Yasuharu “Yasu” Sasaki, the globally renowned Chief Creative Officer of dentsu, has been appointed Grand Jury President of ADFEST 2026, marking a high point in one of the Asia-Pacific’s most influential creative festivals. Based in Tokyo, Sasaki will lead the panel of jury presidents responsible for judging ADFEST’s coveted Lotus Roots award — recognising work deeply rooted in local culture — as well as serving as President for the Creative Strategy, Effective, INNOVA, and Sustainable Lotus categories. He’s also slated to deliver a keynote address at the March event, bringing his decades of creative insight to the Festival’s global audience.
Sasaki’s appointment celebrates a remarkable 30-year journey at dentsu, beginning in 1995 as a copywriter and rising through roles such as Executive Creative Director and Tokyo Chief Creative Officer before becoming Global CCO in 2023. His career is defined by a unique blend of creativity and technology, highlighted by founding Dentsu Lab Tokyo — a cutting-edge R&D hub — and earning accolades from major global awards including Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, and Spikes Asia. With his leadership, ADFEST 2026 promises to spotlight work that is culturally authentic, emotionally powerful, and globally resonant.
At the heart of Sasaki’s vision for ADFEST is the human connection in creative work. He advocates for judging entries not by technical polish but by genuine emotional impact and cultural relevance — work that surprises, resonates, and travels beyond borders without losing its truth. Under his guidance, ADFEST 2026 is poised to be not just a celebration of outstanding advertising, but a showcase of creativity that shifts perceptions and influences culture.
