Rock Music is Fun

Looking good! This is so much fun. Don’t I look pretty cool? I started playing the drums in my first year of junior high school, and continued until I graduated from high school. But look at this…

 

Wait, if you look closely at the guitar… you can see corrugated flutes! Yes, it’s made of corrugated board. Pretty playful, isn’t it? This is a picture that one of my former customers, Mr. N, gave me as a birthday gift. Just to be clear, he didn’t give me the guitar itself, he gave me this picture. Just what you’d expect from a former corrugated professional! But when and where did he take such a photo? I asked him (well, I didn’t actually ask him, haha.)

 

The answer was, “I created it.”

 

???

 

“With AI.” Haha!

 

Sooo coooool!!

 

So, I decided to create a version of my actual original role, a drummer! The top picture is the one I made, trying to make it look as realistic as possible. Awesome!! I gotta say, I did a pretty good job! Mr. N, thank you very much for your wonderful gift and inspiration.

Two Interns from HUST

 

HUST stands for Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

 

Last November, four professors from HUST visited ISOWA. When it comes to HUST, it goes without saying that it is the most selective university in Vietnam — a prestigious institution boasting top-tier recognition and academic rigor across Asia.

Our connection with them began thanks to Ms. D, (the woman on the left) a brilliant Vietnamese engineer who has been working with us as a full-time resident supporter ("TASUKE-bito") since last June.

All the members working with her agreed that Ms. D is incredibly talented, and when I looked into it I found out she’s a graduate of Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

This led us to invite her former professors to visit our factory in Kasugai, which resulted in a very passionate and deeply connected exchange.

Following a visit to ISOWA by four professors, we decided to accept the two interns they selected, Nam and Hui have arrived in Japan.

 

Under the “strict” (haha) guidance of their senior, Ms. D, they will be working on their assignments for the entire week. Right at the start of the afternoon, they came by together to say hello.

 

 

Over the years, I have given lectures to Vietnamese business executives four times.

Remembering that JICA, the organization that hosted those lectures, had previously translated my presentation slides into Vietnamese, I gave those materials to the two interns as a gift.

Along with this, I shared this message with them: "Everyone works for their own happiness and that of their family, but your colleagues around you feel the same way. If you try to pursue your own happiness at the expense of others, you won’t be happy yourself in the end. When you respect and cooperate with your colleagues, they will do the same for you. At ISOWA, we work as a team, not alone. I hope you will experience this philosophy during your internship, while keeping safety as your top priority.”

They both looked so nervous, so to break the ice, I asked them about their hobbies. They answered "Basketball" and "Video games." Hobbies truly are universal! (haha)

Since they traveled all the way to Japan, I thought it would be a great opportunity for them to learn about Japanese culture and business etiquette, so I gave them a little advice on how to handle business cards.

We wrapped up our talk with a handshake, and then Ms. D chimed in, "Me too, please!"

I told her, "I was holding back because I worry about being accused of harassment if I ask—but I'm so happy!" We then shared a firm handshake.

If you have any questions about the materials I gave you, feel free to ask me anytime. I’d be happy to talk about them. Enjoy your internship at ISOWA to the fullest and learn as much as you can.

 

Let’s Make Great Family Companies!

Company L. has been one of our valued customers since Jack’s grandfather purchased an ISOWA FFG back in 1973.

On April 29th, Jack, his wife, Josie, and his daughter, Amy, visited our company while they were on vacation in Japan.

They stayed in Kyoto, left there at noon to visit ISOWA, and returned to Kyoto that night.

 *The distance from Kyoto to Aichi, where ISOWA is located, is about 115 km(75 miles).

I last met Jack three years ago in the fall.

 

After they arrived, Darz from the Overseas Department gave them a company introduction. At the end of her presentation, she was talking about ISOWA’s philosophy, then suddenly lost her words and started crying.

 

That was a big surprise for both Jack’s family and me. However, seeing someone cry while talking about the company is something that makes the company president truly happy. I was deeply moved by her presentation.

 

After that, Mr. A took them on a tour of our factory, and at the end of the tour, Mr. S, a leader from the Engineering Department, spoke in English about his passion for development. I could really feel his extraordinary passion for development. Great job, Mr. S!

 

After the factory tour, all three of them told us, “The factory is very clean!”

Jack, who owns a family business as I do, also said, “I deeply understand that we and ISOWA are heading toward the same destination.” He also asked, “How do you keep 300 employees united?”

The conversation about local communities and charitable donations became very lively.

Until now, we have mainly considered donations from ISOWA Japan's perspective. However, this conversation inspired us to think about how ISOWA America might also contribute through charitable activities within its capabilities, especially in the United States, where a culture of philanthropy is deeply rooted.

