey began at Hakuhodo in 2014, where he quickly garnered attention by winning the Tokyo Copywriters Club Newcomer Award in 2016 for his work on the ‘Samurai Smartphone Parade’ campaign for NTT Docomo. Representing Japan at the Adfest Young Lotus Workshop the same year, he transitioned to TBWA\HAKUHODO in 2018. His creative prowess was further recognized with a Gold for Design at Cannes Lions in 2019 for ‘The Most Challenging Ping Pong Table’ for the Japan Para Table Tennis Association, among other accolades including Ad Stars and D&AD. His recent work on #OurMonsterStrikeStories for the app-based game Monster Strike earned him the Grand Prix at the ACC Tokyo Creativity Awards, cementing his status as a leading creative mind.