AKQA Tokyo appoints Yohei Adachi to creative director role
AKQA has announced the appointment of Yohei Adachi as creative director for AKQA Japan.
Adachi is often described as a trailblazer, a wayfarer that manoeuvres his way around outdated concepts, instilling new ways of thinking in the people around him, leading to the creation of innovative solutions pushing the clients’ businesses forward.
After graduating in graphic design, the Pratt Institute alumni briefly worked as a street apparel graphic designer New York City, before moving back to Tokyo. Initially hating ads, Adachi landed a Job at BBH Tokyo, slowly learning about the industry, craft and cultural influence behind them. Since then, being surrounded by great minds changed his view on advertising, and the role ads play in society.
Hideaki Hara, GM, AKQA Tokyo said: “We’re truly excited to welcome Yohei to the team. He brings a proven track record of creative excellence by staying true to the culture. His appointment reflects our commitment to creativity and unified culture in our studio built around our studio’s craft trifecta.”
Terence Leong, ECD, AKQA Tokyo said: “We’re lucky to have Yohei. The ability to identify gold and find it isn’t something you can teach a creative person. It’s an instinct that has developed because of what Yohei had experienced in life as a person who’s passionate and curious about the arts, culture, subculture, sports, music, fashion and anything exciting. I would love to have more trailblazers like him onboard to find us more gold.”te
Adachi’s mission now is to draw on his unapologetic nature, to create unique culture defining moments, changing Japan’s marketing landscape, one project at a time.
Adachi said: “Having a background in design, I never thought of myself as an ‘ad man’. I’ve always designed work that incorporates streetwear elements, appealing to both my own, and the generations after me. Joining a design and innovation company that goes beyond traditional advertising was hence the natural next step in my career.”
Adachi’s appointment is effective immediately.