 

After that, we went to dinner together. Since Jack visited us with his family, I decided to treat them together with my family.

The most impressive dish was this Chateaubriand served with egg yolk and grated daikon radish. The beef was quite thick, yet it was so tender that it could easily be cut with chopsticks. That showed just how excellent the beef was.

 

We also prepared some special gifts.

One was “Kohen,” a sake from Kintora Brewery, a Nagoya-based sake brewery run by relatives on my mother’s side. I hope they chilled it and enjoyed it at their hotel.

 

Another gift was a piece of calligraphy featuring the Japanese kanji character for “Liberty,” written by my wife on colored paper made with MILDAN using recycled milk-carton paper, experimentally provided by T Company, another valued ISOWA customer.

They could not read the kanji and did not understand its meaning at first. However, when I explained the meaning to them, they were very surprised and excited! It turned out to be a really great gift idea.

 

In return, when they visited Tokyo, they also brought us special good-luck charms from Sensō-ji, a temple in Asakusa, including a talisman for business prosperity.

 

With the “Liberty” calligraphy and the good-luck charms from Sensō-ji, we will continue striving to build great family companies together!

Hone Their Skills

 

One day, our company-wide morning meeting began with an award ceremony for two employees born in the 21st century who had passed the Level 2 Skills Certification Exam: Mr. K (far right) and Mr. I (second from the right).

 

Mr. K had been in Saudi Arabia until recently to install a Falcon machine and had just returned safely shortly before the current conflict began. Of course, he hadn’t anticipated that such an event would occur, so he was quite shocked when it actually happened.　Besides Mr. K, there were two others who had gone on the business trip with him. They returned even later than Mr. K, and the conflict began the very moment they got back. It was truly a relief that they were able to return safely. Great job, and welcome back!

 

The other successful candidate, Mr. I, isn’t very good at speaking in front of people. He was more nervous than anyone else—before he spoke, while he was speaking, and even after he finished. He gave it his all and expressed his gratitude to the seniors and colleagues who supported him leading up to the exam. Every time he stumbled over his words, I’m sure everyone at ISOWA-BITO was cheering for him in their hearts. After it was over, Mr. H, who was sitting next to me, seemed to be clapping from the bottom of his heart. I’m sure I’s feelings were clearly conveyed to everyone who attended the morning assembly. I think you’ll be able to do even better next time, Mr. I.

 

I look forward to seeing them continue to hone their technical skills and communication abilities. Congratulations, Mr. K and Mr. I.

 

And in this photo, besides Mr. K and Mr. I—the two on the right who passed the skills certification exam—and me (as a bonus), there’s one more person in the picture. It’s our new employee, Rudy.

 

It’s a bit unusual to have a new employee at this time of year, and he looks a little older than the typical new hire, doesn’t he?

 

Actually, he is the husband of Dharz, who joined our company last September. After obtaining a family stay visa, he finally arrived in Japan from the Philippines in mid-February.

 

At the company-wide morning meeting, following the presentation of the vocational skills certification awards, Rudy gave a self-introduction in Japanese. He said, “Work is fun, but self-introductions make me really nervous,” so he must have been quite nervous, but he managed to deliver a self-introduction in Japanese that was perfectly understandable. Bravo! Even though his wife, Dharz, had been introducing him to me as “Rudy” even before he arrived in Japan, apparently he himself says, “It’s not ‘Rudy.’ Please call me ‘Rody.’” I wonder if they’re having marital problems? (lol)

But when Rudy’s entry permit was approved, they apparently cried tears of joy together during a video call, and they seem so in love that there’s probably no need to worry about that.

 

He started working at ISOWA this week, but unfortunately, because he’s on a family stay visa, there are restrictions on his working hours, so he only works in the mornings. But he’s incredibly enthusiastic. Apparently, he asked, “I have time in the afternoons, so I’d like to go home and study. Would it be okay if I took the blueprints home with me?” Good for him! With guidance from such a wonderful colleague and by using translation software, let’s hope he masters the skills quickly.　I hear he’s enjoying his breaks with his colleagues. Study Japanese hard, get your official work visa, and do your best so that the day when you can live in Japan with your three children—your ultimate goal—comes as soon as possible! We’re all rooting for you. Go, go, Rudy!!

 

AI ou IA?

We were delighted to welcome four representatives from Company T in Brazil for the pre-shipment inspection of their new FALCON FFG. Andre from ISOWA Brazil guided them. I first met two of their top executives two years ago during a dinner at an industry show in Orlando, Florida. 

isowa.hatenablog.jp

This new order follows a machine they have been using for 30 years. It was truly heartening to hear them say, “the machine from 30 years ago is still working hard for us today.”

