Why Specialized Education for Management Positions is Essential Now

In an era where Japanese companies are facing significant challenges due to impending labor law reforms and a chronic shortage of skilled personnel, it has become crucial to rethink the role of management. The recent 'Management Concentration Course,' organized by Imajina Inc. and held on January 24-25, 2026, aims to address the urgent need for managers equipped with the right tools to navigate these changes effectively.

The Rationale Behind Specialized Training

The upcoming changes in the labor laws, which include the prohibition of continuous employment and an emphasis on interval systems, are set to raise the pressure on management roles to unprecedented levels. A survey revealed that over 60% of managers reported an increase in their workload, highlighting a dire need for a new approach. Traditional 'control' management approaches are no longer sufficient; leaders must instead embrace a 'support' style that fosters autonomy and purpose within their teams.

To facilitate this paradigm shift, Imajina believes that simply providing skills training is not enough. The focus must be on reshaping the foundational thinking of managers, which is why they developed this course.

Highlights and Outcomes of the Course

Redefining Questioning Skills: One of the most significant takeaways from Day 1 of the course was the courage to abandon seeking the 'right answer.' Participants learned that the tendency to over-direct their team often resulted in creating 'waiting for instruction' employees. By focusing on asking compelling questions rather than giving answers, managers can activate their subordinates' brains and enhance their commitment to their tasks. Participants reported dramatic improvements in their approach to team engagement, with many stating their interactions would be '180 degrees different' going forward.

Breaking Out of Isolation: The program also facilitated cross-industry dialogue, allowing managers from five different companies to share their unique challenges and feelings of isolation. This unique setting highlighted common issues such as addressing the needs of Generation Z employees and the pressures faced by working managers. The participants developed multifaceted solutions to these shared challenges, thus broadening their horizons.

Implementation of Behavioral Habits through 'Declaration Effect': On Day 2, the course addressed the fact that success is less about innate talent (IQ) and more about GRIT (passion and perseverance). Participants were introduced to techniques on how to automate behavior through environment design and effective planning. The course structure included post-training homework and follow-up meetings to ensure actions were embedded within the workplace culture. Participants articulated their vision for the future one year later, creating a sustainable leadership journey rather than merely a fleeting training experience.

Instructor Profile

The course was led by Yoshiki Sekino, the CEO of Imajina Inc. He has had an impressive career trajectory, beginning with moving to the U.S. at the age of 15, subsequently working in Italy, and finally founding his business in New York. He has proposed a human-centric approach to branding and has supported over 3,000 companies in their transformations throughout his 20-year career, with numerous publications to his name, including 'Designing Empathy Value' and 'Strengthening Managerial Power.'

Future Developments

Imajina Inc. continues to support participants as they return to their respective organizations, empowering them to become catalysts for change. The company is also collaborating with the Brand Marketing Association to expand training programs tailored to different management levels, including executive members and new leaders. This ongoing initiative aims to reinforce the management of human capital in Japan through robust educational support.