"COLOTEK" Two-Time Grand Prix Winner, Visionary Creator Toshiki Aoki, Appointed CCO and Producer at Nippon Columbia Group!

Nippon Columbia Group Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Shunsuke Sato; hereinafter "NCG") is pleased to announce that visionary video creator Toshiki Aoki (AoKi¹⁰⁴) will be appointed as NCG's Chief Creative Officer (CCO) and Producer for the AI-focused label "NCG ENTERTAINMENT™", effective April 1, 2026.

■ Background of Appointment

Mr. Aoki has independently pursued his career as a freelance creator without belonging to any specific organization for many years. He specializes in cutting-edge video production utilizing generative AI and has achieved overwhelming success in numerous awards, including winning the Grand Prix twice at NCG's AI creative contest "COLOTEK," and the Grand Prize at the Osaka AI Culture Expo AI EXPO 2026. His creative prowess is highly acclaimed from various quarters.

To integrate Mr. Aoki's exceptional creative insights and production skills into our business, his participation in NCG has now been realized. Moving forward, as CCO, he will oversee NCG's entire creative output, and as Producer for "NCG ENTERTAINMENT™," he will lead the creation of new entertainment expressions co-created by humans and AI. Furthermore, he will strongly promote the expansion of "COLOTEK," an AI creative contest that discovers new talent contributing to next-generation creation, and "COLOWORKS," a practical co-creation project connecting AI creators with companies, thereby accelerating NCG's multifaceted growth as a next-generation creative production company.

■ Comment from Toshiki Aoki

Having never belonged to a company and having been tossed by the rough waves of the industry as a freelancer for over 20 years, I never dreamed I would be entrusted with such a significant role as CCO (sweat). Precisely because of this, I believe I can bring about transformations unconstrained by organizational norms. My goal is not a world where AI replaces creators, but one where AI breaks through the limits of expression. With the conviction that "AI is a wing," NCG will build a stage where next-generation creators can thrive and lead innovative entertainment originating from Japan.

■ Comment from Shunsuke Sato, Representative Director and President CEO, Nippon Columbia Group Inc.

I am greatly encouraged by the appointment of Mr. Aoki, who won two Grand Prix at the AI creative contest "COLOTEK," as our CCO. While AI is rapidly democratizing the creative world, producing "authentic" works that move people's hearts requires exceptional production skills and team-building capabilities. Mr. Aoki has a proven track record of creating numerous wonderful works with many partners, making him an indispensable presence for NCG ENTERTAINMENT. He will also be a powerful support for those aspiring to become AI artists. Please look forward to future developments.

■ Toshiki Aoki (AoKi¹⁰⁴) Profile AI Video Director / Creator

No prior corporate employment.

A video creator who has consistently worked as a freelancer at the forefront of the TV and advertising industries. He possesses hands-on production skills ranging from direction, editing, compositing, to 3DCG, and has pioneered the cutting edge of expression. Leveraging his production capabilities and the latest AI, he is active in various creative fields.

【Activities】

VIDEO SALON Special Feature "Accelerating Generative AI" Webinar Lecturer

AIBB Tokyo 2025 Winter Official Speaker

HISTORICA (Kyoto Historica International Film Festival Executive Committee) Speaker

InterFM897 FUTURE ICONS Featured as an up-and-coming artist leading the next generation

NUA Nagoya University of Arts Special Lecturer

【Production Achievements】

Participated as one of 14 directors in TYO's "TOKYO STORIES"

NGO HOPE International 25th Anniversary Video

Participated in Inter BEE Exhibition "NFT2026_SS_Nature Meets Innovation"

EXPO2025 Kansai-Osaka Expo KIDS EXPO U-18 Opening Video

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-supported (General Incorporated Association) Education AI Utilization Association Education AI Summit Opening Video

【Awards】

2026.02.22 Nippon Columbia-sponsored Generative AI Creative COLOTEK Grand Prize

2026.01.24 Osaka AI Culture Expo AI EXPO 2026 Grand Prize

2025.10.31 VGT2025 Motion Award Finalist

2025.09.14 Nippon Columbia-sponsored Generative AI Creative COLOTEK Grand Prize

2025.07.04 IVS2025 NEOCREA AI Creative Contest Runner-up Grand Prix

2025.04.28 Runway Gen:48 Finalist

■ About "NCG ENTERTAINMENT™" https://ncg-entertainment.com/　

"NCG ENTERTAINMENT™" is a new entertainment label operated by NCG, with a global outlook, specifically for AI-focused creators and artists. It supports creators in various fields utilizing AI technology, comprehensively assisting them from work announcement to distribution, promotion, karaoke expansion, and physical releases. It will operate as a hub for creation and challenge in an era where humans and AI co-create entertainment.

■ About "COLOWORKS"

"COLOWORKS" is a practical co-creation project newly launched within the "COLOTEK" community. While "COLOTEK" is a contest (a place for learning and exchange), "COLOWORKS" provides concrete production assignments (a place for work and practice). It aims to create a cycle where artists and companies seeking new expressions using AI co-create on an equal footing with AI creators belonging to the community, giving birth to new music and video expressions. Moving forward, it plans to expand to include projects for other artists and corporate clients, developing into a foundation that supports AI creative production across many creative industries, not limited to the music industry.

■ About Nippon Columbia Group Inc.

Nippon Columbia Group Inc. (NCG) is a next-generation creative production company centered on AI. Inheriting the DNA of Japan's first record company, Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd., and Faith Inc., which created the world's first ringtone, NCG leads innovation in music and technology. Through AI-driven IP creation, creator ecosystem building, and AX promotion, NCG delivers new entertainment that shakes the "now" to society.

Company Name Nippon Columbia Group Inc.

Location 1-4-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Jingumae M-SQUARE

Representative Shunsuke Sato, Representative Director and President

Business Activities Development of content distribution platforms and construction of business models centered on AI

Capital 358,123,550 JPY

URL https://www.columbia.co.jp