#Japan #Business Growth #Kanazawa #Imajina #EQ

A Seminar Addressing Workforce Retention Challenges

On September 2, 2026, in Kanazawa, Japan, the company Imajina hosted a pivotal seminar aimed at executives and HR leaders titled "Inner Branding for Business Leaders." This seminar addressed critical issues facing modern businesses, such as recruitment difficulties, high turnover rates, and lack of management development. Participants engaged with innovative approaches based on human instinct and neuroscience, fostering deeper organizational commitment among employees.

Background: The Intensifying Battle for Talent

Amidst an unprecedented labor shortage, many organizations are promoting their work environments to attract talent. However, a recent study by IMD Business School (2023) revealed that Japanese companies rank a dismal 60th out of 64 countries in management education. This ranking emphasizes the growing trend of young employees drifting away from managerial roles, leading to fragmentation within organizations.

Imajina believes that merely improving superficial working conditions is insufficient. They assert that cultivating a sense of contribution among employees, through effective inner branding strategies, is key to enhancing retention rates. This conviction prompted the organization of the seminar.

Seminar Highlights: Insights That Captured Media Attention

1. Understanding the "Status Quo Bias": The seminar explored the reasons behind the reluctance to adapt and learn within organizations. Drawing on insights from humanity's 2.5 million-year history, the discussion highlighted the "Law of Minimal Effort," where individuals tend to subconsciously choose the easiest path for survival. Acknowledging this cognitive bias, the seminar emphasized that relinquishing this mindset is the first step toward organizational transformation.

2. The Importance of "Contributive EQ": It was argued that as companies face evolving challenges, emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a crucial role in success. Research indicating that physicians with lower EQ are more susceptible to malpractice lawsuits was shared alongside a statistic that 75% of leading global companies invest in EQ enhancement. The significance of improving human capability was firmly underscored, emphasizing that "Contributive EQ"—the ability to manage one's emotions and collaborate effectively—is a vital factor for growth.

3. Scientific Approaches to Moral Development: The seminar further delved into the six stages of "Contributive Morality," outlining a pathway from self-serving behaviors to greater organizational discipline and holistic optimization. By leveraging partnerships with Cambridge University for assessment and utilizing the "Harvard-style Ideology Penetration Survey," participants were introduced to innovative developmental methods to visualize invisible traits of 'human capacity' and the organization’s current standing through data.

Voices from Participants

The event drew a robust attendance of executives who shared insightful feedback:

• - "Understanding the historical context of why individuals procrastinate and the biases of maintaining the status quo deepens my comprehension of organizational behavior." – Wholesale of Machine Tools and Industrial Equipment, Kanazawa
• - "We emphasize EQ development within our organization, and this content was particularly enlightening." – Information Services and Media Company, Kanazawa

Future Initiatives

Moving forward, Imajina plans to continue hosting seminars for executives nationwide. Additionally, they aim to offer workshops and camps focused on enhancing 'Contributive EQ' among young employees, alongside their unique ideology penetration surveys. Imajina is dedicated to strongly supporting the sustainable growth of Japanese companies from the human aspects of organization.

About Imajina

Founded and led by President Yoshiki Sekino, Imajina operates from Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, with a mission to transform organizational culture and increase employee retention rates through innovative strategies. For more information, visit Imajina.