Leader of the futon-making team. He works the quilt sewing machine and edge-binding machine processes, coordinates the floor, and is responsible for training newcomers.
My two machines
I mainly operate the quilt-sewing and edge-binding machines. As team leader, I also help coordinate the production floor so that each process runs smoothly.
Making products customers can’t help recommending
We care intensely about the quality of our futon — the aim is the kind of product “a customer can’t help telling someone about.” That is no slogan; it is built from countless tiny judgements in every process. One machine’s tension is a touch tighter than yesterday’s; one batch of fabric differs slightly in weight from the last — these details must be checked every day.
Passing on practical judgement
I train new colleagues and people learning a different process. The challenge is teaching judgement: when to stop and check, when to speed up and when to ask an experienced colleague for help. The family business has more than 150 years of history; today, we pass these practical skills to the next generation.
Cross-team cooperation
We help one another across teams. If one team is short-handed, someone from another steps in. Keeping the work safe and consistent comes first, however busy the day becomes.