The 30th AMD Awards ceremony took place on March 25, 2025, in Tokyo, celebrating the best in digital content. This prestigious event, organized by the Association of Media Digital (AMD), recognized outstanding works from the past year and aimed to enhance the quality of digital content and foster talent in the industry.
This year's top honor, the AMD Grand Prize/Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award, was awarded to the groundbreaking film "Godzilla-1.0". Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, this film not only redefined the portrayal of the iconic monster through full CGI but also achieved remarkable commercial success, grossing over 17 billion yen worldwide, far exceeding its domestic earnings of 7.56 billion yen.
In his acceptance speech, Yamazaki expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from traditional suitmation to full CGI. "I believe 'Godzilla-1.0' has greatly benefited from digital technology. There has been a long history of using suits to portray Godzilla, and stepping into a completely CGI representation was indeed daunting. However, the younger generation worked tirelessly, and I am truly delighted that we have received such a wonderful award," he said.
The AMD Chairman Award was presented to the Netflix series "The Landscapers," which has captivated audiences both in Japan and globally. This series, based on real-life events surrounding a real estate scam, has gained immense popularity, ranking first in Japan for six consecutive weeks and making it into the global top 10. Director Shinichi Takahashi highlighted the importance of creating high-quality content that resonates with both Japanese and international viewers. "I am incredibly pleased to receive this award instead of stealing 10 billion yen. Netflix aims to produce more high-quality works that connect Japanese creators with audiences worldwide," he stated.
Moreover, the event celebrated significant contributions to the digital landscape. Jun Murai, a pioneer of the Internet in Japan, received the 30th Anniversary Special Award for his foundational work that led to Japan's first internet connection in 1984. His efforts have greatly influenced the development of Japan's internet infrastructure, enabling the digital content services we take for granted today. Murai emphasized the importance of standardization in digital technology, stating, "The internet allows everyone to create something and collaborate globally. It lowers the costs of starting new ventures, allowing individual creativity and passion to flourish."
In addition to the major awards, several works were recognized with the AMD Award for Excellence, including the "HD-2D Edition of Dragon Quest III: And to the Legend..." and the animated film "Haikyu!! The Movie: Decisive Battle at the Dumpster," which has grossed over 11.6 billion yen in Japan alone. The Nintendo Museum was also honored for its role in showcasing the history of the company and its products, providing visitors with a nostalgic and educational experience.
Another notable recipient was the "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket" app, which has seen a staggering 40 billion cards acquired globally, showcasing the app's success in bringing the beloved card game to a wider audience through digital means. Keyta Hirobe, an executive officer at The Pokémon Company, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the challenges of developing a simple yet engaging app.
The event also honored the "Minna no Bosai App" developed by Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, Ehime University, and Itzmo Smile Co., Ltd., which received the Regional Achievement Award. This app aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response within the community by providing essential information and resources.
In the realm of music, the duo Creepy Nuts received the Excellence Award for their song "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born." R-Shitei, one half of the duo, expressed their joy at the recognition, stating, "We have spent the last few years pursuing our music in our own way, and it's gratifying to see it received so well. We hope to continue creating music that resonates with our audience."
The AMD Awards not only celebrate achievements in digital content but also reflect the evolving landscape of entertainment in Japan. As technology continues to advance, the potential for creative expression grows, paving the way for future innovations and collaborations.
As the industry looks to the future, the AMD Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing talent and fostering creativity in a rapidly changing digital world. With the continued support of organizations like AMD, the next generation of creators will have the opportunity to thrive and make their mark on both the national and global stage.
