#ICA #Sapporo #Imajina

Facing Hokkaido's Labor Shortage: A Call for Action

As urban development flourishes in Sapporo, Hokkaido is simultaneously grappling with a critical labor shortage that threatens the stability of local businesses. On July 10, 2026, Imajina Co., a consulting firm specializing in corporate branding and organizational transformation, will host a free seminar aimed at addressing the pressing issues of workforce scarcity and the nurturing of future leaders.

The Crisis Behind Development

In recent years, Sapporo has been undergoing significant redevelopment, increasing hopes for the local economy. However, beneath this shiny surface lies a crisis of human capital that jeopardizes the very survival of businesses in the region. According to the latest survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Hokkaido has a net outflow of 5,162 people annually, with talented young individuals consistently leaving for major urban areas in Honshu.

This demographic shift has direct repercussions on the labor market. A recent report by Teikoku Databank indicates that 58.3% of businesses in Hokkaido are experiencing a shortage of full-time employees, a figure that has exceeded the national average for five consecutive years. Compounding the situation further is the alarming lack of next-generation leaders to drive these companies forward. In fact, 63.6% of local businesses report a lack of successors, with this figure soaring to 90.5% among companies led by CEOs under 30.

Many regional firms find themselves caught in a detrimental cycle: pouring resources into recruitment efforts that yield little return and experiencing high turnover rates among young hires. The root cause of this spiral can often be traced back to superficial changes that merely create an illusion of a “white-collar” workplace, such as improving wages or benefits, without addressing the deeper issues.

Today's younger workforce is not looking for a comfortable work environment devoid of challenges. Instead, they seek a place where they can feel their growth potential and understand the fundamental purpose behind their work. Transforming a company’s vision and operational philosophy into something personal and relatable for employees is critical in cultivating autonomous leaders who can actively contribute to the organization.

Innovative Solutions for Human Investment

At this seminar, Yoshiki Sekino, the CEO of Imajina, will share cutting-edge strategies that significantly enhance the effectiveness of investing in human resources. Central to this approach is the ICA (Imajina Cambridge Assessment), a diagnostic tool developed in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, which helps in recognizing individual traits while simultaneously assessing organizational engagement levels.

Key Takeaways from the Seminar

1. Designing an Organization That Retains Young Talents: Strategies to eliminate complacency in the workplace while ensuring that young employees feel a genuine sense of growth and connection to corporate values.
2. Transforming Managers Into Role Models: Approaches for developing a strong leadership team that embodies corporate values, actively guides subordinates, and can delegate responsibilities effectively.
3. Scientific Hiring and Placement: Utilizing the ICA data to ensure a precise match between candidates and the company's needs, enabling businesses to identify and attract winning talent.

Seminar Details

• - Title: Inner Branding Seminar for Business Leaders in Sapporo
• - Date & Time: July 10, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30 (doors open at 17:45)
• - Venue: TKP Garden City Premium Sapporo Odori Conference Room 7A, Sapporo, Hokkaido
• - Cost: Free
• - Speaker: Yoshiki Sekino, CEO of Imajina
• - Audience: Business owners, executives, senior leadership, HR representatives

Speaker Profile: Yoshiki Sekino

At just 15, Yoshiki Sekino moved to the USA and founded Imajina in New York at 26. His time abroad ignited his passion for discovering how successful companies excel at education and employee engagement. Since relocating to Japan in 2006, he has supported over 3,000 companies in cultivating human resources and embedding corporate philosophies. His current focus is on enhancing management practices within corporate cultures. Additionally, he has authored and translated various influential business texts, with his book,