Nikka Whisky Wins Gold Lion in the Industry Craft Category at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025
Japanese Distillery's "Savour the Joy of Life" Creative Works Recognized for Creative Excellence
(Tokyo, Japan - June 18, 2025) – Nikka Whisky, a member of the Asahi Group, has won Gold Lion in the Industry Craft category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025 for its "Savour the Joy of Life" ad, marking a milestone achievement for the Japanese distillery, which was founded in 1934.
The communication concept was developed to celebrate Nikka Whisky's 90th anniversary as a company in 2024. The creative work depicts people enjoying radiant and shimmering whisky through silhouette imagery, illustrating a world where "everyone can enjoy whisky in their own way," regardless of race, gender, or social status. This approach has resonated globally, with the ad already receiving recognition at the Kantar Creative Effectiveness Award 2025, where it was selected from among more than 8,000 campaign entries from all over the world.
To coincide with the Cannes Lions festival, Nikka Whisky is taking the spirit of Tokyo to the French Riviera with "The Nikka Whisky Tokyo" pop-up bar from June 15-20, where visitors can immerse themselves in the "Savour the Joy of Life" world and experience various ways of enjoying whisky. Attendees can try one-of-a-kind cocktails — from playful twists on classics to boundary-pushing originals — all crafted with the spirit of Nikka.
To watch the 30-second Nikka Whisky ad, “Savour the Joy of Life,” click here. To experience Nikka’s craftsmanship through cocktails, conversations, and creativity during the 2025 event, visit “The Nikka Whisky Tokyo” pop-up bar at La Belle Epoque, 6 rue des Frères Pradignac, 06400 Cannes.