Understanding Why Young People Are Leaving Tokushima: Insights from Imajina's Sekino on Building a Preferred Organization

Addressing Youth Migration from Tokushima

On June 26, 2026, Imajina, a leading branding company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will host a branding seminar at the JR Hotel Clement Tokushima, targeted at executives and management within the prefecture. The seminar aims to tackle the pressing issue of young people leaving Tokushima for opportunities in other regions.

Tokushima Prefecture is grappling with a severe structural problem characterized by the outflow of its young population, particularly as they seek employment in the Kansai and Kanto regions. The seminar will focus on two main topics: retention of talent and transformation into self-sustaining organizations. Imajina will showcase a unique methodology based on their collaboration with the University of Cambridge, which will provide a scientific diagnosis of organizations (OBPI), alongside insights from their critically acclaimed publication, "Blueprint for Empathy Value," which has sold over 600,000 copies.

Societal Background: Mismatch of Talent and Local Industry Appeal

Local companies in Tokushima are struggling with labor shortages, particularly as many skilled young individuals are drawn out of the prefecture. Research from Teikoku Databank indicates that a principal reason for business closures in rural areas is indeed the lack of sufficient manpower. In regions like Tokushima, it’s not solely about wage disparities; the absence of compelling reasons for young talent to stay is a severe risk for many businesses.

The cry for help is loud: "We have great technology, yet can't attract employees!" and "Our youth don’t stay long-term!". The solution currently sought after is not external advertisements but a meticulous approach to internal branding that aims to inspire employees and transform them into ardent advocates for their organizations.

Why Imajina is Hosting This Seminar in Tokushima

Since its inception in New York, Imajina has partnered with over 3,000 organizations, driving transformation within them. Our expertise extends beyond mere image improvement; we offer actionable strategies for fostering deep-rooted organizational change.

1. Scientific Placement: In conjunction with the University of Cambridge, we implement the “OBPI” assessment that unveils the core characteristics of individuals through twelve metrics.
2. Enhancing Business Emotional Intelligence: To mitigate the primary reasons behind turnover — relational issues at work — we provide training programs aimed at improving emotional intelligence among management.
3. Quantifying Ideological Understanding: We visualize the penetration of organizational values that often remain invisible, ultimately helping employees take pride in their roles and contribute to a self-driven organization.

Imajina’s representative, Yoshiki Sekino, emphasizes that “The local companies in Tokushima possess incredible potential. All we need is to translate that promise into words that employees can take pride in, leading to a remarkable transformation.” This seminar will illuminate the strategies needed to accelerate regional revitalization by focusing on the human element.

Highlights of the Seminar

- Understanding the Authentic Needs of Youth: Disclosure of current data concerning what young professionals genuinely seek from their employers.
- Transforming Hiring Costs into Assets: A guide on how inner branding can revolutionize the recruitment process.
- Updating Management Tactics: Effective communication strategies to advance beyond passive organizational structures.

Seminar Details

Date: June 26, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30 (doors open at 17:45)
Venue: JR Hotel Clement Tokushima, 3rd Floor, Midori (61 Terashima Honmachi Nishi 1 Chome, Tokushima City)
Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
Speaker: Yoshiki Sekino (Representative Director, Imajina Inc.)
More Information & Registration: Link to Registration

About Imajina, Inc.

Imajina operates under the belief that “Brands are created by the employees who work within them.” Focusing on internal branding, we engage in organizational transformation and talent development, boasting a track record of over 3,000 successful collaborations to instill company ideals within the workforce, driving tangible change.