#Japan #Human Capital #Yoshiki Sekino #Kofu #Yamanashi Prefecture

Decoding 'Human Investments' for Profitability in Yamanashi

On February 26, 2026, a significant seminar titled "Survival Strategies in the Wage Increase Era: Transforming Human Investments into High Profits" will take place at the Yamanashi Prefectural Library. Organized by IMAJINA, a Tokyo-based company led by Yoshiki Sekino, this event aims to address the pressing challenges faced by local businesses amid rising labor costs and hiring difficulties.

The Urgent Economic Landscape for SMEs

Japan's economy is currently experiencing a K-shaped recovery, whereby large corporations thrive while small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) grapple with escalating costs. This ongoing divide poses a threat to the survival of many, particularly in regional areas where simply raising wages could lead to unmanageable fixed costs. Securing both employee satisfaction and sustainable profitability remains a complex endeavor for these businesses.

Yamanashi Prefecture's innovative "Three-Up" model offers a compelling solution, converting wage expenses into strategic investments:

• - Skill Up: Enhancing employee capabilities to boost productivity.
• - Revenue Up: Expanding profits through high-value offerings.
• - Wage Up: Redistributing profits to attract and retain top talent.

This virtuous cycle is presented as the essential survival strategy for businesses navigating the rapidly changing landscape of 2026.

Insights into the Seminar: Why IMAJINA's Approach Matters

Yoshiki Sekino, the seminar's speaker, has profound insights drawn from his experience in rebranding over 3,000 global firms. His findings pinpoint critical issues within Japanese companies, including:

• - Preventing 'White Attrition': Retaining young talent who leave not due to dissatisfaction but from a lack of clear future prospects.
• - Rehabilitation of Management Roles: Transforming leaders who only bear responsibilities into educators who drive the brand forward.
• - Deepening Internal Branding: Ensuring corporate values are not just rhetoric but permeate every level of staff behavior.

Participants can look forward to real-world examples from Yamanashi and guidance on effectively leveraging robust municipal support to transition into "chosen businesses" that stand out in the competitive market.

Seminar Details

• - Event Name: CUU Special Seminar for the Three-Up Certification for Co-Creation of Prosperity
• - Date: February 26, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:15 PM (Registration starts at 1:30 PM)
• - Venue: Yamanashi Prefectural Library, 1st Floor Open Space, 2-8-1 Kitaguchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
• - Instructor: Yoshiki Sekino, CEO of IMAJINA
• - Cost: Free of charge (limited to 100 participants on a first-come-first-served basis)
• - Target Audience: Business owners, management personnel, HR specialists, and municipal representatives
• - Registration: Via dedicated form or QR code on the promotional flyer
• - URL: Seminar Registration Link
• - Bonus: Participants will receive a completion certificate from the CUU (Yamanashi Career Up University) upon attending.

About the Speaker

Yoshiki Sekino is the CEO of IMAJINA and has built a reputable career after moving to the U.S. at age 15. His exposure to theater direction and business in the U.S., U.K., and Italy contributed to founding IMAJINA in 2006. He emphasizes the critical importance of global branding methodologies, providing transformative strategies for thousands of organizations. His reputation in integrating internal branding with HR systems has gained exemplary recognition across various industries.