Imajina Reveals 'Business EQ' To Tackle Japan's Corporate Challenges

Imajina Unveils 'Business EQ' to Transform Japanese Corporations

On April 7, 2026, Imajina held a pivotal seminar in Osaka, with its CEO, Yoshiki Sekino, addressing the alarming decline in Japan's corporate competitiveness. He noted that the primary challenge for Japanese companies is the lack of employee pride and engagement, which has reached unprecedented lows. This situation is a precursor to the anticipated '2026 Problem', which refers to upcoming regulatory changes and the advent of AI technologies rendering traditional management practices ineffective.

Sekino emphasized that the only sustainable asset remaining in the AI era is 'Human Power', which necessitates the introduction of the new concept of 'Business EQ'. This innovative approach is crucial for equipping organizations with the capabilities to thrive in these challenging times.

Understanding 'Business EQ' and 'Public Mind'

Imajina's 'Business EQ' transcends basic interpersonal skills. It comprises four essential elements: 1. Self-Understanding, 2. Emotion Control, 3. Understanding Others, and 4. Empowering Others. Collectively, these aspects foster a psychologically safe environment that maximizes productivity.

Furthermore, the concept of Public Mind is introduced to combat the modern risks associated with social media, such as reputational damage and information biases. This involves cultivating 'Media Literacy' and 'Moral Integrity', ensuring that a company's core values (PMVV) are aligned with the behaviors of every employee, transforming them into autonomous ambassadors for the brand.

Rethinking Management Roles: The Director Analogy

During the seminar, Sekino made a compelling analogy that likened management roles to those of a director in a performance. He pointed out the prevailing notion that managerial roles in Japan have become a 'punishment' where responsibility increases without adequate authority or engagement. A manager should articulate the company's vision in their own words and guide their teams toward growth.

Sekino emphasized that managers can and should be the 'best advertising medium' for the company, rather than merely an enforcer of rules. His seminar drew upon the experiences of over 3000 supported companies to discuss practical methodologies that could transform managerial mindsets in Japanese businesses.

The Future of Hiring: Resonance with Corporate Ideals

Imajina is taking a scientific approach towards organizational transformation, having partnered with Cambridge University to introduce the 'OBPI' assessment tool. Unlike conventional suitability tests, which can become obsolete with AI advancements, the OBPI strives to eliminate dishonesty scientifically while accurately measuring candidates' underlying 'Integrity' and 'Resonance with Corporate Ideals'. Consultations have shown that employees disconnected from the corporate ideology face an 83% risk of turnover. Thus, focusing recruitment on 'fundamental ideological resonance' rather than mere skills presents a new recruiting standard.

About Imajina Inc.

Founded on the belief that 'Brands Emerge from People', Imajina specializes in inner branding, human capital management support, and talent development consulting, having aided the growth of over 3000 companies. Their programs are designed to enable companies to align their aspirations with employee development and ultimately foster a brand-centric organizational culture.