Once I stepped into the place, I was overwhelmed by their
great presence.
What do you think they are?
It was three years ago that I heard from one of business
partners that there was a guy who was making a life-scale cardboard steam locomotive and
looking for a space where he could exhibit it.
I wanted to offer some space in our plant, but, unfortunately,
we were full then and couldn’t make that happen.
But the story didn’t end there.
It was turned out that one of our customers, company K, has
been supporting his project ever since, and, a few months ago I finally got to
see him and his works!
On the right, it’s “D51”.
It’s “C62” on the left which is still in progress.
It has a length of 20m and a width of 3m.
If it’s jointed with a coal car, it will be even longer.
Look at this smooth curve!
I cannot believe this is all made from corrugated sheets.
He’s the guy who did this all by himself. His name is Mr.
Shima.
He used to run an architecture design office.
During that time, he would always make full-scale models
of the houses and stores he designed with corrugated sheets.
That’s how he got all the technique.
When he turned 60, he quit the job and started chasing
his childhood dream which is making a full-scale steam locomotive.
Since he started this, his mission has been to let people
realize corrugated sheets could be more than just boxes.
His passion, creativity and skills are just amazing.
But he wouldn’t have gone this far without Company K
who’s been offering him a huge space in their warehouse and corrugated sheets
for free.
Huge respect to the both Mr. Shima and Company K.
We are having a serious discussion again to have an exhibition
at our plant to help share his works with as many people as possible.
His and his locomotive’s journey has just begun.
I’m excited to see how much further they will go!
I’m excited to see how much further they will go!
