What is the concept of 'organizational yokai'?

It's a metaphor that frames unconscious mental models and cultural issues in organizations as 'yokai' to address problems without blaming individuals.

Who can participate in this seminar?

Target participants are HR, OD, and strategic planning leaders from large enterprises driving DX or operational improvements.

Is online participation available?

No, this seminar is in-person only; no online streaming is planned.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is Thursday, June 18, 2026.

In-Person Seminar on June 19 (Fri): Can't Change? Blame the 'Yokai'! Stop Seeking Blame or Relying on Logic—Let’s Exorcise Your Organization’s 'Yokai'

Q: What is the venue address?

4F, Toshō Kyōdō Building, 1-8-4 Ningyōchō, Chūō-ku, Tokyo.

Published Jun 15, 2026 8:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 16, 2026 1:30 AM ・ 9 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Why doesn’t the frontline change, even with meticulous plans and cutting-edge systems? The root cause isn’t employee capability, but deep-seated 'mental models' within the organization. This workshop introduces a method to visualize these barriers as 'yokai' and foster safe dialogue for transformation.

Background and Purpose

Why doesn’t the frontline change, even after introducing meticulous plans and the latest systems? The true culprit isn’t a lack of employee capability, but rather

powerful 'fixed mindsets (mental models)' lurking deep within the organization.

Holding onto old habits in the face of change is also the organization’s 'rational defense mechanism.'

To break this stagnation, instead of imposing the 'correct answer,'

we need a safe space where problems are separated from individuals, allowing open discussion of current realities.

In this workshop, you’ll experience a method that detaches organizational stagnation from personal identity,

visualizing it metaphorically as 'yokai' (supernatural entities).

By replacing difficult-to-discuss organizational pathologies with metaphors,

we ensure psychological safety and build a shared language for change.

We’ll introduce concrete approaches—combining humor and logic—to tackle adaptive challenges such as 'frontline remains cynical despite excellent initiatives' or 'a culture deeply fearful of change,' alongside real support case studies.

Who Should Attend

・Leaders and staff from HR, talent development, organizational development, and strategic planning departments in large enterprises

・Leaders and staff from companies driving internal transformation or projects (e.g., DX, operational improvement, value alignment) who feel they’ve hit a limit in engaging frontline staff or driving behavioral change

※ Participation is not open to consultants or those whose business is project support.

For business collaboration inquiries, please contact us separately.

※ If multiple participants are attending from the same company, each person must register individually via the form below.

Event Overview

Date

June 19, 2026 (Fri) 17:00–18:30　※ Venue opens / registration starts at 16:30 Application deadline: June 18 (Thu)

Format

In-person only ※ No online streaming is planned

Venue

Company: Sofia Inc.

Address: Seminar Space, 4F, Toshō Kyōdō Building, 1-8-4 Ningyōchō, Chūō-ku, Tokyo

Program

[Introduction]

Lecture ①: Why Doesn’t the Frontline Move, Even with 'Sound Logic'?

・'Technical challenges' (solvable by manuals) vs. 'adaptive challenges' (requiring mindset shifts)

Lecture ②: The Mechanism of 'Yokai' Emergence and the Power of 'Externalization'

・Dialogue techniques to confront problems without blaming people

Hands-on Workshop: Uncovering the 'Yokai' Lurking in Your Workplace

・Identifying the mental models constraining your organization from common frontline scenarios

Case Study Presentation: Sofia’s Support Examples

・Workplace transformations after conducting 'Yokai Workshops'

[Closing]

Instructor

Daisuke Mori, Sofia Inc.

Reference Materials

'Change Management & Organizational Culture Reform: Case Studies' – Free Download

We hope this report helps improve communication within your organization.

● The Importance of Dialogue in Organizations: Why Dialogue Is Difficult and How to Solve Organizational Issues Through Dialogue

● What Is Dialogic Organizational Development? Exploring a Third Path Beyond Diagnostic and Dialogic Approaches, Focusing on 'Psychological Safety'

● What Is Dialogue? Why It’s Necessary, Key Points for Effective Dialogue, and How to Implement It

● Is 1-on-1 Meaningless? Reasons It Becomes Wasteful and Tips for Making It Productive

● Trust and the Future of Communication in the AI Era: Frontlines of Global Internal Communication ⑨

● Nurturing the Next Generation: The Significance of Workplace Experience—Insights from 'SofiTalk,' a Dialogue Space Where Middle Schoolers Re-examine 'Work'

Company Overview

Sofia Inc. https://www.sofia-inc.com/

We offer a wide range of services centered on organizational transformation and development consulting, including internal branding support, training and workshop planning and operation, media and content planning and production, business process reform support, and ICT system development and utilization support. For details, please visit our official website.

● Contact for This Matter

Sofia Inc. Contact: Konda, Mori

TEL: 03-5574-7031　FAX: 03-5574-7034　e-mail: [email protected]

4F, Toshō Kyōdō Building, 1-8-4 Ningyōchō, Chūō-ku, Tokyo　https://www.sofia-inc.com/

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event

In-Person Seminar on June 19 (Fri): Can't Change? Blame the 'Yokai'! Stop Seeking Blame or Relying on Logic—Let’s Exorcise Your Organization’s 'Yokai'

⚡ Key Points

Background and Purpose

Who Should Attend

Event Overview

Reference Materials

Related Articles

Company Overview

FACT BOX

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