Custom Media publisher wins Japan-British Award for promoting bilateral business, culture and charity

H.I.H. Princess Akiko of Mikasa has presented an award from the Japan-British Society to Simon Farrell, publisher and co-founder of Tokyo creative agency Custom Media.

Founded in 1908, the Japan-British Society each year recognises one Briton and one Japanese for “significant work in the field of Japanese-British relations by individuals and organisations which have not otherwise been acknowledged.”

Farrell’s award was for publishing since 2009 BCCJ ACUMEN, a business, culture and lifestyle magazine for the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Custom Media’s helping British companies enter and expand in Japan, and for community and pro bono work for good causes run by Britons in Japan.

After accepting the award, Farrell said: “I am very surprised and honoured to be successfully nominated for this award and I gladly accept it on behalf of my diverse and brilliant colleagues at Custom Media, especially co-founder and President Robert Heldt who has worked tirelessly and diligently to help develop our creative agency since 2008.”

Other speakers at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo annual gala dinner awards ceremony were British Ambassador Tim Hitchens CMG LVO—who is also Japan—British Society president—and writer and broadcaster Peter Tasker, one of the foremost authorities on Japanese finance, economics and culture.

Founded in 1908 “to encourage the study of things British and promote cordial relations between the peoples of the United Kingdom and Japan,” the Japan-British Society has about 2,000 members and is supported by some 100 Japanese and British companies.