This year marks the 70th anniversary of the foundation of I&S BBDO Group. To commemorate this auspicious occasion and express appreciation to our clients and partners, I&S BBDO, BBDO Japan, and BBDO JWEST, held the Thanks Party at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo on 7 July 2017. The party was held under the theme, “結” (yui), a Japanese word meaning “connection,” or “bond,” in wish to continue having a strong relationships with clients and other supporters, also to connect Japan and the world as a global agency.
At the party, some 240 guests, including delegates of the clients and media partners were invited and celebrated the 70 years of the history of I&S BBDO Group and their partnership.
Among the delegates, Mr. Michitaka Sawada, President and CEO of Kao Corporation and Mr. Kojiro Shiraishi, President of the Yomiuri Group Inc., deliver their speeches and offered words of congratulations. I&S BBDO Group have been under the patronage of Kao Corporation and the Yomiuri Group Inc. since its establishment.
In his address, Kazutoyo Kato, President and CEO of I&S BBDO, who have dedicated to serve for I&S BBDO for over 35 years, introduced some of past creative works and wished for the continued collaboration and long lasting relationship with clients and media partners for the next 70 years. During the party, attendees enjoyed watching some of the TV commercials created by I&S BBDO Group.
Andrew Robertson, President and CEO of BBDO Worldwide, also spoke of his pride in I&S BBDO Group as an active member of the BBDO worldwide network and looked for 2023, the 25th anniversary since BBDO created relationship in Japan.
Chris Thomas, Chairman of I&S BBDO Group and CEO of BBDO the Americas, who broke open the lid of the Sake barrel, which is the Japanese tradition for celebrating good luck, congratulated Mr. Kato on his strong leadership of I&S BBDO.
Lastly, Tony Harris, CE of BBDO Japan, excited the audience by giving an impressive closing address in Japanese!!