Cannes Lions

Imperfect You

AOI PRO., Tokyo / NIKE / 2024

Film

Overview

Entries

Credits

Overview

Background

Nike's campaign strategically addresses the unique pressures faced by Gen Z women in Japan. Centered on the relatable Gen Z protagonist Aika, the female-first campaign spanned almost 11 months, aligning with the International Day of the Girl. It positioned itself within a global initiative reshaping the future of sport, targeting Japan's cultural pressures of perfection by strategically taking over Gen Z hangouts in Japan, both online and offline platforms, including youth culture epicenter Harajuku, ensuring maximum reach to a relevant audience.  

The scale of the campaign, which showcased Nike athletes and cultural ambassadors, conveyed a powerful message: that sport is a transformative tool to liberate oneself from the shackles of perfection and embrace individuality.  Aika’s journey throughout the film showcases growing confidence, culminating in support from past generations of Japanese women she meets along the way.

Execution

The film follows Aika, a Japanese Gen Z protagonist, contending with cultural pressures such as academic success, career expectations, and social media comparisons. Aika witnesses the historical burdens faced by Japanese women, realizing she is not alone in these struggles as she travels through time.

The narrative positions sport as a transformative tool, allowing individuals to break free from daily pressures, and embrace their authentic selves. The film gains momentum as Nike athletes, including skaters Yurin Fujii & Ginwoo Onodera and breaker Ami Yuasa, symbolize contemporary expressions of sport, adding inspiration to our main protagonist and the voice of Gen Z Aika's journey. It culminates with Aika receiving the support of generations of Japanese women before her, empowering her to live life unapologetically, embracing her individuality with confidence and authenticity.

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