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TOKYO, JAPAN // Masaru Kitakaze is the Worldwide Chief Creative Officer of Hakuhodo Inc. As the second largest advertising agency in Japan, Masaru leads the Creative team of over 800 people, covering a wide array of specialties. From strategic planning, copywriting, art direction, animation, PR, consulting, data-marketing, digital technology, and more.

He is a leading creator in Japan and has been awarded numerous prestigious international awards. Masaru is known for his unique and innovative work. His campaign for a renowned Japanese snack was awarded Gold Cannes Lion for Promotion. And the piece created for a major worldwide tech company, won Gold Cannes Lions in the Cyber, Film, and Design categories. Notably, contributing to Hakuhodo being named the “Most Awarded Agency in Digital in the World 2012” by the Gunn Report, a first for any Asian agency. As head of Creative at Hakuhodo, his team has taken home many awards, including Grand Prix. Most recently, for the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, “Duality” received an invitation to participate in the “Short Film Competition,” which Masaru served as an Executive Producer.

Masaru has a great deal of experience in judging international advertising festivals. He has also served as Jury President for renowned international advertising festivals. His challenge is “unveiling and discovering creative value hidden to the eye.”

His also serves as an Executive Producer for IoT product design development for Lyric Speaker (SIX Inc.) and Pechat (monom).

In his spare time, he is a very analog person practicing Japanese calligraphy, oil painting and pottery.