[Call for Entries] Announcement of "5th PAA Advertising Awards" Open for Submissions

The PAA (Pachinko Advertising Association), an association comprising businesses involved in advertising and promotion for the pachinko industry (Secretariat: Taito-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Katsuhiko Okabayashi; hereinafter referred to as PAA), has announced the opening of submissions for the "5th PAA Advertising Awards" starting July 7, 2026.

Established in 2022 with the aim of fostering new advertising concepts for the future of the pachinko industry, revitalizing the sector, and expanding the fan base for pachinko and pachislot, this awards program is now celebrating its 5th anniversary. We are deeply grateful for this milestone.

This year, as a special initiative, we will be holding the "Business Contest Division" to solicit ideas for plans that generate new customer traffic for pachinko halls. Additionally, we are calling for entries in the Graphic Division and Movie Division under the broad theme of "My Enjoyment."

Awards will include the "PAA Advertising Awards Grand Prix," as well as awards for each division (Business Contest, Graphic, and Movie). Furthermore, we will present a "Special Award" for outstanding works such as exceptional copy or illustrations, and "Sponsor Awards" selected by our corporate sponsors.

... For application details and entry, please visit our dedicated website ...

Submission Overview

- Theme

Business Contest Division: "Plans to Generate New Customer Traffic for Pachinko Halls"

We welcome proposals from a wide range of perspectives, including advertising, sales promotion, digital strategies, community collaboration, and in-store experiences.

Finalists are scheduled to give a public pitch at the PAA General Meeting (scheduled for December).

Graphic Division & Movie Division: "My Enjoyment"

"Enjoyment" is important to us. We are seeking ideas for posters and TV commercials that propose how "enjoyment" enriches our lives and brings us vitality in our daily lives.

We look forward to receiving interesting ideas that can serve as a catalyst for people to think about "My Enjoyment," without being confined to the realm of pachinko and pachislot.

- Application Period: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

- Announcement and Awards Ceremony: December (scheduled) *Announcement will be made on the website.

- Prizes:

PAA Advertising Awards Grand Prix: 500,000 yen, commemorative plaque (one work from the Graphic or Movie Division)

Graphic Division, Movie Division: 50,000 yen for one work in each division

Business Contest Division: 300,000 yen prize money, commemorative plaque for one work

Special Award: 100,000 yen

Sponsor Awards: 100,000 yen (one work per sponsoring company)

- Submission Content: Unpublished plans and works for the Business Contest, Graphic, and Movie Divisions that align with the themes.

Business Contest Division: Project proposal

Graphic Division: Poster (A1 size)

Movie Division: 30-second video

- How to Apply: Apply through the entry form on the dedicated website.

Apply and find more details here.

Purpose of Establishing the Advertising Awards

- To create new advertising communication with consumers that serves as a catalyst for improving the image of the pachinko industry (Re-branding).

- To create opportunities for considering pachinko industry advertising from a consumer perspective (Target Insight).

- To promote awareness and transform the image of pachinko industry advertising among society and the media (Market Opportunity Expansion).

- To improve the quality of advertising within the pachinko industry and promote understanding of advertising logic (Quality Improvement).

Judges

Chief Judge: Katsutoshi Oshima, PAA Director

Deputy Chief Judge: Katsuhiko Okabayashi, PAA Chairman

Ken Mori: Creative Director, Part-time Lecturer at Nagoya Zokei University of Art & Design / Part-time Lecturer at Aichi Design & Craft School

Rie Kyo: Professor, Faculty of Design and Engineering, Hosei University

Naoto Suwa: PAA Advisor

Hiroshi Shinohara: PAA Advisor, Pachinko & Pachislot KAI Research Institute

Takeaki Yanai: PAA Advisor, Toyo University Center for Contemporary Social Studies

Masaya Ikushima: PAA Advertising Promotion WG Advisor

Several representatives from related organizations are also expected.

Notes

- Works falling under the following categories will not be considered for judging.

Works that the applicant has submitted or is applying to other contests or exhibitions, or similar works.

Works that imitate or reproduce others' copyrighted material. Works lacking original creativity.

Works that infringe upon others' copyrights, moral rights of authors, trademarks, portrait rights, publicity rights, honor/privacy, or other rights.

Works containing content that violates laws and regulations.

Works that are deemed inappropriate as advertisements due to content that violates social norms or public order and morals.

Regarding Handling of Works

- Ownership of submitted works (whether awarded or not) belongs to PAA. Works will not be returned to the creator (applicant).

- Copyrights (rights stipulated in Articles 21 to 26 of the Copyright Act) of awarded works belong to PAA.

- Awarded works may be published in media produced, issued, or operated by PAA or its member companies, or exhibited at exhibitions of awarded works.

- If the applicant wishes to exhibit awarded works in a solo exhibition, publish them on their website or in publications, or use them in other media, prior approval from PAA is required. Additionally, please consult with PAA in advance if you intend to use the awarded work as an actual advertisement.