Iist-Asia Industrial Tour in Yamagata and Fukushima

IIST-ASIA INDUSTRIAL TOUR

IN YAMAGATA AND FUKUSHIMA

4-6 November 2009

organized by Institute for International Studies and Training supported by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

This booklet was subsidized by the Japan Keirin Association through promotion funds from Keirin races.

http://ringring-keirin.jp

IIST-ASIA INDUSTRIAL TOUR

in YAMAGATA and FUKUSHIMA

About the IIST-Asia Industrial Tours

IIST, a foundation fully supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), has been proactively conducting a range of activities such as human resource development from an international perspective and the promotion of international exchange and mutual understanding to alleviate economic and cultural friction among the people of the world. Our Asia Department actively implements various programs including this industrial tour to further promote Japan’s favorable economic relationship with other Asian countries.

As a part of our program, we organize an annual IIST-Asia Industrial Tour to provide diplomats from Asian countries stationed at embassies in Japan with an introduction to regional economies. Part of the IIST’s international exchange program, these tours are designed to deepen understanding and awareness of economic development at the sub-national level.

Tour participants visit, for instance, plants, firms, universities and other local players in selected regions, where they engage in exchange with local economic organizations and administrations, learn about the local economic and industrial situation, and experience local culture.

IIST Industrial Tour in Yamagata and Fukushima

Held on 4-6 November 2009, the aim of the "IIST-Asia Industrial Tour in Yamagata and Fukushima" was to offer diplomats based in Tokyo, and especially those from Asian countries, an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese regional economic development by visiting Yamagata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture, both located in the Tohoku region. In Yamagata, a new project called “Yamagata Koubou” was launched in 2005 to bring together traditional craftsmanship, the beauty of Japanese art and old and modern worlds. As part of this project, several products have been developed in Yamagata and Fukushima utilizing traditional materials and techniques for the modern world. The tour provided the chance for participants to learn about this unique project.

Together with developing a broader recognition and understanding of regional economies on the part of participants, the tour also aimed to establish a foothold for the promotion of reciprocal business exchanges.

IIST-Asia Industrial Tour in Yamagata and Fukushima List of Participants (Alphabetical order)

1. His Excellency Mr. Ashraf-ud-DOULA (Bangladesh) Ambassador Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh バングラデシュ人民共和国大使館特命全権大使アシュラフ・ウッド・ドウラ閣下

2. Ms. LI Qian (China) First Secretary Embassy of the People’s Republic of China 中華人民共和国大使館一等書記官（経済担当）李茜 (リーキアン) 氏

3. Mr. Soon-Taik HWANG (Korea) Minister Embassy of the Republic of Korea 大韓民国大使館経済公使ファン・スン・テク氏

4. Mr. Zakri JAAFAR (Malaysia) Chargé d’ Affairs a.i. (Deputy Chief of Mission) Embassy of Malaysia in Japan マレーシア大使館臨時代理大使（次席大使）ザクリジャーファー氏

5. Mr. Ahmed ADIL (Maldives) Chargé d’ Affairs a.i. (Counsellor) Embassy of the Republic of Maldives モルディブ共和国大使館臨時代理大使（参事官）アハメド・アディル氏

6. His Excellency Mr. Rentsendoo JIGJID (Mongolia) Ambassador Embassy of Mongolia in Japan モンゴル大使館特命全権大使レンツェンドー・ジグジッド閣下

7. His Excellency Mr. Noor Muhammad JADMANI (Pakistan) Ambassador Embassy of Pakistan パキスタン・イスラム共和国大使館特命全権大使ヌール・ムハマド・ジャドマニ閣下

8. Mr. Mauino HARESCO (Philippines) Commercial Counsellor Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines フィリピン共和国大使館商務参事官マウイノ・ハレスコ氏

9. Mr. Rathnayake DISSANAYAKE (Sri Lanka) Minister (Commercial) Embassy of Sri Lanka スリランカ民主社会主義共和国大使館公使（商務担当）ラトナヤカ・ディッサナヤカ氏

10. Mr. Jullapong THAVEESRI (Thailand) Minister Counsellor (Industry) Office of Industrial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy タイ王国大使館工業部公使参事官（工業）ジュラポン・タウィーシー氏

11. His Excellency Mr. Domingos Sarmento ALVES (Timor-Leste) Ambassador Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste 東ティモール民主共和国大使館特命全権大使ドミンゴス･サルメント･アルベス閣下

