Survey Reveals Ideal Bosses for New Employees in 2025

Ideal Bosses Revealed for 2025 New Employees

The Institute of Industrial Productivity, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, has released its annual survey focusing on the ideal bosses for new employees in 2025. This survey, conducted from March 26 to April 10, 2023, gathered responses from 369 individuals who recently entered the workforce, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1993. Since 1998, the survey has distinguished between male and female bosses to provide more nuanced insights.

Top Selections for Ideal Bosses

For the third consecutive year, acclaimed MLB player Shohei Otani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been recognized as the ideal male boss of 2025. Otani, who made headlines last year for becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, has garnered admiration for his skills and character.

For female bosses, Asami Mito, a well-known announcer, has been named the ideal boss for the fifth consecutive time and a total of seven times since the survey began, securing a strong lead over other contenders.

Reasons Behind Their Selection

Participants highlighted various qualities that led to their selections. Otani was praised for demonstrating leadership through actions, being highly skilled, and possessing a kind demeanor. Mito, on the other hand, was often described as approachable and dependable, with many respondents noting her cheerful nature.

New Faces in the Rankings

This year's survey saw some new entrants into the top ten rankings. Sakana-kun, an iconic character, made a surprising debut at tenth place. Additionally, Shiori Sato climbed to ninth from sixteenth place last year. These rankings denote a significant visibility for these figures, especially for Sakana-kun, who had never appeared in the rankings before.

Returning to the top ten after a hiatus were several notable personalities, including Ann Mika (2nd place, returning after two years), Saori Yoshida (3rd place, returning after six years), Ryoko Yonekura (10th, returning after five years), Sho Sakurai (6th, returning after four years), Kaz Laser (8th, returning after five years), and Hiroshi Abe (10th, returning after six years).

Trends in Boss Preferences

When asked to describe their ideal boss, 62.9% of respondents chose someone who provides detailed support, while 52.0% preferred someone who consistently checks in on their subordinates. The underlying preference for a kind and attentive supervisor is evident, with many citing