#Japan #Sendai #Imajina #Leadership Strategy #Corporate Succession

Addressing Challenges in Corporate Succession and Management Reform

On September 10, 2026, a significant event will take place at the Trust City Conference in Sendai, Japan. Hosted by Imajina Co., Ltd.—a leading consulting firm in brand strategy and human resource development—this seminar targets business owners, executives, successors, and HR leaders from Miyagi Prefecture. Central to the discussions will be the pressing challenges faced by local firms regarding management succession and innovation, particularly the issue of disconnect between executive leadership and operational staff.

Background: The Dilemma Facing Miyagi's Businesses

In recent years, Miyagi Prefecture has seen a sharp increase in issues related to business succession and the aging of its leadership. Currently, the rate of unavailability of successors stands at 55.9%, indicating a critical situation that businesses must address. The number of business closures and dissolutions is projected to reach an all-time high of 1,036 cases in 2024. In response, initiatives like the 'Local Core Business Support Package' have been introduced to foster the growth of regional enterprises and nurture core talent.

However, surprising challenges arise—despite the fervent motivations expressed by executive teams, a significant disconnect persists between leaders and their on-ground staff. A significant number of middle managers, the crucial link in this communication chain, often act only as transmitters of information. Many cling to outdated practices, resisting necessary changes, which leads to a phenomenon known as 'ideological disintegration.' This detachment can result in poor morale, loss of direction, and even early employee turnover.

The Importance of Middle Management in Bridging Gaps

To successfully navigate business succession and reinforce organizational change, it is vital to reform the perceptions and engagement of middle managers. These individuals should be empowered to embody the corporate philosophy—using it as a framework for decision-making and employee development. As such, the seminar aims to provide actionable insights on fostering a culture of inner branding, which integrates the company’s vision into everyday actions across all levels of the organization.

Key Insights from the Seminar

The seminar will feature Yoshiki Sekino, the CEO of Imajina, who has over years led initiatives in corporate branding and human resource development in more than 3,000 companies. Key points that will be discussed include:

1. Unpacking the 'Wall of Middle Management': Understand what creates barriers in communication from leadership to operational teams and explore strategies for transitioning managers from operational roles to becoming vision-driven leaders. Methods for mindset transformation will be shared.

2. Establishing Unified Decision-Making through Education and EQ Strategies: Beyond mere skill training, emphasis will be placed on fundamental education that instills gratitude and empathy, coupled with developing 'contributory EQ,' promoting involuntary contributions from staff.

3. Nurturing Next-Generation Leaders through Ideological Management: Attendees will learn how to embed clear corporate philosophies into daily operational evaluations and feedback, fostering a sustainable culture where young employees feel encouraged to innovate and take risks.

Event Details

• - Date & Time: September 10, 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30 (Doors open at 14:45)
• - Location: Trust City Conference, 5th Floor Room 5, 1-9-1 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
• - Participation Fee: Free (Advance registration required)
• - Target Audience: Business owners, executives, successors considering succession planning, and HR/public relations leaders
• - Registration Link: Register Here

Speaker Profile

Yoshiki Sekino
CEO of Imajina Co., Ltd
At just 15 years old, Sekino moved to the United States, founding Imajina in New York at the age of 26. His international experience reinforced the belief that successful companies excel in educating their employees, fostering engagement. After relocating to Japan in 2006, he has dedicated his expertise to corporate philosophy and talent development, positively impacting over 3,000 businesses. Sekino’s specialized knowledge in reforming middle management’s mindset remains widely regarded, with numerous published works, including popular titles such as ‘The Power of Management’ and ‘The Brand Marketing’ series, selling over a million copies combined.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this event, please reach out to Imajina’s public relations team.
Address: 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083
Phone: 03-3511-5525 (Weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00)
Email: [email protected]