12. Mr. VU VAN Trung （Viet Nam） Commercial counsellor, Head of the Commercial Office Embassy of the S.R. of Viet Nam ベトナム社会主義共和国大使館商務参事官商務事務所長ブー・バンチュン氏

IIST-Asia Industrial Tour in YAMAGATA and FUKUSHIMA

Schedule (4th-6th November)

DAY 1: YAMAGATA Wednesday, November 4

09:00 Departure from Tokyo station by Shinkansen (Bullet Train；Tsubasa 107)

11:45 Arrival at Yamagata station

12:00 Luncheon Meeting with Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry

13:00 Briefing of Tohoku Economy by Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry

14:00 Presentation of “Yamagata Koubou”by the president of Kikuchi Hojudo Inc.

(Cast iron manufacturing works, Yamagata Koubou member company)

16:00 Visit to Tendo Co., Ltd. in Tendo City (Manufacturing of curved plywood furniture, Yamagata Koubou member company)

18:00 Check-in at Tendo Hotel

19:00 Dinner Meeting with local government and business leaders in Tendo Hotel

Accomodation: Tendo Hotel

■Tendo Hotel at Tendo hot spring (November 4th) Address:2-1-3 Kamata-honcho, Tendo City, 994-0025, Yamagata Prefecture TEL : 023-654-5511 FAX : 023-654-5517

DAY 2: YAMAGATA, FUKUSHIMA Thursday, November 5

09:30 Visit to Oriental Carpet Mills, Ltd. in Yamanobe city (Manufacturing of high qualified carpets, Yamagata Koubou member company)

12:00 Lunch in Hotel Tansen, Nanayo City

13:30 Visit to Orimoto Yamakuchi Co., Ltd. in Yonezawa city (Manufacturing of jacquard weaving)

17:00 Check-in at Konjakutei at Higashiyama Hot spring

18:00 Dinner Meeting with local government and business leaders in Konjakutei

Accomodation:Konjakutei

■Konjakutei at Higashiyama hot spring (November 5th) Address: 247 Yumoto, Higashiyama-machi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, 965-0814, Fukushima Prefecture TEL: 0242-26-4126 FAX: 0242-27-5739

DAY 3: FUKUSHIMA Friday, November 6

09:30 Visit to Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Aizu-Wakamatsu city (Manufacturing of Japanese lacquer products as well as urushi refiner)

11:10 Visit to Tsuruga Castle

12:10 Lunch in Mangero, Aizu-Wakamatsu city

13:30 Visit to Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd. in Aizu-Wakamatsu city (Manufacturing of medical and industrial endoscopes)

17:26 Departure from Kooriyama station by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) (Max Yamabiko 122)

18:48 Arrival at Tokyo station

Highlights of the Program

DAY 1: Wednesday, November 4

Briefing on Tohoku Economy by Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Participants received a detailed briefing on the economic, industrial and commercial background of the Tohoku region from the Director-General of the Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hiroshi Kazui.

Presentation on “Yamagata Koubou” from President of Kikuchi Hojudo Inc. (Cast iron manufacturing works, Yamagata Koubou member company) A presentation on “Yamagata Koubou” was also given by Noriyasu Kikuchi, President of Kikuchi Hojudo Inc. His lecture introduced participants to the philosophy and functions of Yamagata Koubou.

About Yamagata Koubou The combination of modern design and high-quality craftsmanship embodied in the weaving, casting and woodwork that form the backbone of Yamagata’s traditional production has created a new inspirational “usable art” for the global market. Yamagata Koubou is a brand born in 2005 from the “Carozzeria Project” which Ken Okuyama, the famous industrial designer, and several companies in Yamagata Prefecture launched in 2003. Based on the brand concept of “modern vintage of Japan”, the aim is to reach out to discerning individuals in Japan and overseas who understand product value and are willing to invest in something long-lasting. The project name “Carozzeria” is derived from a concept developed by Italian automobile companies such as Ferrari, conducting the entire auto design and production process in one area. The group of products designer by Ken Okuyama and produced Carozzeria-style by several traditional companies in Yamagata Prefecture with high craftsmanship skills and traditional technology is known as “Yamagata Koubou”.

Kikuchi Hojudo Inc. (Yamagata Koubou member company) Yamagata is home to some of Japan’s oldest iron foundries, and is also where some of the most innovative cast iron manufacturers are based today. The oldest of these is Kikuchi Hojudo Inc., a Yamagata Koubou member. Noriyasu Kikuchi heads the company and is also one of the core members of Yamagata Koubou.

