Transforming Imitation into Innovation: A Workshop for Local Entrepreneurs
On March 10, 2026, a special lecture titled "The Power of Imitation" will be held at CINOVA Yamanashi in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This event is part of a larger initiative by Imajina, led by President Yoshiki Sekino, who has successfully supported over 3,000 companies in branding. The focus of this lecture will be on the importance of leveraging existing successful business models by adapting them for local enterprises. Instead of seeing imitation as something shameful, Sekino emphasizes the need to transform it into a strategic approach for growth.
In many cases, Japanese businesses have been overly obsessed with originality, often overlooking how successful global companies have thrived by modifying and adopting proven models. Sekino, who founded Imajina in New York, brings valuable insights that bridge Western branding strategies with Japanese contexts. Drawing on extensive data from the 3,000 companies he's worked with, he will demonstrate how organizations can harmonize established success patterns with their unique identity.
The "Power of Imitation," as Sekino describes it, is not merely about copying; it's about disassembling the elements of another company's success and reconstructing them within one's own narrative. This expert process is built upon fundamental skills that were discussed in previous sessions, such as the ability to ask the right questions and identify risks and opportunities. The lecture will equip participants with effective methods to facilitate actual implementation of these strategies in their businesses.
CINOVA Yamanashi, a hub for innovation and co-creation, will serve as the venue for this enlightening event. Opened in November 2025, this startup support center incorporates facilities such as a 100-seat event space, a fabrication studio complete with a 3D printer, a café, and media broadcasting areas. This venue embodies Yamanashi's ambition to be a "Startup Kingdom," fostering vibrant dialogues among government and private sectors.
Date and Time: March 10, 2026 (Tuesday), from 16:00 to 18:30
Location: CINOVA Yamanashi, 517 Kawadacho, Kofu City, Yamanashi
Participation Fee: Free
Capacity: 100 attendees (prior reservation required)
Facilities: 66 parking spaces available
1. Introduction to Yamanashi Prefecture's startup support policies (Yamanashi Prefectural Office)
2. Special lecture by Yoshiki Sekino, CEO of Imajina
3. Individual consultation and networking session
Yoshiki Sekino
President of Imajina and Vice Chairman of the Yamanashi Innovation Base (YNIB). He has been an advisor for Yamanashi Prefecture. Moving to the United States at 15, he established his company in New York. Sekino has successfully guided over 3,000 companies towards increased profitability by adapting Western branding strategies to fit Japanese cultures. He is known for his unique inner branding techniques that evoke employee pride by combining theatrical direction with organizational strategies.
Imajina
Contact: Minami Aoe
Phone: 03-3511-5525
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.imajina.com/
Yamanashi Prefectural Industrial Policy Division, Startup and Business Support Section
Website: https://startup-yamanashi.com/
Managed By:
Yamanashi Innovation Base
Website: https://ynib.xibase.jp/about/profile/
In many cases, Japanese businesses have been overly obsessed with originality, often overlooking how successful global companies have thrived by modifying and adopting proven models. Sekino, who founded Imajina in New York, brings valuable insights that bridge Western branding strategies with Japanese contexts. Drawing on extensive data from the 3,000 companies he's worked with, he will demonstrate how organizations can harmonize established success patterns with their unique identity.
The "Power of Imitation," as Sekino describes it, is not merely about copying; it's about disassembling the elements of another company's success and reconstructing them within one's own narrative. This expert process is built upon fundamental skills that were discussed in previous sessions, such as the ability to ask the right questions and identify risks and opportunities. The lecture will equip participants with effective methods to facilitate actual implementation of these strategies in their businesses.
CINOVA Yamanashi, a hub for innovation and co-creation, will serve as the venue for this enlightening event. Opened in November 2025, this startup support center incorporates facilities such as a 100-seat event space, a fabrication studio complete with a 3D printer, a café, and media broadcasting areas. This venue embodies Yamanashi's ambition to be a "Startup Kingdom," fostering vibrant dialogues among government and private sectors.
Event Details
Date and Time: March 10, 2026 (Tuesday), from 16:00 to 18:30
Location: CINOVA Yamanashi, 517 Kawadacho, Kofu City, Yamanashi
Participation Fee: Free
Capacity: 100 attendees (prior reservation required)
Facilities: 66 parking spaces available
Schedule
1. Introduction to Yamanashi Prefecture's startup support policies (Yamanashi Prefectural Office)
2. Special lecture by Yoshiki Sekino, CEO of Imajina
3. Individual consultation and networking session
Speaker Profile:
Yoshiki Sekino
President of Imajina and Vice Chairman of the Yamanashi Innovation Base (YNIB). He has been an advisor for Yamanashi Prefecture. Moving to the United States at 15, he established his company in New York. Sekino has successfully guided over 3,000 companies towards increased profitability by adapting Western branding strategies to fit Japanese cultures. He is known for his unique inner branding techniques that evoke employee pride by combining theatrical direction with organizational strategies.
Contact Information
Imajina
Contact: Minami Aoe
Phone: 03-3511-5525
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.imajina.com/
Organized By:
Yamanashi Prefectural Industrial Policy Division, Startup and Business Support Section
Website: https://startup-yamanashi.com/
Managed By:
Yamanashi Innovation Base
Website: https://ynib.xibase.jp/about/profile/
Topics Business Technology）
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