When they visited ISOWA on Friday, I unfortunately missed them due to my annual health checkup. However, I was able to join them for breakfast the next morning. When I asked for their impressions of the visit, they were incredibly gracious: “The machinery was excellent. But more than that, we learned so much from the ‘ISOWA-bito,’ the culture, and the overall atmosphere. As a family business ourselves, there was much we wanted to emulate.” It’s the greatest joy for me to have a customer show interest not only in the machines, but also in the unseen “iceberg beneath the surface”—our values and culture, that makes them possible. Our breakfast was filled with insightful questions about ISOWA’s philosophy and my management style.

During our conversation, we stumbled upon a funny topic regarding the acronym “IA.” At ISOWA, “IA” stands for ISOWA America. However, in Brazil, “IA” refers to Artificial Intelligence! In Portuguese, it is Inteligência Artificial, so the initials are reversed compared to English (AI). They joked that they sometimes get ISOWA America and Artificial Intelligence mixed up. Well, perhaps that’s because ISOWA America is just as smart as AI! (laughs)

They kindly invited me to visit Brazil, and I gave them one condition: “It must be during the futbol season. Please don’t invite me during the off-season!” (laughs). If all goes well, I might be watching an authentic futbol match in Brazil for the first time in six years. I have a lot to look forward to!

isowa.hatenablog.jp

Talking with the young, new generation of leadership from Company T was truly stimulating. Whether in Japan or Brazil, I believe management that truly values people is the path to success.

Thank you so much for traveling from the other side of the world to visit us!

Let' work smarter!

Last week, three members from ISOWA America—Ron, Kaiser, and Andy—visited Japan to attend the annual meeting.

ISOWA America delivered very strong performance in the previous fiscal year (October 2024 to September 2025).

Repeat orders from existing customers increased, while new customers were acquired as a result of our strong market reputation. Furthermore, delivery records across North and South America expanded, and the parts and service business continued to grow.

Rather than resting on these achievements, we spent four days in intensive and productive discussions focused on driving cultural reform at ISOWA America, overcoming the impact of Trump-era tariffs, and achieving further growth. These discussions were extremely meaningful.

As this was Andy’s first visit to Japan, being able to directly experience ISOWA’s culture and corporate spirit will surely prove valuable in his future career at ISOWA. It is also very encouraging to see the growing number of members who have previously been stationed at ISOWA America, as they are contributing greatly to stronger communication between Japan and the U.S.

On the final evening, we held a dinner to thank everyone for their efforts.

Apparently, Kaiser’s daughter is very curious about what her father eats in Japan, so he took photos of every dish as it was served.

He usually avoids desserts for health reasons, but when he comes to Japan, he can’t resist the temptation. Wanting to keep this a secret from his family, I suggested, “Then why don’t you just take a photo of the last remaining strawberry?”

He happily did just that (laughs).

Kaiser—the George Clooney of ISOWA America—is a favorite with everyone.

 

At the end, we received some souvenirs: two kinds of organic tea.

Ron shared the story behind them.

“If you drink the one on the left, ‘Memory Magic,’ 99% of the time your mind will feel clear. Still worried about the remaining 1%? No problem—just drink the one on the right, ‘Worry Ease,’ and it will blow your anxiety away.”

I see! Just like strategy, a good story matters even for souvenirs. I’ll follow your advice and choose accordingly. Thank you!

 

Let’s work smart!

ISOWA keeps you going - always on the go to make folks happy in the corrugated world.

"Shrine visit” for GOD PARENTS

 

Yoshiko was s classmate of mine at the Affiliated Upper Secondary School of Nagoya University. However, I don’t have any clear memories of her from that time.

At a class reunion after we graduated, I learned that she was working as a translator, and we wondered if I might ask for her help someday.

The first time I did was when I asked her to help revise the ISOWA Diary, which Hitomi and Hikaru had translated.

That was in 2010, when we were working on the phrase:

“ISOWA keeps you going – always on the go.”

My first draft, by the way, was:

“We, ISOWA never stop you. Nor do we stop ourselves.”

I struggled with the wording for some time and eventually asked her for advice. Then John joined the discussion. John was a journalist and a former reporter for The Japan Times.

After exchanging ideas with the two of them, we finally settled on:

“ISOWA keeps you going – always on the go.”

 

More recently, I asked for their help again, this time in naming a new machine.

