Igniting Hope in Niigata: Seminar Tackles Talent Drain Crisis

Niigata Prefecture is currently facing a major issue with talent drain. According to the latest survey from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of people leaving Niigata is projected to exceed 5,782 by 2024, making it the ninth highest in Japan. Particularly concerning is the group aged 20 to 24, which sees 3,872 individuals leaving, most heading towards the Tokyo metropolitan area. Moreover, a staggering 30% of university graduates from Niigata are also relocating to the Tokyo region, citing reasons such as a lack of desirable job opportunities or lower salaries compared to the capital.

However, there’s more to this issue than just the allure of urban centers. A study revealed that 53.5% of young people believe Niigata lacks sufficient enjoyable venues and facilities, further accelerating their departure from the region.

Core Issues for Companies: Lack of Organizational Strength

The Niigata Federation of Small Business Associations has highlighted that, when it comes to management challenges, the top concern is a shortage of skilled personnel; this affects 45.3% of the manufacturing sector and 48.4% of non-manufacturing businesses. The problem lies not only in the quantifiable lack of workers but also in the qualitative aspects of workforce development.

Even more alarming is the widespread absence of autonomy among employees and their lack of emotional connection to their organizations. This indicates a fundamental issue beyond mere staffing shortages; it reveals that many companies have not fostered an organizational culture where employees can resonate with core values and take pride in their work.

A Path to Solutions: The Power of 'Employee-Engaged Branding'

Imajina Inc. has established itself as a pioneer in internal branding, having assisted over 3,000 companies. The firm specializes in employee development and ethos permeation, utilizing innovative methods to cultivate an organizational culture where every employee aligns with the company’s values and proactively contributes. Their approach is a potential prescription for the fundamental challenges faced by Niigata’s businesses.

During the upcoming seminar, Imajina will urge Niigata’s business leaders to consider three key points:

1. Effectiveness in Preventing Talent Drain: By creating an environment where employees resonate with company philosophies and take pride in their work, businesses can reduce outmigration to Tokyo and instill compelling reasons for young talent to stay in Niigata.

2. Enhancing Organizational Strength through Management Development: The ongoing challenge of nurturing management-level positions in Niigata will be addressed through 'Management Branding', aimed at cultivating leaders who inspire their teams and lead organizations forward positively.

3. Securing and Retaining Next-Generation Talent: By mastering methods to communicate uniquely the appeal of their businesses, organizations can transform into desirable workplaces for young talent, thus ensuring that the future of Niigata's workforce remains vibrant.

Seminar Overview

- Date: September 25, 2025 (Thursday)
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Doors open at 9:45 AM)
- Location: Sado Room, Art Hotel Niigata Ekimae, 1-1 Sasaguchi, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, 950-0911
- Participation Fee: Free
- Speaker: Yoshiki Sekino, CEO of Imajina

About Imajina Inc.

- Company Name: Imajina Inc.
- Address: 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 102-0083
- Established: June 2006
- Representative: Yoshiki Sekino, CEO
- Business Activities: Corporate branding, consulting, and corporate training services
- Website: Imajina