Selected from a Record 663 Entries, SNS Short Drama 'AIDOL KACHO' Wins CyberAgent Vertical Award at SSFF & ASIA 2026

Cubic Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hidenori Yoichi; hereinafter referred to as 'Cubic') is pleased to announce that the SNS short drama 'AIDOL KACHO,' produced by film director/screenwriter Chavo and Cubic producer Shinnosuke Uchida, has received the 'CyberAgent Vertical Award' at 'Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026,' one of Asia's largest international short film festivals and an Academy Award® qualifying event. This award specifically focuses on vertical videos, which are becoming a mainstream visual experience, and honors outstanding works, organizations, and projects that demonstrate high effectiveness and expressive power in short dramas, SNS videos, and other formats. This second iteration of the award saw a record 663 submissions for vertical works, the highest number since the festival's inception. 'AIDOL KACHO' was highly evaluated by the judges for its creative use of vertical video's unique effects and expressive capabilities, as well as its originality, message, and innovative visual expression.

■About the Award-Winning Work 'AIDOL KACHO'

This work humorously portrays the blurred lines between one's 'true self' and 'desired self' in a modern society where AI processing and streaming culture are commonplace.

It depicts an uninspiring middle-aged section chief who gains recognition as an idol streamer by utilizing cross-dressing and AI processing. The drama highlights the loneliness and desire for validation of individuals who are often undervalued in their workplaces and families.

Leveraging the 'closeness' inherent in vertical smartphone video, it realistically portrays the intimacy and creepiness of viewing a live stream, as well as the struggles of modern individuals who are both saved and broken by their virtual personas.

Cast: Tsuyoshi Terada, Nonoka Inoue, Mitsuyu Yanagida, Midori Masuba, Massarino Ponsky, Takuya Fumie, Emika Sato

Assistant: Shiori Taguchi

Hair & Makeup: Izumi Lee

Filming Cooperation: Takayuki Co., Ltd., COMPASS Kokura, AIM Building

Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Lighting, Color Grading, Sound Recording, Sound Mixing, Editing: Chavo

Planning: Shinnosuke Uchida, Chavo

Producer: Shinnosuke Uchida

SNS Director: Miki Nakai

Operations: Cubic Inc. 'AIDOL KACHO' Production Committee

Official SNS for the Work:

【Instagram】https://www.instagram.com/aidolkacho/

【YouTube】https://youtube.com/channel/UCIzEqsEL1wj9irRiUFsVpjw?si=4jCQVF_aLpfeUggu

【TikTok】https://www.tiktok.com/@aidolkacho?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

■Comment from Producer Shinnosuke Uchida

I honestly didn't expect to be among the finalists given the intense competition, so I was truly delighted when the results were announced. The protagonist of 'AIDOL KACHO' is a mediocre section chief who struggles to gain recognition at work and home. He creates an 'alter ego' through cross-dressing and AI processing, seeking validation in the world of streaming. It's funny, yet poignant. In reality, this reflects the deep-seated human desire for 'recognition' that many of us, including myself, feel. I believe the immersive experience of watching a stream on a vertical smartphone screen is something unique to this work. Moving forward, Cubic will continue to create content that resonates with audiences, driven by unique insights.

■Cubic's Social Media Marketing Business

Cubic offers a comprehensive social media marketing business that supports companies in solving marketing challenges and managing their accounts, all starting with thorough user insight research. This nomination serves as validation on an international stage for the effectiveness of our 'vertical video creative that captures viewers' deep psychology and moves their hearts,' which we have cultivated over time.

【Key Creative Achievements】

'I Am Your Subordinate.' (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bukagoza/)

A social media short drama themed around 'job changes.' It depicts the struggles of middle managers overwhelmed by younger employees with new values, particularly among Gen Z.

'Hatajo' (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hatajo_qol/)

A channel that delves into the real thoughts and feelings of working women through street interviews, offering insights for balancing work and personal life.

We will continue to fuse our marketing expertise with cutting-edge vertical video creative to contribute to our clients' business advancement.

Inquiries about our business: https://cuebic.co.jp/business/socialmedia/

■About SSFF & ASIA's 'CyberAgent Vertical Award'

This award is dedicated to vertical videos, which are increasingly becoming a mainstream visual experience. It recognizes outstanding works, organizations, and projects that exhibit high effectiveness and expressive power in short dramas, SNS videos, and similar content. By establishing this award, SSFF & ASIA aims to position itself as a 'hotbed for vertical content,' fostering the further development of creative work in vertical video, discovering new talent, and expanding opportunities for creators. The award specifically targets domestic works, organizations, and projects demonstrating creativity, strong messaging, and innovative visual expression.

■About Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia

Founded in 1999 by Tetsuya Bessho, an actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), with the desire to introduce 'short films,' a genre he encountered in the United States, as a new cinematic category in Japan. In 2004, it was certified as an Academy Award® qualifying film festival. In the same year, 'Short Shorts Film Festival Asia (SSFF ASIA, co-hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government)' was launched with the aim of disseminating new visual culture from Asia and nurturing emerging young filmmakers. Currently, the festival is held under the collective name 'SSFF & ASIA' to support young creators.

【Official Website】 https://www.shortshorts.org

■About Cubic

Cubic's mission is 'Challenge Insights, Drive Real Progress for People.' The company advances businesses through human-centric marketing and design. It operates digital media businesses, primarily comparison sites, including the engaging shopping media 'your SELECT.' and the career support service 'Miralight.' Emphasizing fieldwork, Cubic accurately captures deep psychological insights rather than superficial needs, guiding people towards smoother problem-solving experiences.

Company Name: Cubic Inc.

Location: Shinjuku Front Tower 16F, 2-21-1 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0074

Representative: Hidenori Yoichi, President and CEO

Established: October 2006

URL: https