Character Brand Licensing Association (CBLA) announced on June 20 the winners of the Japan Character Award 2024, an annual award for the character and licensing business industry in Japan. Supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the award was established in 2009 to promote the value of the licensing business industry to society and to contribute to the sound development of the industry. The awards are celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
This year’s Character License Award were given to Oshi no Ko, the Mobile Suit Gundam series and Chiikawa. The reasons for the award for each franchise are as follows:”Oshi no Ko” (Oshi no Ko Production Committee) — This is a good example of how an anime adaptation has expanded not only existing fans but also a new fan base. The activities in the field of advertising and sales promotion were particularly noteworthy. The elaborate exposure development of the theme song, events, various collaborations, and other topics that never fail to attract attention also contributed to the expansion of fans.”Mobile Suit Gundam series” (Sotsu, Bandai Namco Film Works) — Over the past 45 years, the series has evolved into a work that is popular with both men and women alike by bringing a new twist to anime. The “Gunpla” lineup continues to do well, and the market is expanding both domestically and internationally, and the series is taking careful measures to attract new fans so that they will not be put off by the complexity of the IP, which is very diverse.”Chiikawa” (SPIRALCUTE) — With its unique worldview, it has truly taken the fancy character world by storm. The fan base has grown significantly since the anime was broadcast, and the franchise’s track record of attracting customers at real stores and events is unrivaled. It is expanding its fan base by developing all kinds of genres.
Other awards given out included:
New Face Award: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End TV anime
Product Licensee Award: Ichiban Kuji Lottery
Promotion Licensee Award: Happy Set: Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary
Retail Award: Sesame Street Market
Selection Committee’s Special Prize: Precure series
The award ceremony will be held at the 15th Licensing Japan event (Tokyo Big Sight) on July 3, where this year’s Grand Prix Award will also be announced. One Piece was announced as the Grand Prix winner of the Japan Character Award 2023 last year.
Source: “Japan Character Award 2024” official website©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/SHUEIHSA, “Oshi no Ko” Production Committee
