Kazoo Sato Appointed Jury President for Cannes Lions 2026 SDGs Category Marking a Historic First for Japan in the Category

04 February 2026

TBWA\HAKUHODO is pleased to announce that Kazoo Sato, CEO/CCO of its subsidiary, Earth Centric Design Lab (ECD), has been selected as the Jury President for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026.

 

As a highly acclaimed creative leader, Kazoo brings a wealth of international experience and a forward-thinking perspective to this prestigious role. His appointment marks a rare and significant honor for Japan, being the first Japanese individual to serve as Jury President for the category, underscoring the growing global recognition of Japan’s creative industry.

 

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the world’s most renowned celebration of advertising and creativity, bringing together brands, creators and agencies from across the globe. The Jury President holds a pivotal position, demanding exceptional global vision, profound expertise, and considerable industry influence to represent their category. Kazoo’s selection highlights his legacy of impactful work and leadership in imbuing creativity with a sustainability-focused drive, particularly through the Earth Centric Design Lab which he founded in October 2024 to design sustainable business and social systems for global environmental challenges.

 

[Jury Statement]  
Kazoo Sato CEO/CCO, Earth Centric Design Lab 

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the Jury President for the Cannes Lions 2026 SDGs Lions category. Amidst today’s volatile global situation, I feel a profound responsibility in leading this jury, an opportunity to remind the world about the significance of the SDGs. I am committed to exploring how creativity can genuinely contribute to addressing societal and global challenges.” 

 

About Earth Centric Design Lab (ECD) 
Earth Centric Design Lab (ECD) is a creative company that designs sustainable business and social systems. We approach various challenges, including corporate branding, new business creation, startup support, and regional revitalization, with “Sustainability x Creativity.” In all processes, while fostering business growth through the power of ideas, ECD also plan to minimize environmental impact as much as possible. By conceiving all designs with an “earth-centric” approach, ECD aims for an era where both the Earth and people can prosper together.
https://ecdtokyo.jp/