Advertising Consortium 'Maces' Holds 26th National Conference in Sendai — Shinto Tsushin's 'Regional Resource Circulation Support Project' Wins Maces Award Grand Prix

On Friday, June 12, 2026, the nationwide network of independent advertising agencies, 'Maces,' held the '26th Maces National Conference in Sendai – Hō AI' at The Westin Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. Over 200 members from across Japan attended the event.

The conference opened with a dynamic performance by the calligraphy club of Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School. This was followed by an opening address from Yoshihiko Tani, Representative Director and President of Maces Co., Ltd. (and Chairman of Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.), who spoke about the network’s continued growth and future aspirations.

Next, Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai was invited to deliver a keynote speech on the theme 'Miyagi's Unique DX Initiatives — Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake.' He shared practical insights into Miyagi's DX strategies, which have transformed disaster experiences into tools for leading regional development. Following this, the '2nd Maces Presentation Battle Final' took place, where agencies competed with innovative ideas, drawing enthusiastic applause and anticipation from the audience. The winner was 'Kyodo PR connect' by Kyodo PR Ring Co., Ltd. Additionally, the award ceremony for the '24th Maces Awards,' recognizing outstanding initiatives, was held. This year’s Grand Prix was awarded to Shinto Tsushin's 'Regional Resource Circulation Support Project,' with a case presentation delivered, filling the venue with energy and joy throughout the day.

Finally, the closing remarks were delivered by Yuichiro Ogata, Representative Director and President of ICHICO Co., Ltd., the organizing agency for this year’s conference, bringing the main program to a close. Next year’s 27th National Conference will be held in Shizuoka Prefecture, hosted by DAIWA Co., Ltd.

■ Excerpt from the Speech by Representative Tani Yoshihiko

Address by Yoshihiko Tani, President of Maces Co., Ltd. / Chairman of Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.

The Sendai I have visited this time is a fully realized city, embodying the true 'City of Trees,' with rich greenery coexisting alongside metropolitan functionality. Most importantly, I have deeply felt the profound 'love for the homeland' among the people living here, who cherish their local communities. The path forward for Japan lies precisely in 'revitalizing and growing regional areas.' Continued concentration in Tokyo alone will not lead to a brighter future for the nation as a whole. We have long held this strong conviction.

Maces is now marking 27 years since its inception and 25 years since its incorporation in 2001. Born as Japan’s first network of independent regional advertising agencies, we have continuously challenged the times under the vision of 'Making Local Major.' It is because of the unique history and achievements of this autonomous organization that I have been honored to receive the prestigious 'Yoshida Award' from both the All-Japan Advertising Agencies Association and the Japan Advertising Association. I express my deepest gratitude to my fellow members of Maces.

Today, we stand in the midst of an extraordinary transformation brought by 'Generative AI'—a shift far more rapid than any previous industrial revolution, sweeping the world at an unprecedented pace. Yet, no matter how intense this period of change may be, our spirit of 'respecting our principles and challenging the times' remains unchanged.

We have not 'survived' by winning in the past. We must never forget that we have merely 'survived by chance' amid drastic environmental changes. Therefore, now more than ever, let us deepen our solidarity within Maces, embrace change without fear, and collectively 'prevail' in the next era. Let us pledge together to forge a new future. Thank you.

■ Maces Award Grand Prix: 'Regional Resource Circulation Support Project'

At this year’s 24th Maces Awards, Shinto Tsushin's 'Regional Resource Circulation Support Project' won the Grand Prix. Special Awards were also presented to Shinto Tsushin's 'HAKUBA GIN' and others.

(From left) Shinto Tsushin recipients of the Maces Award Grand Prix and Special Award: Fumitaka Yamashita, Nozomi Takebayashi, Yuji Enomoto, and Kohei Matsushita

◇ Winning Entries ◇

Grand Prix

'Regional Resource Circulation Support Project'

Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.

Runner-up

'Regional Revitalization PR That Led to Record Sales'

Kyodo PR Co., Ltd.

Runner-up

'Setouchi Feast WITH CRAFT BEER'

Mikoh, Newscom Co., Ltd., Hoshi Kikaku Co., Ltd., Daiichi Advertising Co., Ltd., I&F Co., Ltd. (5 companies total)

Special Award

'HAKUBA GIN'

Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.

Special Award

'Okinawa FamilyMart MULGA×OKINAWA'

Senken Co., Ltd.

■ About Maces

Maces is an advertising consortium founded in 1999, bringing together top regional advertising agencies from across Japan. In 2001, it incorporated as Maces Co., Ltd., evolving into a stronger network.
Maces Group is 'the Solution Syndicate' for communications.
The advertising consortium 'Maces Group' is Japan’s first and only 'advertising syndicate organization' dedicated to solving various communication challenges.
As the term 'glocal' gains attention, we, as regionally rooted advertising agencies, remain deeply committed to local communities.
https://maces.jp/

■ About Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.

An advertising agency driven by the principle: 'Is there anything interesting?'

Engaged in numerous regional revitalization projects such as the Asian and Asian Para Games, Ginza Street Bar, Ai-Ai Expo, and Nagoya City Marathon, contributing to SDGs. Going beyond advertising, we are a business growth agency pushing forward the world by energizing local communities through 'interesting' initiatives.

Representative: President Tetsuya Tani

Tokyo Headquarters: 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Tsukamoto Sosan Building (2F General Reception)

Nagoya Headquarters: 3-16-29 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

Business Overview: Integrated advertising, regional revitalization, SDGs, retail media, exhibitions, influencer marketing, digital services, PFI, Spain operations, and more

URL: https://www.shinto-tsushin.co.jp/

■ Inquiries Regarding This Release

Corporate Headquarters, Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.

Contact: Doi

TEL: 052-951-3831