VMLY&R Japan

Mid-tier global network agency in Japan, competing against dominant local players Dentsu and Hakuhodo while leveraging WPP's global resources and technology partnerships.

VMLY&R Japan operates as the Japanese subsidiary of VMLY&R, the global creative and customer experience agency formed in 2018 through the merger of VML and Y&R (Young & Rubicam), both under the WPP network. The Tokyo office serves as a hub for delivering integrated brand communications, digital transformation, data-driven marketing, and customer experience (CX) strategies to clients operating in or entering the Japanese market. The agency blends global creative capabilities with local market expertise, helping brands navigate Japan's unique consumer culture and digital landscape. The agency's offerings span brand strategy, creative development, digital marketing, social media, e-commerce enablement, and technology-driven CX solutions. VMLY&R Japan works with both multinational corporations seeking to localize their global campaigns and Japanese enterprises looking to modernize their marketing approach. Its position within the WPP ecosystem gives it access to a broad suite of data, technology, and media planning resources through sister companies. In 2023, WPP announced the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson to form VML, a new combined entity. This global rebrand affects VMLY&R Japan as well, transitioning it under the VML brand. As part of one of the world's largest advertising holding groups, VMLY&R Japan competes with other major agency networks in Japan including Dentsu, Hakuhodo, McCann Japan, and Ogilvy Japan, leveraging its global network and integrated service model as key differentiators.

• 2018Founded
• 2024Rebranded to VML