Shunsuke Takigawa

New Technology Development Section, Manufacturing Technology Development Department, Innovative Production Engineering and Quality Assurance Division

Work responsibilities

I am in charge of developing technologies necessary for product manufacturing, such as bonding, surface modification, and resin molding. This department (EMTAC) is based on understanding the needs of each division and working together. One of these is the rapid production of development prototypes. It is very rewarding to be able to examine leading-edge technologies that are not yet on a manufacturing basis. We also solve manufacturing technology issues at plants. There are not always answers to begin with. There are many things to think about and work on together with the various divisions, and in doing so, we improve our own capabilities.

Adjustments made when teaching skills to international trainees, and lessons learned

Accepting trainees from different countries is a good opportunity for me to stop being a person ignorant of the real world. It means working together to overcome differences in cultures, customs, languages, and ways of thinking. A single task takes considerable time and effort. But I believe that such hardships will lead to growth. I myself have also become more conscious of how I give work instructions and communicate with trainees. I have learned to check the other person's level of understanding, seeing if they understand five out of ten things, rather than the Japanese approach of saying one and understanding ten.

Future goals & message to young people

It is now normal for employees from other countries to sit beside us. We live in an age where diversity is embraced across the barriers of nationality, race, and religion, and new values ​​are constantly being formed. But I do not think that means you need to study English in particular. Going forward, there will be many useful translation systems available. More importantly, I want to encourage young people to not be afraid of failure, to take on new challenges, and to carve out their own path in life with innovative ideas.