#Japan #Tokyo #MIMIGURI #Yuki Anzai #Yu Mizuno

Introduction

On June 24, 2026, MIMIGURI Corporation will begin accepting pre-orders for their new book, Designing Rules to Maximize Organizational Outcomes, co-authored by Yuki Anzai, Co-CEO of MIMIGURI, and Yu Mizuno, a lawyer specializing in legal design. This innovative work will be officially released on July 24, 2026, through Discover Twenty-One.

Overview of the Book

This practical guide reimagines rules—not as rigid confines but as flexible tools for design. Anzai and Mizuno, experts in organizational development and legal design respectively, propose a transformative approach where every business professional can actively contribute to reshaping rules, thus fostering creativity within teams and organizations. This book serves as both a reference manual and a call to action for anyone willing to engage in organizational transformation.

The Challenge of Organizational Change

Many leaders strive to cultivate more open, innovative environments. They want junior employees to thrive and aim to generate new business activities. However, despite implementing various strategies like team building and increasing engagement scores, these efforts often result in overwhelmed middle managers and disengaged younger employees. The consequence? Many energetic young professionals feel compelled to leave, fearing stagnation.

Rethinking Rules as Catalysts for Change

Anzai and Mizuno tackle the issue of organizational inertia by applying cultural theory to analyze structural barriers. Rather than focusing solely on top-down reforms in system and structure, their approach encourages everyone involved to reconsider familiar rules and to revise daily practices. This subtle yet profound shift can lead to a more desirable organizational culture.

The authors advocate for a transition from a passive adherence to rules to an active role in designing them—empowering every individual to become a Rule Designer. The ultimate aim is to foster an environment where innovation can flourish, extending the influence of organizational rules beyond internal structures to encompass market, industry, and societal norms.

Why Collaborate on This Topic?

Both authors share a unique vision through their prior individual works: Anzai with his exploration of the power of questions in unlocking human creativity, and Mizuno through his advocacy for recognizing laws as tools for social improvement. Their collaboration stems from a shared conviction that rules can be reimagined as catalysts for agency and creativity. As an advisor to MIMIGURI, Mizuno has previously partnered with Anzai to explore this compelling intersection.

Insights from the Authors

Yuki Anzai

“I’ve always held a dislike for rules; they felt confining and unnecessarily rigid. But through my journey in facilitation and organizational development, I came to comprehend the potential of well-designed rules as powerful tools for fostering creativity. This book calls upon all professionals to embrace their right to design the rules that govern their organizations, paving the way for transformative change.”

Yu Mizuno

“In Japan, rules are often seen as static constraints, but this book challenges that notion. By applying principles of legal design to organizational contexts, I aim to show that well-crafted rules can enhance creativity within teams, with the potential to revolutionize market and societal standards. This is a manifesto for proactivity in driving change through rules.”

Event to Celebrate the Book Release

To celebrate the launch, Anzai and Mizuno will host an online event on July 8, 2026, discussing why many transformations struggle to gain traction, despite good intentions. During this session, they will delve into their shared insights, challenges faced during writing, and the principles encapsulated in their work.

Event Details

• - Date & Time: July 8, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (JST)
• - Format: Online
• - Speakers: Yuki Anzai (MIMIGURI Co-CEO), Yu Mizuno (Legal Designer), and Yukiyo Oya (Moderator)
• - Cost: Free
• - Registration Link: Event Registration

This event promises to provide a rich dialogue among professionals and scholars interested in organizational development. All involved in organizational design, management, or human resources are highly encouraged to register.

Conclusion

Designing Rules to Maximize Organizational Outcomes offers an invaluable perspective that breaks down traditional barriers and encourages a more inclusive approach to organizational development. With the growing need for adaptive leaders, this book will inspire professionals to challenge the status quo and facilitate genuine innovation in their workplaces.