This article introduces a factory tour designed for business leaders, university programs, and visitors who want to learn directly from Japan’s world‑renowned manufacturing sites. At a signage manufacturing company with over 60 years of history, participants can explore how the company transformed its business model, strengthened product development capabilities, and built an efficient production system. The tour offers a rare opportunity to experience real Japanese manufacturing on the factory ...
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Namba in Osaka is the cultural center where theaters, shopping streets, and gourmet spots are all within walking distance, blending entertainment with authentic Osaka culture. It is a highly attractive MICE area where participants can enjoy exploring the city itself. The Namba ⇔ Kansai International Airport MICE Guide provides comprehensive MICE support based on Nankai Group venues, hotels, and convenient access. Pre- and post-event, we also offer tour plans combining industrial tourism—such as corporate visits and factory tours—in South Osaka and Wakayama. HP:https://www.japanrootsguide.com/en "This account is operated by Nankai Co., Ltd." [Photo description] 1. Rapi:t express train directly connecting Kansai International Airport and Namba 2. Scenery of Dotombori
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Table of Contents
- How a Japanese Manufacturer Built a New Model of Monozukuri and Business Transformation
- Take a Look Inside the Factory Tour!
- President’s briefing : Understanding the Company’s Transformation and Innovation Strategy
- Factory tour
- Hands‑On Mini Frame Workshop
- Here are some comments from participants.
- Tour Details
- How to contact us
How a Japanese Manufacturer Built a New Model of Monozukuri and Business Transformation
Founded in Sakai 60 years ago, this company is one of the top manufacturers of stand signs, with a domestic market share of 10-15% in the field of stand signs. The company's origins lie in the contract manufacturing of bearings used in the drive units of industrial machinery. inside expanding its business as a subcontractor for its parent company, it aimed to move away from subcontracting and expanded its business to become a manufacturer of finished products that handles everything from manufacturing to sales.
The company also focuses on product development, creating a succession of unique products with unique perspectives, such as pull-up machines and "Support Signs," which double as first aid equipment, and opening up new sales channels. Furthermore, the company has proactively invested in equipment to achieve uniform processing precision. Even young employees, with an average age of 31, have an on-site system in place that allows them to be Seki in high-quality production, and flexible imagination is the driving force behind new initiatives and product development.
On this tour, you can learn about the company's journey from starting out as a subcontractor to achieving one of the top market shares in Japan, as well as its manufacturing strengths.
Take a Look Inside the Factory Tour!
Here is a look at the tour. The tour flow is as follows:
President's speech ⇒ Factory tour ⇒ Mini frame making experience
President’s briefing : Understanding the Company’s Transformation and Innovation Strategy
First, we hear from the president about the company's history and business activities. We'll hear about the background to the company's major transformation from subcontracting to a finished product manufacturer, examples of product development born out of industry-academia collaboration, and initiatives to increase the value of the local community and make manufacturing more accessible. One thing we'd like to highlight in inside is the product development platform launched in January 2024. This system starts with the ideas and thoughts of employees and advances commercialization through co-creation with external parties, and has resulted in unique products such as the "Support Sign," a sign that doubles as a first aid tool, and an outdoor table.
The "Support Sign," a first aid tool and signboard, is a revolutionary first aid tool that is normally used as a stand sign but can also be used as a wheelchair or stretcher in emergencies such as disasters and accidents. Over 500 units have already been installed in educational institutions and general companies across the country, and it is attracting attention as a disaster prevention and first aid tool in a wide range of settings.
From the president's talk, you can learn about the process by which these ideas from the field are turned into products, as well as the mechanisms and background behind it.
Factory tour
Now let's take a look at the company's technology.
In the factory, numerous parts that have been welded and cut are stored in a completed state as a single component. These parts are pre-designed and designed for ease of assembly, and a single product is completed by "combining" the necessary parts. Because the parts are designed with the finished product in mind, there is no waste in the process and speedy production is possible.
Furthermore, the factory has introduced a production management system that keeps track of the inventory of approximately 2,500 different product parts in real time. Because it is always possible to see "which parts and how many there are," it has created a system that can handle products with short delivery times and same-day shipping.
Next, you will be guided by a staff member to see the manufacturing process. Along the production line, you will see machines that cut aluminum material and various equipment that performs hole drilling. The company has been focusing on making active investments in this type of equipment.
In the past, many processes relied on the craftsman's sense and technical ability, using a tape measure and pencil. However, this method inevitably led to errors and deviations, resulting in variations in product quality depending on the worker. Therefore, by introducing machines and stabilizing processing precision, it became possible to manufacture products with consistent quality.
As a result, we have created an environment where even inexperienced staff can easily participate in manufacturing, resulting in a young workplace with an average age of 31. The manufacturing line, supported by equipment and systems, balances high quality with speed and is the core of our manufacturing operations.
There are approximately 50 different cross sections of aluminum frames. All parts are individually controlled, and the optimal combination is selected depending on the application. Flexible design that goes beyond standard products allows us to manufacture products that meet a wide range of needs.
In the factory, all products are stocked in an assembled state, right down to the aluminum frame. This process design, which anticipates completion, allows us to achieve a speedy production system while maintaining high quality.
Hands‑On Mini Frame Workshop
After the factory tour, you will have the opportunity to try making a mini frame.
Using large equipment to cut hard boards and assemble aluminum frames, you will naturally feel excited as you work with tools and processes that you don't normally come into contact with.
You can take home the completed mini frame! You can experience the charm of aluminum frames up close and fully enjoy the fun and sense of accomplishment of making something.
Here are some comments from participants.
Y, a high school student from Taiwan:
I was impressed by Japan's technological capabilities and commitment to quality. Actually trying my hand at frame making was more difficult than I expected, but it was a lot of fun. Being able to take the finished frame home with me was a great memory. This visit deepened my interest in manufacturing and gave me a good opportunity to think about my future.
Tour Details
The factory tour will allow you to get a close look at the manufacturing site, which is something you don't usually get to see. In the photo frame making experience, you will try your hand at the actual manufacturing process, cutting hard boards on large equipment and assembling aluminum frames. You will get a real sense of "making something with your own hands" and get a firsthand feel for the depth and appeal of aluminum frames.
・Factory tour + mini frame making experience (adult) 3,800 yen (tax included) / person (child) 1,900 yen (tax included) / person ・Lecture on design management + factory tour + mini frame making experience 28,800 yen (tax included) / group
≪Number of people≫
1 to 15 people
≪Time≫
Approximately 90 to 120 minutes
Up to two weeks before
You will learn about the mechanisms for achieving both high quality and speed through capital investment and production management innovations, and you will also be able to see the process of ideas taking shape through a product development platform. You will be able to experience the joy of manufacturing while learning about on-site capabilities and a challenging attitude. Visitors from overseas are also welcome. (*An interpreter must be present.)
How to contact us
1. Please fill out the necessary information in the form below and contact us.
2. We will contact you from "industrial.tourism@nankai.co.jp" within 3 business days.
Please feel free to contact us for any enquiries about available dates or detailed tour information!
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