Interview
Mairu Kikuchi
AKAMEDIA Inc., Japan
Mairu Kikuchi is the CEO of AKAMEDIA INC. and producer of TOKYO COSMO CATS, known for creating cross-cultural projects that blend music, visual design, and technology into globally driven creative experiences.
1 Congratulations on your achievements in the MUSE Creative Awards! Could you start by introducing yourself or your agency? Can you also share a bit about your journey into your current industry?
I am Mairu Kikuchi, CEO of AKAMEDIA INC. and producer of the creative team TOKYO COSMO CATS. My background lies at the intersection of creative direction and technology. I focus on building projects that integrate visual design, music, and digital innovation to create new forms of global expression.
2 What inspired you to submit your work for this competition, and what does winning mean to you personally and professionally?
We submitted this work because we believed it had the potential to resonate beyond cultural and geographic boundaries. Winning represents validation that our approach to cross-cultural storytelling can be recognized on an international level, both creatively and strategically.
3 Can you share the story behind your success? What inspired its creation, and what do you feel it represents in today’s industry?
“CHARISMA” was created as a cross-cultural project connecting Japan and Egypt. It represents an attempt to transform cultural differences into a unified visual and musical language. In today’s global industry, I believe it reflects a shift from localization toward integration.
4 What do you believe set your project apart in such a competitive field? Were there specific elements or strategies that made it shine?
What set this project apart was its structural approach. Rather than simply blending cultures, we designed a system where music, visuals, and performance function as a single cohesive language. Every element—from art direction to sound design—was intentionally integrated.
5 Every project has its challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle you faced during this process and how you overcame it?
One of the biggest challenges was aligning different cultural expressions without losing authenticity. We overcame this by focusing on shared emotional experiences rather than surface-level similarities.
6 Winning an award of this caliber often brings recognition. What do you hope this achievement will mean for your career, your team, or your agency in the long run? Have you already noticed any changes or opportunities arising from this recognition?
This recognition strengthens our position within the global creative landscape. It allows us to expand our work internationally and pursue larger, more ambitious projects with greater confidence.
7 What has the reaction been from clients, audiences, or stakeholders about your winning entry? Any feedback or memorable moments that stand out?
The response has been very strong, especially from international audiences. We’ve seen organic engagement across multiple regions, which confirmed that the project communicates beyond language barriers.
8 For those aspiring to achieve similar success, what advice would you offer to help them not only thrive in their industries but also craft compelling, award-worthy entries? Are there specific practices, mindsets, or strategies you believe are key?
Focus on clarity of concept. A strong idea that can be understood instantly across cultures is often more powerful than complexity. Consistency in execution is also essential.
9 The creative industry is constantly evolving. How do you view these changes, and where do you hope to position yourself in the future?
The creative industry is moving toward borderless expression. We aim to position ourselves as a team that creates globally resonant work without being tied to a single culture or format.
10 Entering awards can be daunting for many, especially those just starting out. What would you say to individuals who have limited experience, or are hesitant to showcase their work in competitions? How can they build confidence and see the value in participating?
You don’t need perfection to enter. Awards are an opportunity to test your ideas against global standards, and taking that step is often more important than the result itself.
11 Creativity thrives on community. What message would you like to share with fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals?
Creativity today is about connection. The more we collaborate across cultures and disciplines, the more meaningful our work becomes.
12 Winning is a team effort in many cases. Is there someone or a group of people you’d like to dedicate this achievement to, and why?
This achievement belongs to the entire TOKYO COSMO CATS team. It was only possible through the collective effort of artists, designers, and creators who shared the same vision.
13 If you could describe your award-winning entry in one sentence, what would it be and why?
A unified creative language that transforms cultural differences into a shared global experience.
14 Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or upcoming goals that you’d like to share with us and the audience?
We are continuing to develop cross-cultural projects on a larger scale. Our goal is to expand this approach into new formats and global collaborations.
