The news of GEOS closing has thrown Japanese management into the news recently, especially in the foreign community.  On a slightly brighter note, the Sanno Institute of Management in Japan surveyed this year’s new graduates about their “Ideal Boss,” and what they look for in a manager. Results revealed that the majority of new male employees would like to have major leaguer Ichiro as their superior, while women would prefer actress Yuki Amami.

This is the second year Ichiro has topped the charts, while Amami jumped up from third last year. Number two on the men’s ranking was comedian Shinsuke Shimada. Yomiuri Giants manager Tatsunori Hara took third, and comedian George Tokoro was pushed down one spot to fourth. Up one rank in fifth place was actor Hiroshi Abe who we recently wrote about here. In second place on the women’s ranking was last year’s chart topper actress Miki Maya.

Actress Makiko Esumi took third, singer Akiko Wada came in fourth, up from the ninth spot last year. Actress Hiromi Kuroki jumped up from 13th last year to take fifth place in this year’s survey. Many men explained that they chose Ichiro as their most ideal boss because, “His manner and attitude would make for a good role model.” Amami was voted most ideal by women because, “She seems as if she would give good advice.” Who would be your ideal boss?

For Japan – who would be the best role-model aspiring managers should be following?