Collaborative Video Between QuizKnock and Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Selected as Finalist for "YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026"
A tie-up video between intellectual entertainment group QuizKnock and Ajinomoto has been selected as a finalist in the Creator Collaboration category at Google's YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026. The video effectively promotes "AminoScience" through an engaging mahjong game using powders.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 20:20
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 12:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 12:18 (16 min after Collected)
A collaborative video between QuizKnock, operated by baton Inc. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yosuke Kinugawa), and Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO: Shigeo Nakamura, hereinafter "Ajinomoto") has been selected as a finalist in the "YouTube Creator Collaboration Category" at the "YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026."
The "YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026" is an advertising award sponsored by Google that honors video ads demonstrating high advertising effectiveness on YouTube. The winning entries are scheduled to be announced at the end of May.
The video selected as a finalist this time was created with the aim of arousing interest and curiosity in amino acids, which Ajinomoto has been researching for over 100 years since its founding, as well as Ajinomoto's "AminoScience®."
Through the video, viewers can enjoy learning alongside the members of QuizKnock that amino acids have various functions and are highly relevant to everyday life.
(* "AminoScience®" is a collective term for the diverse materials, functions, technologies, and services obtained from research and implementation processes that strictly focus on the workings of amino acids. It also refers to the Ajinomoto Group's unique scientific approach to connecting these findings to solving social issues and contributing to Well-being.)
In the video, along with amino acids, nucleic acids, and seasonings provided by Ajinomoto, a wide variety of powders prepared by QuizKnock are placed before Takunori Tsurusaki, Shunki Sugai, Yoshiaki Yamamoto, and Mon Higashi.
The rule of this special mahjong game played by the four members is to find commonalities among the various powders to form "mahjong hands (yaku)," with the winner being the person who ultimately achieves the highest artistic score.
Understanding amino acids and the powders holds the key, perhaps even more so than knowledge of mahjong itself. Seeing each member tackle the game using their diverse knowledge is a must-watch.
- Advertiser Name: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
- Video URL: https://youtu.be/JyWnKpIgOcE
- QuizKnock Cast: Takunori Tsurusaki, Shunki Sugai, Yoshiaki Yamamoto, Mon Higashi, Fukura P (MC)
- Release Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
- Selected Category: YouTube Creator Collaboration Category
About YouTube Works Awards
This is an advertising award sponsored by Google that honors video campaigns that have achieved high advertising effectiveness on YouTube. It began in the UK in 2017 and is held globally. A wide range of judges, including leading ad creators, advertisers, and YouTube creators, evaluate the entries from various perspectives.
In Japan, it was held for the first time in 2021. The 5th edition was held in June 2025, announcing winners across 8 categories along with a Grand Prix.
◾️ YouTube Creator Collaboration Category
This category honors campaigns that achieved high marketing impact through collaborations between creators who post videos on YouTube and companies or brands.
About QuizKnock
QuizKnock is a media outlet merging entertainment and intellect, operated primarily by Quiz King Takuji Izawa. Under the concept of "Learning starts from fun," it publishes articles and videos daily that trigger the desire to "know" something. Its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/QuizKnock) has surpassed 2.6 million subscribers. Toward its 10th anniversary on October 2, 2026, the "QuizKnock 10th Anniversary Project" is currently underway.
About baton Inc.
To realize its vision of "A world where learning is like playing," baton Inc. operates various services and creates content that connects play and learning. Through services that combine entertainment and education, the company provides opportunities for people to unlock their own potential.
■ For inquiries regarding this matter:
baton Inc. PR Team
Email: qk_media@baton8.com
■ Company Overview
Company Name: baton Inc.
Established: October 2013
CEO: Yosuke Kinugawa
Corporate Site: https://baton8.com/
The "YouTube Works Awards Japan 2026" is an advertising award sponsored by Google that honors video ads demonstrating high advertising effectiveness on YouTube. The winning entries are scheduled to be announced at the end of May.
The video selected as a finalist this time was created with the aim of arousing interest and curiosity in amino acids, which Ajinomoto has been researching for over 100 years since its founding, as well as Ajinomoto's "AminoScience®."
Through the video, viewers can enjoy learning alongside the members of QuizKnock that amino acids have various functions and are highly relevant to everyday life.
(* "AminoScience®" is a collective term for the diverse materials, functions, technologies, and services obtained from research and implementation processes that strictly focus on the workings of amino acids. It also refers to the Ajinomoto Group's unique scientific approach to connecting these findings to solving social issues and contributing to Well-being.)
In the video, along with amino acids, nucleic acids, and seasonings provided by Ajinomoto, a wide variety of powders prepared by QuizKnock are placed before Takunori Tsurusaki, Shunki Sugai, Yoshiaki Yamamoto, and Mon Higashi.
The rule of this special mahjong game played by the four members is to find commonalities among the various powders to form "mahjong hands (yaku)," with the winner being the person who ultimately achieves the highest artistic score.
Understanding amino acids and the powders holds the key, perhaps even more so than knowledge of mahjong itself. Seeing each member tackle the game using their diverse knowledge is a must-watch.
- Advertiser Name: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
- Video URL: https://youtu.be/JyWnKpIgOcE
- QuizKnock Cast: Takunori Tsurusaki, Shunki Sugai, Yoshiaki Yamamoto, Mon Higashi, Fukura P (MC)
- Release Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
- Selected Category: YouTube Creator Collaboration Category
About YouTube Works Awards
This is an advertising award sponsored by Google that honors video campaigns that have achieved high advertising effectiveness on YouTube. It began in the UK in 2017 and is held globally. A wide range of judges, including leading ad creators, advertisers, and YouTube creators, evaluate the entries from various perspectives.
In Japan, it was held for the first time in 2021. The 5th edition was held in June 2025, announcing winners across 8 categories along with a Grand Prix.
◾️ YouTube Creator Collaboration Category
This category honors campaigns that achieved high marketing impact through collaborations between creators who post videos on YouTube and companies or brands.
About QuizKnock
QuizKnock is a media outlet merging entertainment and intellect, operated primarily by Quiz King Takuji Izawa. Under the concept of "Learning starts from fun," it publishes articles and videos daily that trigger the desire to "know" something. Its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/QuizKnock) has surpassed 2.6 million subscribers. Toward its 10th anniversary on October 2, 2026, the "QuizKnock 10th Anniversary Project" is currently underway.
About baton Inc.
To realize its vision of "A world where learning is like playing," baton Inc. operates various services and creates content that connects play and learning. Through services that combine entertainment and education, the company provides opportunities for people to unlock their own potential.
■ For inquiries regarding this matter:
baton Inc. PR Team
Email: qk_media@baton8.com
■ Company Overview
Company Name: baton Inc.
Established: October 2013
CEO: Yosuke Kinugawa
Corporate Site: https://baton8.com/