"My Cool Younger Boss" Essay Contest to be Held.
The Japan Industrial Gerontology Association is holding an essay contest titled "My Cool Younger Boss" to foster a new organizational culture that respects professionalism beyond age bias.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 01:00
Our company supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release is the dream of the "General Incorporated Association Japan Industrial Gerontology Association".
1. Purpose of the Contest
In modern times, with labor shortages and career diversification progressing, the composition of "older subordinates, younger bosses" in the workplace is an indispensable element for organizational growth. This contest aims to collect episodes where age bias was overcome and mutual respect as professionals was fostered. We aim to honor excellent examples as successful models of "Industrial Gerontology" and present a new form of organizational culture to Japanese society.
2. Contest Content
Theme: "My Cool
Younger Boss"
Episodes of building trust with a younger boss that happened on site.
Successful experiences of team building leveraging age differences.
Outstanding leadership of a younger boss felt as an "older subordinate."
3. Eligibility
Applications from corporations (Individual employees write, and companies/organizations enter. Applications from departments are also accepted).
4. Unique Judge Composition
To ensure fair judging that transcends generational gaps, a total of 6 individuals will be selected through public recruitment:
Fresh Perspective: New graduates entering the company in fiscal year 2026 (3 people)
Management Perspective: Active managers in their 40s (3 people)
5. Awards (Industrial Gerontology Award)
The Grand Prize and Excellence Awards will not only recognize individual achievements but also honor organizations that have created an environment where diverse generations can thrive, as "Industrial Gerontology Practice Companies."
Award Recipients:
The author themselves (older subordinate)
The subject superior (younger boss)
The affiliated workplace/team (awarded for organizational culture supporting diversity)
Supplementary Prizes/Benefits:
Award ceremony and presentation of a certificate and commemorative shield
Nationwide distribution by PR TIMES: Award-winning episodes and company initiatives will be distributed to media nationwide as a press release.
6. Judging Criteria
Specificity of Respect: The process by which respect for the other person was achieved beyond age differences.
Ripple Effect on the Organization: How that relationship positively influenced colleagues and the team.
Industrial Gerontology Value: Whether it contains hints for resolving generational gaps and creating a workplace where all generations can work comfortably.
7. Application and Selection Schedule
April 1, 2026: Application acceptance begins (and public recruitment of judges begins)
June 30, 2026: Deadline
August 2026: Judging meeting (joint judging by new graduates & managers in their 40s)
Mid-September 2026: Results announcement and nationwide distribution via PR TIMES
8. Organizer
General Incorporated Association Japan Industrial Gerontology Association
Email: info@jiga.jp
URL:http://jiga.jp/
FAQ
What is the purpose of this contest?
To collect workplace episodes that overcome age bias and foster mutual respect, proposing a new organizational culture.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from corporations; individual employees write, and companies/organizations enter. Departmental entries are also allowed.
What are the benefits of winning?
In addition to an award ceremony, winning episodes and company initiatives will be distributed nationwide via PR TIMES.