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Gaiax's Remarkable Achievement in Career Ownership Management Award 2026

On May 12, 2026, Gaiax Co., Ltd. received the prestigious Best Award in the Career Ownership Management Award, particularly in the Mid-size and Small Enterprises category. This award recognizes firms that promote sustainable value enhancement through the autonomous growth of their employees. With a record number of 68 companies participating this year, Gaiax stood out by winning the award in its very first application.

Understanding Career Ownership Management

Career Ownership Management is all about maximizing individual capabilities and translating them into societal value. It signifies a management approach that aligns corporate strategies, business strategies, and human resource strategies to foster self-sufficient talent. This approach empowers individuals to actively engage with their careers and collaboratively innovate with their teams, ensuring shared growth for both the individuals and the organization.

The Career Ownership Management Award aims to discover, share, and compile initiatives that embody this philosophy. It is co-hosted by the Career Ownership Consortium Secretariat, which is part of Persol Career Co., Ltd.

Insights from the Judges

Akihiro Masaka, the Chief HR Officer at Eisai Co., Ltd., praised Gaiax for its unique perspective on maximizing individual success as a pathway to enhance corporate value. He noted that Gaiax views employees not merely as subordinates but as key investments, fostering a culture of co-creation rather than hierarchical structures. The Milestone Session, where employees propose their life goals, objectives, and remuneration, exemplifies this innovative approach, ensuring that the company acts as a supportive coach rather than a conventional judge of performance. Furthermore, Gaiax’s commitment to transparency and open communication, including details about financial status and meeting minutes accessible to all employees, cultivates true ownership and informed decision-making.

Gaiax’s Pioneering Practices

Gaiax operates with the mission to “connect people.” Instead of relying on uniform evaluation and compensation systems, it allows each employee to shape their careers based on personal life missions. The key initiatives that led to this award include:

1. Milestone Sessions (MSS) - Self-Determined Reward and Goals

Quarterly, Gaiax conducts MSSs where employees submit their proposed objectives for the next three months alongside their expected rewards. Instead of merely evaluating performance, supervisors support employees as coaches and partners in realizing these goals. This process encourages employees to declare their expected outcomes before the period begins, ensuring alignment between personal aspirations and business goals.

This visionary approach to work culture was also highlighted in TBS TV’s The Time as an exemplary model of modern working practices.

2. Commitment to Transparency - Free, Flat, and Open Culture

Gaiax implements a comprehensive transparency policy where financial situations and various meeting discussions are shared with all employees. This openness enables every team member to operate with the same information as executives, fostering genuine ownership and collaborative decision-making.

3. Carve-Out System - Enabling Independence

Gaiax institutionalizes the right for employees to carve out their own business units, facilitating independence beyond company borders. This initiative allows employees who have transitioned from their positions to contribute significantly to the broader business landscape. Currently, six publicly listed companies have spun off from this initiative, demonstrating a direct correlation between human capital investment and corporate value increase.

Diverse Talents at Gaiax

The workforce at Gaiax is a reflection of diverse aspirations and skill sets. From student entrepreneurs to those leaving established careers for more rewarding environments, employees thrive under a culture that celebrates autonomy and personal ownership of their careers. The company encourages individuals to leverage their passions within their roles, ultimately contributing to Gaiax’s overall mission.

Fostering Future Leaders

Gaiax is on a mission to recruit ownership-minded individuals who are committed to giving back to society through their endeavors. Under the guidance of CEO Yuji Ueda, the company advocates for a departure from traditional employment models, encouraging individuals to align their passions with business objectives.

In this dynamic environment, employees can quickly advance their careers, experiencing staggering growth as they take on significant responsibilities early in their tenure.

Join Us at Gaiax

Gaiax is inviting talent to join their community of innovative thinkers. Those looking to redefine their careers in a space that values ownership and collaborative spirit can explore opportunities through their dedicated recruitment channels. Whether for new graduates or experienced professionals, Gaiax offers a platform for anyone eager to take charge of their career.

Company Overview:

• - Founded: March 1999
• - CEO: Yuji Ueda
• - Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Business Focus: Social media services, sharing economy, web3/DAO projects, and incubation
• - Website: Gaiax