The results of Germany’s international media competition, the WorldMediaFestivals 2026, were announced on Thursday, May 7 (JST). 119 Emergency Call (Entertainment: Fiction) and A Lesson in Debussy (Entertainment: Fiction), The Nonfiction: The Father I Never Knew – Lost to the Flames (Documentary: History & Biography) won intermedia-globe Gold awards. This marks Fuji TV’s first-ever Gold wins at the awards.
Also, The Nonfiction: For Mom, With Love (Documentary: Social & Politics), A Kabuki Legacy: Keeping a Father’s Promise (Documentary: Culture & Identity) and TimeTrip Gunkanjima: Crumbling Heritage and the Showa-period Scenery (Documentary: History & Biography) won intermedia-globe Silver Awards. This year, six productions submitted by Fuji TV received awards.
Last year, variety show The New Key was awarded the intermedia-globe Silver Award in the Children & Youth: Omnia Open category. Moreover, having six productions honored simultaneously marks the highest number of awards ever received by Fuji TV at the festival.
The WorldMediaFestivals is one of Europe’s largest international media competitions, a global competition recognizing excellence in both broadcast and non-broadcast media. Founded in 2000 by intermedia, the WorldMediaFestivals recognize outstanding international achievements in corporate and media communications. It honors media solutions across diverse categories, including audiovisual, audio, print, and online productions spanning information, education, and entertainment. In 2026, a total of 803 entries from 34 countries and regions were submitted to the competition.
The official website of the Germany-based awards announced the results, including this year’s intermedia-globe Gold and Silver Award winners. The six Fuji TV productions were recognized for pushing beyond the boundaries of conventional television through outstanding visual storytelling, strong social messages, and innovative production techniques.
■119 Emergency Call
Ayako Oki (Studio 1, Drama and Film, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
By focusing on the “front line of life” — the emergency communications command center — we sought to portray not only a powerful human drama, but also the vital importance of emergency calls. We believe this has resulted in a deeply meaningful work. I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to the passion and dedication of every member of the team involved in its production.
■A Lesson in Debussy
Kohei Suzuki (Producer, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
What started as an early-stage project by an emerging screenwriter and an up-and-coming producer, came to fruition thanks to the generous support of many, including lead actor Jun Kunimura and director, Shin Hirano. That alone is something we hold very dear, and to see the work cross borders and resonate with audiences overseas feels truly extraordinary. We extend our heartfelt gratitude.
■The Nonfiction: The Father I Never Knew – Lost to the Flames
Yojiro Nishimura (Chief Producer, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
As the first instalment in the program’s over 30-year history to air across three consecutive weeks, the work generated a strong response. We are deeply honored that this depiction of the protagonist’s turbulent life, set in Europe where he lived and worked as a painter, has received such high recognition.
■The Nonfiction: For Mom, With Love
Masahiro Yamamoto (Program Director, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
Two years after the mother’s decision, we have quietly followed the family as they continue to move forward. If this program has offered even a small opportunity to reflect on life, death, and love, it would mean a great deal to us. We are sincerely grateful to the individual and their family.
■A Kabuki Legacy: Keeping a Father’s Promise
Akira Nishimura (Chief Producer, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
We are deeply honored that the Nakamuraya documentary series, which has introduced the beauty of Kabuki to Japanese audiences for more than 35 years, has received international recognition. We would be delighted if you continue to follow the series as it moves forward.
■TimeTrip Gunkanjima: Crumbling Heritage and the Showa-period Scenery
Suguru Ohmura (Chief Producer, Fuji Television Network, Inc.) comments:
We have spent the past ten years documenting this island of crumbling ruins, as its collapse continues to accelerate due to natural disasters and global warming. At the same time, cutting-edge technologies are being employed in efforts to preserve it as a World Heritage site. Perhaps there is no end to telling these historical stories.
Official Website:
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