The use of AI was central to the reasons for the awards at MIXI AWARD 2026, with a broad range of examples recognized, from the Newcomer category to overseas M&A. The recipients created new cross-functional initiatives and promotional methods within organizations that use AI in their day-to-day work.
On 18 August 2026, MIXI held its company-wide event, MIXI AWARD 2026, and selected the recipients at venues in Shibuya and at the company's headquarters, where the event was streamed. The awards primarily recognized the use of AI and cross-functional initiatives, with AI-related examples standing out from the Newcomer Award through the Grand Prize.
In the VALUES Awards, Kawahito Kaiyu (川人海遊) was recognized in the Newcomer category for promoting the standardization of work processes and productivity improvements through the use of AI. Hayashi Ryota (林僚太) of the Digital Entertainment Division was recognized for expanding the methods used to announce characters and getting the initiative approved. Karasawa Katsuya (唐澤克弥) of the Legal Affairs Department promoted the rollout of GPTs across the company and received part of the Grand Prize.
In the Management category, Tsuda Kyohei (津田恭平) led the AI Innovation Group and was credited with achieving more than 40% improvements in operational efficiency and doubling the release frequency. These achievements were recognized for their contribution to “cross-functional collaboration and speed,” and prompted a shift in the definition of management.
In the PMWV Awards, the PointsBet team that led the overseas M&A and PMI initiatives won the Grand Prize. The team emphasized efforts to bring people closer together, going beyond Day 1 personnel and systems design, and developed a playbook that would serve as the foundation for overseas expansion. The awards were decided through internal and real-time voting.
The event also focused on the “Communications” category, recognizing initiatives that communicated the results of AI use both inside and outside the company, including MIXI MEETUP! AI Day 2026 and the media business “MEDIAMIXI and MIXI's subchannel.” The ceremony itself featured participatory elements, reflecting the atmosphere of workplaces where AI has become part of everyday life.