TASAKI, a renowned luxury jewelry brand, made a notable contribution to the 48th Japan Academy Awards by co-sponsoring the event held on March 14, 2025. The ceremony featured the presentation of jewelry and original clocks as supplementary prizes to the winners across 15 official categories, including Best Picture, the Topic Award, the Association Special Award, the Newcomer Actor Award, and the Theme Song Award.
Founded in 1954, TASAKI has continuously evolved while upholding its commitment to quality, innovative creativity, and refined craftsmanship. With its signature elements of pearls and diamonds, the brand showcases a timeless elegance that resonates with the spirit of Japanese artistry. Through its contributions to various creations, TASAKI expresses its hope for the further development of Japanese cinema, extending heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed members of Japan's film community who received awards this year.
The complete list of winners featured notable talents and productions. The Best Picture winner was "Samurai Time Slipper," while the Best Animation Award went to "Look Back." The Best Director Award was awarded to Michihiro Fujii for "Shokutai," and the Best Screenplay Award was claimed by Akiko Nogi for "Last Mile." In the acting categories, Ryusei Yokohama won Best Actor for his performance in "Shokutai," and Ayumi Kawai took home Best Actress for her role in "Ann no Koto." Additionally, supporting roles were recognized, with Takao Osawa winning Best Supporting Actor for "Kingdom: The General's Return," and Riho Yoshioka awarded Best Supporting Actress, also for "Shokutai."
Technical achievements were honored as well: Aki Sakamoto received the Best Cinematography Award for "Kingdom: The General's Return," Hiroyuki Kase won Best Lighting for the same film, while the Best Music Award went to Yuko Sewake for "Let's Go Karaoke!" Other technical categories awarded included Best Art Direction, Best Sound Recording, and Best Editing. Newcomer actors were also celebrated, with awards going to a variety of fresh talents including Eiji Akaso for "The Six Lyars University Student," Rihito Itagaki for "Hakkenden," and others.
TASAKI also recognized extraordinary contributions within the community and industry through the Association Special Award, celebrating individuals like Hiroshi Ichimaru for decoration and props, Tatsuhiro Momose for Dolby sound consultation, and Kenji Mori for line producing. The popular Title Award was earned by "The Dangerous Policeman Returns" in the work division, while Shintaro Morimoto picked up the acting section of this title for his performance in "Shokutai." The Theme Song Award went to Mrs. GREEN APPLE for their song "Dear," featured in the same movie.
In a parallel celebration of cinematic achievements, anime film "Look Back," also recognized at the Academy Awards, won the Best Animation Award along with the Creative Contribution Award. Following its success, it has been decided that "Look Back" will be re-released in 11 theaters nationwide starting April 4, 2025. To celebrate its accolades, attendees at these screenings will receive special perks, including a newly drawn reproduction mini-colored paper by director Kiyotaka Oshiyama, featuring the protagonists Fujino and Kyōmoto in a moment of joy over their award recognition. Furthermore, an 'Original Storyboard' encompassing pages from the author's original concept will be available for viewers of the anime, making it a rare collector's item.
A thank-you visit and stage greeting event with director Kiyotaka Oshiyama and animator Toshiyuki Inoue is scheduled to take place at Shinjuku Baltic 9 on April 6, 2025. This opportunity offers fans a chance to engage directly with the creators of the beloved film.
Originating from popular manga creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, who is also known for the hit series "Chainsaw Man," "Look Back" follows the story of elementary school students Fujino and Kyōmoto, exploring their growth through art and personal challenges. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when an earth-shattering event changes everything for the duo. Established upon its introduction in Shonen Jump+ on July 19, 2021, the manga exceeded 2.5 million views on its first day alone, gaining tremendous acclaim that secured its nominations for prestigious awards such as those featured in "This Manga is Amazing! 2022", where it ranked first among boys' editions and was also nominated for the Manga Taisho 2022. The film adaptation topped box office charts, amassing a staggering gross income of over 4.4 billion yen in both domestic and international markets.
Overall, the Japan Academy Awards served as a significant platform for celebrating artistic talent within Japan, highlighting the achievements and contributions of its finest filmmakers and animators. With events interwoven with TASAKI's graceful recognition and the celebrated achievements of "Look Back," the night will surely resonate for years to come.
