Aww Inc. is pleased to announce that our CEO, Takayuki Moriya, has been selected as a recipient of the “Inventor-Cultural Leader” award at the 6th Chizai Banzuke Awards, organized by Chizai Zukan. This award recognizes cross-disciplinary leaders who elevate technology from a functional tool into a cultural force, shaping new forms of value and future possibilities.

Moriya was selected alongside Takahiro Anno (Member of the House of Councillors, AI engineer, and science fiction author) and Kota Hikichi (Creative Director and CEO of VISIONs). The award is based on three key criteria—VISION, BRIDGE, and DRIVE—evaluating the ability to articulate a compelling future vision, translate intellectual property into societal value, and actively drive projects forward.

Moriya’s work in pioneering virtual humans, including the creation of imma, has helped establish a new category that integrates technology, culture, and storytelling. Through Aww, he continues to develop digital characters not merely as technical outputs, but as cultural entities that engage with society and shape contemporary creative ecosystems.