A message for the younger generation…

First Published in Japanese in November 2023 [4 parts]

Nakamura:: I would like to hear how each of you first came into the manufacturing industry. How about you, President Mizowaki?

Mizowaki:: My father founded the company Nakatani Denki, so the world of manufacturing has always been present in my life, as far back as I can remember. I studied art and design at university, specializing in fabric dyeing. After I graduated, my father encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and work for an electrical engineering company. Later, I joined Nakatani Denki to help with the family business, and in 2016 I became the company’s fifth president, putting all of my efforts towards growing the business and achieving our goals.

Nakamura:: You have always been at the forefront of the manufacturing industry. What is the appeal of factory automation for you?

Mizowaki:: Small components intricately connected to operate large machinery, which in turn creates its own products. When I think about it, I believe that’s the appeal of factory automation. And I feel extremely fortunate to be involved in such a world.

Nakamura:: It is certainly exciting to be part of an industry that creates so many products that can make the world a better place. Another major appeal of factory automation is being able to see behind the scenes of manufacturing.

Nakamura:: Next, I’d like to turn to President Ohta. I believe you started your career at Mitsubishi Electric?

Ohta:: I too have a background in humanities rather than sciences, and as you noted, I started my career in the Corporate Advertising Division of Mitsubishi Electric. There, I was responsible for buying media placements for a wide range of business areas, from domestic appliances to industrial products. Although I was only with Mitsubishi Electric for about two years, it was a great environment to start my career. I am truly grateful for that valuable experience, which has formed the basis for my life since.

Nakamura:: After leaving Mitsubishi Electric, you went to Germany, is that right?

Ohta:: Yes, having studied European civilization at university, I have always been fascinated by Europe. After leaving Mitsubishi Electric, I studied German at a language school in Bavaria and then joined a German manufacturer of measurement instruments. While I was working there, Yokohama City and Deutsche Bank launched an initiative to attract German businesses to Japan, so many German companies established Japanese subsidiaries. The founder of Pepperl+Fuchs, my current company, invited me to start up a company with him. I was not intending to move jobs but starting a new company sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a go!

Nakamura:: Germany is known for its strong industry and manufacturing sectors. Considering your time working for a manufacturer of measurement instruments, what aspects of the manufacturing industry did you find appealing?

Ohta:: As President Mizowaki said, it’s fascinating how various parts can connect together to ultimately create a large product or piece of equipment. For example, the products that we make are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but it is rewarding to know that they support our customers’ manufacturing activities. While I am not directly involved in the engineering aspect, I love the process of working together and sharing knowledge to create the best products to meet the customer’s requirements.

Nakamura:: In that sense, the work of President Mizowaki and President Ohta is similar, isn’t it? Products developed by your companies are connected to other products to create a larger systems or equipment.

Nakamura:: Now, Ms. Takeuchi, you have been in the mainstream of the manufacturing industry at Mitsubishi Electric for many years and are now Head of the Factory Automation Systems Group. When did you first become interested in manufacturing?

Takeuchi:: From an early age, I have always had a strong curiosity to see how things work and know what’s inside. If I was given a doll, I would take its arms and legs off because I wanted to know what was inside – that’s the kind of child I was. I remember being disappointed to find the doll was empty after taking it apart!

Mizowaki:: So, did you always have a strong interest and curiosity about everyday objects?

Takeuchi:: When I’d had enough of dolls, I started taking apart other things – watches, household appliances and so on – which drove my parents crazy. So, they started buying me puzzles, which finally stopped me from taking apart everything in the house!

Ohta:: Just now we talked about how being able to see behind the scenes of manufacturing is a major attraction of this industry. This story from your childhood seems to foretell your future perfectly.

Takeuchi:: That’s true. When I joined Mitsubishi Electric as a researcher, my initial assignment was to the R&D team. I will never forget the excitement and thrill of developing and creating products with my colleagues, and then seeing those products go into full production.

Nakamura:: You have all clearly communicated your enthusiasm for manufacturing and your pride in being involved in the FA industry. Now, I would like to dig deeper into the appeal of factory automation to help motivate young readers through our discussion.