This kind of collaborative work is truly enjoyable. Not only in this case, but in general, the process of repeatedly exchanging ideas and refining concepts is extremely fun.

That’s how we came up with an absolutely brilliant name. I’ll share the details once the machine is complete.

Welcome, everyone, from all over the world!

Many customers from overseas visited ISOWA this past week, so let me do the honors to introduce them to you.

 

First, is Company C from the United States.

Everyone from their family came to visit the company to see the Flexo Gluer machine “IBIS” before we ship it.

 

This machine “IBIS” marks our first transaction with them; however, even before shipment, they placed an additional order for another machine, the “Falcon.”

 

They said that the reason for this was "not only ISOWA's quality, but also the high reputation of ISOWA's after-sales service among our American competitors."

 

I was very pleased with this answer, as I believe it was one of the results of ISOWA's strategy of "contributing to reducing opportunity loss in the corrugated board factories."

ISOWA members shared their own stories in English during the “Discover ISOWA” tour.

Whenever they shared their own stories, the customers extend their hands for a handshake, and by that I felt that our message had truly reached them.

 

What surprised me the most was the company introduction given by Ms.D, who joined ISOWA two months ago.

As soon as the introduction was over, the customers cheered, and I was amazed at how she was able to understand ISOWA and give such a brilliant introduction in just two months.

We will continue to do our best to maintain a good relationship with Company C across generations.

 

The second company is Company H from the United Arab Emirates.

This was also our first transaction with Company H, who ordered two machines at once.

 

 

They visited ISOWA for the first time to see the first machine before we ship it.

 

In Japan, corrugated printers are typically three- or four-color printers; however, they ordered a high-end six-color printer.

 

This time, we tested only four-color printing, and the customers were satisfied with the results.

 

During their visit to Japan, Mr. O from the Overseas Sales Department accompanied them throughout their visit.

He made a multiple solo-visits to the Dubai-based company with which he has no prior business transactions, and was able to successfully secure an order for two machines at once.

 

They said, "Mr. O is a great salesman. He makes proposals that anticipate our needs. We trusted him and decided to do business with ISOWA."

 

They added, "By actually coming to Japan and visiting ISOWA, our trust in them has deepened even further."

 

To the ISOWA members who attended to the customers, who shared their own stories, who did perfect test runs, and who welcomed them, thank you all for this week!

Jubun-gatari (self-introduction) expressing gratitude to my parents

 

This year, we were able to successfully hold the parent-meeting of our new employees once again.

We have a total of ten new employees this term which includes five people from the Philippines.

Among them, four families attended the event. Ideally, we would have liked to invite the families in the Philippines as well, but we hope to make that possible someday.

 

First, I greeted the families.

  

“ISOWA had only one person leave the company this year, aside from those who retired at the mandatory retirement age. This is one of the results of the organizational culture reform that we have been working on for more than twenty years. We are hoping that your children will help us further cultivate and strengthen this culture.”

After that, Hikaru gave an explanation about the company, and he also said, “There’s still a lot we need to work on to further improve our culture, so let’s keep doing our best together.” 

 

From here, the new employees began sharing their own stories. First was N from e-Technical Service Section.

 

When he told his parents, “I’ve been assigned to a business trip to Aomori,” his father reacted in surprise, saying, “I’ve never even been to Aomori myself!”

Next was T from e-Technical Service Section as well.

 

His father said to me, “I’m proud of my son.”

His mother looked as if she was holding back a few tears.

 

Next, Mr. O from Administration Section.

He told his mother, “I’m enjoying it even more than I expected, so please don’t worry too much.”

In the factory, Mr. I from the Assembly Section said,

“I know I’ve caused you a lot of worry until now,” and he vowed to repay his parents for all they’ve done.

 

And today, Ms. O from the Support Section, whose parents were unable to attend,

together with Mr. I from the Processing Section, introduced the six-color printing machine “Falcon” and demonstrated its operation.

 

After returning to the office, everyone enjoyed some casual conversation.

 

Then, the new employees guided their parents freely around the company, showing them their workplaces and other areas.

The messages from the new employees to their parents were truly wonderful.
I believe their parents were also able to get a sense of ISOWA’s atmosphere.
We hope you will continue to support both your children and ISOWA.
Thank you very much.

 

A little bit bitter?

 

Erik from ISOWA America (IA) visited ISOWA Japan during his visit to his wife Fumi-san’s hometown.

 

He loves Japan and learned the Japanese language and translation studies at university. After he graduated, he came to Japan and taught English as an ALT at a junior high school in Kobe. He and Fumi-san came to know each other at that time. They got married and returned to the U.S.

