#Japan #Tokyo #Imajina #Critical Thinking #EQ Workshops

Students Empowered: IMAJINA's EQ Workshops in Tokyo

On May 26th, 2026, IMAJINA, a company dedicated to branding and organizational development, conducted a groundbreaking workshop focused on Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and self-understanding, specifically tailored for university and graduate students. Hosted at their headquarters in Kojimachi, Tokyo, this EQ workshop aimed to equip the younger generation with skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven society.

The Urgent Need for EQ in the AI Era

As digital technologies, particularly generative AI, become ever more pervasive in society, the essence of human roles is being re-evaluated. Traditional educational practices prioritizing rote memorization and routine tasks are now easily supplanted by AI capabilities. A 2022 study by the IBM Institute for Business Value anticipated an 18% increase in the demand for EQ skills and a 15% increase in the need for critical thinking by 2026. While AI excels at providing optimal solutions to posed questions, the unique human capacity to identify and frame essential inquiries and collaborate to create new value remains irreplaceable.

However, Japan's current higher education system is facing severe challenges. According to OECD data, Japanese university students average only 10–15 hours of study time per week, which is less than half that of their counterparts in the United States. The general mindset of students often reflects a narrow perspective focused solely on passing exams and gaining employment, limiting their learning experiences and professional development. This lack of a proactive learning approach can lead to mismatches in job placements and early resignations, primarily driven by interpersonal skills and attitudes—89% of turnover reasons stemmed from these factors.

Additionally, a culture of 'blaming others' has permeated younger generations, as evidenced by terminology like 'assignment lottery' or 'boss lottery,' reflecting a tendency to attribute misfortunes in their careers to external circumstances.

To transform the mentality of students requires early intervention. Shifting away from passive receptivity towards a mindset of autonomy and critical thinking is essential. IMAJINA seeks to address this educational gap by offering high-level personal development programs, traditionally available only to corporate employees, now customized and provided free of charge to students across the country.

Details on the EQ Workshop Held on May 26

The workshop was far from a mere tutorial on job application techniques or workplace etiquette; instead, it aimed at fostering a transformative mindset essential for genuine post-employment success.

Workshop Agenda and Educational Goals

The program initiated with a foundational design focused on maximizing student potential, progressing through skill acquisition and committed self-transformation.

• - Opening Session: Establishing a mindset to maximize potential and defining the intrinsic value of workshops.
• - Predictive Capability: Understanding how one’s actions influence others’ emotions and outcomes in business.
• - Importance of Questioning: Training on purpose-defined inquiries leading to critical thinking.
• - Growth Mindset: Overcoming challenges with grit and a proactive approach.
• - Summary Session: Transitioning insights into immediate action.

Active Learning Techniques

One key teaching avenue involved enhancing active note-taking, moving beyond mere passive lecture recording to fostering actionable outputs.

1. Reflection Notes: Highlighting key insights and essential messages.
2. Actionable Items: Defining where and how to implement learned concepts in daily life.
3. Inquiry-Based Notes: Formulating barriers and questions around tasks for deeper analysis.

By encouraging students to learn from peers, not just through lectures, IMAJINA emphasized a holistic approach to personal and professional growth, leveraging non-verbal cues to enhance communication skills.

Survey Results: Awakening Proactive Mindsets

Feedback collected immediately following the workshop highlighted a marked shift in students’ attitudes toward proactive questioning and critical thinking. Here are some insights from participants:

• - Paradigm Shift in Questioning: A sophomore female student expressed, "I’ve learned to view questions not just as ways to alleviate confusion, but as tools for identifying and improving current challenges."
• - Designing Purposeful Questions: A senior male noted, "I realized the importance of having a clear purpose behind my inquiries, translating questions into career-enhancing actions."
• - Understanding EQ's Role: Participants discussed how EQ is pivotal in navigating workplace pressures while maintaining empathy towards others.

Future Plans and Free Workshops Nationwide

While IMAJINA’s EQ workshop is typically aimed at young professionals, it is now set to be offered free of charge across universities and student organizations throughout Japan. This initiative aims to empower the next generation, preparing them not only as labor forces but as proactive contributors to societal value. Interested universities and student organizations are encouraged to reach out for program arrangements and inquiries.

About IMAJINA

IMAJINA supports branding for over 3,000 companies, grounded in the belief that organizations thrive on people's aspirations. They provide comprehensive consulting services, ranging from brand concept design to workplace culture development. Their president, Yoshiki Sekino, is recognized for his work, selling over 600,000 copies of his publications on investing in human capital to foster a culture of pride and productivity in the workforce.

For more information about IMAJINA, visit their official website.