Asia has secured 13 shortlist spots in the Design category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026, representing work from Japan, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates among the 81 shortlisted entries recognized globally.
Japan led the region’s performance with multiple shortlisted works from Hakuhodo Group and Dentsu Tokyo, while Indonesia also earned recognition through Dentsu Creative Jakarta’s “Hear in Hijab” for Wardah. Several Asian entries were recognized across branding, identity systems, inclusive design, brand experiences, and design effectiveness, reflecting the growing role of design as a business and brand-building discipline.
Hakuhodo Group emerged as one of the region’s strongest performers with “Tigris” and “Craftman.Ships,” the latter earning recognition in multiple subcategories. Dentsu Tokyo also secured multiple shortlist spots through “Dear Difference” and “Moving Curiosity,” with “Dear Difference” shortlisted in two separate Design subcategories.
Check out the shortlisted works from Asia below:
Brand/Corporate Identity
- “Tigris – Condensed Identity” by Hakuhodo/Anywhere/ Hakuhodo Design for Tigris (Japan)
- “Craftman.Ships” by Hakuhodo Gravity/Hakuhodo Cabin for SHIPS (Japan)
- “The Coolest Ihram” by Landor for Saudia (United Arab Emirates)
Rebrand/Refresh of an Existing Brand
- “Dear Difference” by Dentsu Tokyo for Nikka Whisky (Japan)
Packaging Design
- “The Art of Survival” by 22feet Mumbai/Butterfly Cannon London for Godawan (India)
Digital Design
- “The Birdwatcher” by FP7 McCann Dubai for Spoor (United Arab Emirates)
Brand Environment & Experience Design
- “The Slooowest Vending Machine in the World” by VML Gurgaon / VML Amsterdam for KitKat (India)
- “Rooftop Revival” by LePub Singapore/LePub Milan for Heineken (Singapore)
Design-Driven Effectiveness
- “Craftman.Ships” by Hakuhodo Gravity/Hakuhodo Cabin for SHIPS (Japan)
Special Editions & Bespoke Items
- “Let It Fly” by Publicis KSA Jeddah/Saatchi & Saatchi ME Dubai for Saudia Airlines (Saudi Arabia)
Promotional Items/Promotional Printed Media
- “Moving Curiosity” by Dentsu Inc., Tokyo for Yoshida Hideo Memorial Foundation (Japan)
Inclusive Design
- “Hear in Hijab” by Dentsu Creative Jakarta for Wardah Hijab Expert Shampoo (Indonesia)
Brand Transformation
- “Dear Difference” by Dentsu Tokyo for Taketsuru Pure Malt (Japan)
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity takes place from June 22 to 26 in Cannes, France. View the complete Design Lions shortlist here.
Stay tuned to adobo Magazine for the latest Cannes Lions 2026 winners, highlights, and breaking festival coverage from Cannes.