 

He joined IA because his hometown is near Phoenix, where IA is located, and he likes IA’s Japanese-style corporate culture.

 

He respects Donald Keene, who tried to be a cultural bridge between America and Japan. He also reads Haruki Murakami’s books. He is a true Japanophile, more knowledgeable than the average Japanese person.

 

Beer and Yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers). Super Cool!

 

 

He gave me a surprising souvenir.

Cigar. Was it really for me? (I am not a smoker.)

 

Actually, it was not a cigar but a chocolate!

 

A little bit bitter like a real one?

 

No, no, it was sweet!

Now I can enjoy it without worry!

 

Erik, enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan. When you go back, let’s keep “making folks happy in the corrugated world” on the Asian side and the American side of the Pacific Ocean. :)

Welcome aboard, five new fresh members from the Philippines

 

Four new ISOWA-bito members have come to Japan from the Philippines. “Four?” you say. “But there are five of them!” That’s right — it’s go-mei-san! (a pun in Japanese, meaning “five people” and also “thank you for counting!”) (ha-ha)

Of the four who came to Japan, three are engineers in mechanical and electrical fields — B, C, and Y — selected from among 15 candidates through Zuitt’s program.

https://h-isowa.blogspot.com/2025/03/good-luck.html

 After we decided to hire them, C said, “My boyfriend, T has been already working in Japan. He graduated from the same university and is also an engineer. Could you possibly hire him too?”　So, just as we did with the other three, we gave him an interview and a test. The whole team agreed: “He passes!” And so, T officially joined ISOWA — making them a couple working together.　So he was able to help welcome the new arrivals including his girlfriend at the airport. That makes four.

And the other one who came from the Philippines is D. I’ve been connected with her for almost two years, and I thought, “She would be a perfect fit for ISOWA!” So I scouted her.

At our company-wide morning assembly, we gave a warm welcome to them.

They all introduced themselves in Japanese, and they did such a great job! I was really impressed — you can tell they’ve been studying hard. To show our welcome in a small way, we handed out appointment letters in English for the first time. That, too, turned out to be a great experience.

Along with these five, we now have six members from the Philippines, including N, who joined us three years earlier. 

https://h-isowa.blogspot.com/2022/11/two-overseas-exchanges.html

I’m sure they’ll bring fresh energy and give ISOWA’s culture a good shake in the best way. Go for it, everyone — we’re all cheering you on!

"Let’s build the best company in the world for us to work for — a place where each of us can work for the happiness of ourselves and our loved ones."  (Being polished)

 

Customer Visits at ISOWA

 

Customers visit our company to see the machines before they ship. 

When customers visit, ISOWA members will share their own stories during the Discover ISOWA tour.

  

On Friday, many employees shared their stories.

Mr. O is a new employee, and although he is a liberal arts graduate, he aspires to be an engineer and has been assigned to the technical department.

During the Obon holiday, he will be going out to install the machinery he has been working on. I’m truly amazed by his rapid growth.

 

Mr. H, a veteran in assembly who built the same machine that he will also assist in its installation, shared his story backed by experience and technical skill. It was outstanding and truly inspiring.

 

Mr. Y from the Osaka Sales Department introduces ISOWA's company and philosophy to customers. He spoke confidently in front of a large group of customers.

 

 

This Spring, Mr. H transferred from assembly to service as he had hoped. Though young, he is truly dependable, and his story conveyed his determination.

 

Mr. M, a manufacturing technician, is working on creating assembly manuals and converting them into 3D models so that even less experienced assembly members can assemble machines properly.  One customer even said, “We want that at our company, too.”

 

From the machining department, Mr. I shared his renewed commitment to deliver “timing” in assembly and “speed” in service. I’m looking forward to the changes in the machining department from here on.

 

Mr. E showed everyone around the factory, explaining the layout of the processing machines with an emphasis on the flow of materials. I learned a lot from it.  Sorry, there’s no photo, Mr. E.

Mr. N from the assembly department explained the functional improvements made to the Ibis printing machine in recent years and demonstrated a non-stop order change.

He spoke about realizing that rather than focusing on “how to respond when the machine stops”, the real contribution to customers is “how to prevent it from stopping”, thus reducing downtime losses.

 

During the free discussion with customers, we heard various honest opinions, some of which made us exclaim, “Wow, we didn’t know there was such a need!”

 

Although I've been shouting about uncovering customers' unrecognized latent needs, I realized that we haven't even fully grasped their existing needs.

This became a great case study for Mr. N from the PO (Project O) sales team to think about.

Thank you.

 

The rush of visitors will continue next week. I look forward to everyone's passionate stories.