Muso Kogyo Co., Ltd.'s main business is contract processing of test pieces.

Even 'iron' is made by mixing various materials, so there are hundreds of types.

“Subtle differences in composition change the properties of materials. The know-how of material suppliers lies in mixing and customizing materials according to their intended use. Our main job is to process test pieces to evaluate these material properties.”

For example, the Tokyo Skytree required building materials with unprecedented height and area.

Materials are created by considering what composition of iron can withstand such demands, how it should be processed, and whether welding or assembly will be performed.

“The iron used at the base of the Tokyo Skytree was specially made for the Skytree. We play a part in bringing such new materials into existence.”

Muso Kogyo Co., Ltd. handles the important task of making such unknown materials known.

It is said that Muso Kogyo Co., Ltd.'s technology is supported by human five senses.

“The sound and vibration during machining, and sometimes even the smell, can be part of the cutting conditions.”

These experiences have been accumulated through continuous challenges since before the era of big data.

“How to cut new materials cannot be known without trying. However, we must take on challenges without wasting as much time or material as possible. This is where accumulated experience comes into play.”

Sometimes, very valuable materials are brought to Muso Kogyo Co., Ltd. Some have no spare material. In some cases, they are metal parts recovered from fire or accident sites.

“Challenges are necessary, but if we just start cutting indiscriminately, the material will quickly run out. It is necessary to determine the machining conditions in the shortest possible time.”

By sharpening their five senses and facing the object in front of them, they are able to accumulate data that is difficult to express numerically, as experience.

Tetsuji states that one reason Muso Kogyo Co., Ltd. is chosen by customers is its 'sense of speed'.

“When considering the customer's goal, there's a desire to achieve results as quickly as possible or to establish a manufacturing schedule. For that, I believe speed is crucial.”

The customer's goal is not just the delivery of test pieces; there are various subsequent processes such as evaluation and improvement.
Tetsuji values this sense of speed, keeping the customer's ultimate goal in mind.

To achieve this, from the moment an inquiry is received, we are conscious of shortening all lead times, including the speed of response, quotation, and material delivery.

“The geographical advantage of Keihinjima is also significant. In Keihinjima alone, there are 300 companies, from material suppliers to final process companies and logistics, with partner companies within cycling distance.”

While not 100% completed within Keihinjima alone, expanding the scope to Ota Ward provides a network capable of resolving most issues.

“For example, sending by courier takes more than a day. But if we say we'll bring it now, it takes only an hour. If this were a task requiring three companies, the travel time alone would make a huge difference in speed, wouldn't it?”

“Kitsui” (demanding), “Kitanai” (dirty), and “Kiken” (dangerous) have long been referred to as the '3Ks' associated with the image of manufacturing.

“In Germany, manufacturing masters are seen as cool by children. Employees also wear confident smiles. In Italy, there's an image that the work of artisans is beautiful and wonderful.”

Witnessing manufacturing overseas, he realized that while Japanese manufacturing technology is excellent and produces cool things, it isn't presented in a cool way.

Therefore, Tetsuji decided to aim for the '3Ms': Motteru (attractive), Moukaru (profitable), and Mitomerareru (recognized).

“I want to present ourselves in a way that makes children look up to us and think, 'I want to be like that.'”

As part of Tetsuji's '3Ms' initiative, activities such as company visits for children and business owners visiting schools to give lessons are also being conducted.

In a workshop collaborated with a cram school, there was a child who was engrossed in polishing.

“He polished with incredible concentration and finished it to a brilliant shine. When I praised him, he looked very happy. That child went on to a technical high school with an internship program, interned at a polishing company, and then joined that polishing company after graduation.”

Through these initiatives, he hopes to let children experience manufacturing and feel the joy and coolness of manufacturing.
And, by conveying adult experiences, he wants them to feel that their future is bright.

“Rather than wanting to increase the number of happy people, I want to reduce the number of unhappy people. I believe it's important to be yourself, to be accepted, and to be able to help someone. It might be just one step on a thousand-mile journey. Still, I hope to convey something to the children.”

Tetsuji wants to further unleash the potential of manufacturing and make Muso Kogyo Co., Ltd. a company that can expand the possibilities of manufacturing.

“Even now, I sometimes discover companies like this or technologies like that. I believe that if such companies collaborate, many new possibilities will emerge.”

What one company can do alone is limited.
However, he believes that if the technologies possessed by each company are combined, the possibilities will expand infinitely.

“I think it's fine to combine it not just within the framework of manufacturing but also with art. If we combine metals, non-ferrous metals, and resins, which are considered different genres, new potential possibilities might emerge.”

To that end, Tetsuji himself intends to study further and become a starting point for a network that expands the possibilities of manufacturing.

Such new challenges will surely shine brightly in the eyes of children.