WOWOW's Misaki Hasuo and WOWOW Entertainment's Akihiko Numata Win Excellence Award at JPPA AWARDS 2026

Misaki Hasuo, from the Content Technology Unit of WOWOW Inc.'s Technology Center, along with Akihiko Numata from the Relay Technology Department of WOWOW Entertainment's Technology Business Division, have been awarded the Excellence Award in the Sound Technology category at the 'JPPA AWARDS 2026'. Details of the award are as follows:

<JPPA AWARDS 2026 Sound Technology Category Excellence Award> Category: General Division, Sound Technology, Multi-channel Mixing, Drama/Film Work Title: 'JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ: The Movie' Recipients: Misaki Hasuo (WOWOW), Akihiko Numata (WOWOW Entertainment)

The sound technology used in the WOWOW-distributed film 'JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ', which utilized Dolby Atmos to create an overwhelming sense of immersion and live presence, was highly acclaimed. Last year, at the JPPA AWARDS 2025, Yoshihiro Toda from WOWOW's Technology Center won the Grand Prix in the Sound Technology category, making this the second consecutive year that a member of the WOWOW group has received an award at the JPPA AWARDS.

The 'JPPA AWARDS', now in its 30th year, was established in 1997 by the Japan Post Production Association to shine a spotlight on 'video technology' and 'sound technology' in various visual works, aiming to improve the skills and motivation of technicians involved in post-production work by honoring excellent techniques and achievements.

Reason for the Award: 'An important element of immersive audio that differs significantly from conventional surround sound is "height, elevation." This work is not only excellently mixed, but the technical skill in creating a solid sense of height is remarkable. Since Dolby Atmos is a major format in immersive audio, it is often compared, but we evaluated this work as an excellent piece that dynamically mixes performances while allowing the viewer to fully feel the space. I take my hat off to the technical skill of the mix, which provides a natural sense of space while still feeling powerful. It is a high-quality work that could serve as a reference for future immersive music mixing.'

Comment from Recipient Misaki Hasuo: 'Thank you very much for this award. This film was produced in Dolby Atmos with the goal of fully expressing the heat of a one-night-only session led by drummer Shun Ishiwaka and his septet, along with various guests, and the atmosphere that enveloped the entire hall. We handled everything from live recording to mixing and dubbing with a consistent team, pursuing an expression that conveys the three-dimensionality of each instrument and the details of the performance without compromising the natural resonance and unity of the venue. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported this work and to the customers who watched it, and I will continue to work on creating works with all my heart.'

'JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ: The Movie' <Overview> Held on June 21, 2024, at NHK Hall in Tokyo, the one-night-only live event 'JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ'. Young genius Shun Ishiwaka, known as "the busiest drummer in Japan," formed the talented band 'The Shun Ishiwaka Septet' for this day. Joined by gorgeous guests such as AiNA THE END, Hiromi Uehara, Ohashi Trio, Takao Tajima (Original Love), PUNPEE, and Yasuyuki Horigome, a diverse session transcending genres and generations unfolded. Tickets sold out on the day. It left a vivid impression on everyone who saw it and was called "a legendary night that will be carved into music history." This night, which only a limited number of people could experience, is finally coming back to the screen.

This work records a series of sessions where unpredictable "live music" is spun, freely crossing various genres such as JAZZ, SOUL, HIP HOP, and POPS. It was turned into a film with the desire to "leave it in a form that can be experienced again" after that night where different personalities clashed and sparked.

This is not just a record video. Dolby Atmos creates overwhelming presence and immersion, and the directed camera work captures new expressions that could not be seen from the seats in the venue. Even those who knew that night will see "a completely new view" on the screen. It is not just a video. An experience that goes beyond "live" is here. Production/Distribution: WOWOW Release Date: September 12, 2025 (Fri) Dolby Atmos limited advance screening, September 19, 2025 (Fri) Nationwide release Official Website: https://jnoj.jp/film/ [Broadcast] 'JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ Special Edition' June 15 (Mon) 4:00 AM on WOWOW Live (Audio is stereo, not Dolby Atmos)