#Japan #Osaka #IMAGINE #ideal manager #psychological insights

The Buzz Surrounding Imagine at Kansai EXPO

The Ideal Manager EXPO, held from November 19-21, 2025, at Intex Osaka, has drawn considerable attention, notably surrounding Imagine Corporation, which specializes in corporate branding and organizational transformation. Led by CEO Yoshiki Sekino, Imagine’s booth has become a hotspot for business leaders and HR executives seeking solutions to the daunting challenge of retaining young talent in their organizations.

The 'Boss Gacha' Dilemma

On the first day of the event, a standout moment occurred during a special seminar titled ‘The Roots of Compliance and Apathy: Understanding Talent Development Through Psychology’ by Sekino. In recent times, the term ‘Boss Gacha’ has gained popularity on social media, reflecting the struggles many companies face with low retention rates and motivation levels among younger employees. Sekino sharply analyzed this phenomenon, asserting that it cannot merely be attributed to generational gaps.

He explained that the well-intentioned actions of managers—such as excessive micromanagement or a laissez-faire approach masked as valuing autonomy—have led to a sense of learned helplessness within organizations. This perspective resonated with attendees, many of whom nodded in agreement, indicating their familiarity with the issues presented.

The Importance of Psychological Safety

A crucial takeaway from the seminar was the need for managers to establish a supportive environment that fosters psychological safety and motivation before focusing on imparting skills or techniques. Sekino emphasized that a manager's mindset, or 'Being,' plays a pivotal role in shaping a productive team environment. This principle lies at the heart of what Imagine terms 'manager branding.'

Visualizing Company Values

The energy from the seminar seamlessly transitioned to the Imagine booth, where they showcased tools like the ‘Vision Map’ and ‘Culture Book,’ which effectively visualize intangible corporate philosophies and visions. Many attendees expressed uncertainty about how to communicate their company's values effectively. However, upon interacting with successful examples of culture books from other companies, they gained confidence in their ability to convey their company's mission to their teams.

During the discussions, there was significant interest in training programs aimed at equipping managers to become ambassadors of their company’s story—an essential solution to the ongoing Boss Gacha dilemma. Imagine even ran out of copies of Sekino's book, The Power of Managers: Transforming Hiring, Performance, and Talent Development, within hours, showcasing the strong desire among Kansai-based companies to enact genuine change.

What's Next at the EXPO?

As the expo progresses, attendees can look forward to a focus on creating systems that encourage self-motivation among employees through the lens of behavioral economics. On November 20, participants will learn how to apply theories like 'nudge theory' to scientifically invigorate their organizations without relying on mere motivation tactics.

Event Details

Event Name: The 1st Ideal Manager EXPO (Part of the General Affairs, HR, and Accounting Week)
Date: November 19-21, 2025
Location: Intex Osaka
Imagine Booth: 17-60
Online Seminar Registration: Available for exhibitors on November 20 and 21

About Imagine Corporation

Imagine Corporation aims to create a world where investing in people is the norm, partnering with over 3,000 companies to drive growth. They focus on 'inner branding' to help management communicate their vision effectively, alongside providing comprehensive services like management training, vision formulation, and HR system development.

For inquiries regarding this article, please contact
Imagine Corporation
Contact: Minami Aoe
Phone: 03-3511-5525
Email: [email protected]