Tendo Co., Ltd. (Yamagata Koubou member company) When they visited Tendo Co., Ltd., in Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture, participants first received a briefing on the company from company president Masahiro Katou. At the factory and in the show room, participants observed the various types of wooden products manufactured by the company, which are created using advanced technologies and contemporary designs by famous designers.

Founded in 1940, Tendo primarily manufactures special-order wooden furniture, curved plywood furniture and wooden parts for automobiles. In 1947, Tendo became involved in the manufacture of Occupation housing and, from the early 1950s, furniture for the domestic market. The company boasts a wide range of products designed by award-winning designers. Tendo itself was awarded the prestigious Mainichi Design Prize in 1964 for its contribution to Japanese furniture production in a period when the company was receiving commissions for furniture for many new buildings. Its manufacture of furniture by leading designers continued in the following decades. From the 1980s up until now, the company has produced furniture for government offices, libraries, museums and hotels, while also attracting exciting new ideas from architects and designers entering the company's biennial competition. Tendo also creates designer products in collaboration with Yamagata Koubou, such as the “ORIZURU” (attached picture).

Welcome dinner IIST organized a welcome dinner attended by Mieko Yoshimura (Governor of Yamagata Prefecture), Kazushi Sato (Director General of the Commerce, Industry, Labor and Tourism Department, Yamagata Prefecture). Hiroshi Kazui (Director-General of the Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry), Hiroshi Oshino (Chairman of the Tendo Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and several other officials from the Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry also attended the dinner.

DAY 2: Thursday, November 5

Oriental Carpet Mills Ltd. (Yamagata Koubou member company) On the second day of the tour, participants visited Oriental Carpet Mills Ltd. in Yamanobe City in Yamagata Prefecture. After a briefing on the company’s history and philosophy from company president Hiroaki Watanabe, participants visited the company’s factory and show space.

Participants were impressed with the firm’s beautiful carpets and rugs, which are recognized worldwide for their high quality and elegant design. They also learned that the company’s products have been used in several important places such as the Imperial Palace, the Lower House Budget Committee offices, the US Embassy, the Vatican and the Embassy of Japan in the US.

In 1935, Oriental Carpet Mills began employing hand-weaving technologies which embody the history of fibers and textiles in Japan. Maximizing use of the delicate Japanese sense of beauty, it produced hand-woven carpets featuring elegant color patterns. This beauty drew the eye of the Bank of Japan in the prewar days and decorated the captain’s room in the battleship Yamato in wartime. Even today, Oriental Carpet Mills uses traditional handwork in all processes from the design of carpets to manufacturing. The sophisticated hand-weaving technologies of its craftsmen and a proprietary chemical glaze-washing technology give a porcelain-like luster and fur-soft touch to the woven carpets. The highest levels of quality control have been achieved through the integration of specialist processes for materials, design, dyeing and weaving. The company has also produced products in collaboration with Yamagata Koubou, such as “MOMIJI” (attached picture). MOMIJI was selected for “Interior Scene”, the corner in which the highest-grade products are exhibited at the Maison & Objet Interior International Trade Fair in Paris. Oriental Carpet Mills was selected as one of the “300 Japanese Dynamic Monodzukuri SMEs Supporting the Japan of Tomorrow”.

Orimoto Yamakuchi Co. Ltd. Participants also visited the famous weaving company Orimoto Yamakuchi Co. Ltd. in Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture. Although this company is not a member of Yamagata Koubou, it is well known for the high quality of its products and its innovative efforts to fuse traditional weaving skills with advanced technology and modern design. Participants learned about the firm’s own unique technology “Phototex”, created by Hideo Yamakuchi, CEO and textile artist, and visited factories to observe the process of creating these beautiful products.

Orimoto Yamakuchi Co. Ltd. was founded in 1959. Phototex—a combination of the words “photo” and “textile”—was developed in the 1980s, a weaving style that combines digital technology with the jacquard weaving of the traditional Yonezawa City industries of yarn-dyeing and fine-count thread. He independently developed a system which changes the concept of an electronic jacquard loom by 180°, in which the loom is operated through a controller that follows a photograph from a scanner or digital camera that has been digitalized as a pattern. This new method of expressing the object of an individual artist’s interests in a large textile is highly regarded as a new form of art and regularly receives prizes in all kinds of competitions. Yamakuchi’s works are collected at such places as the American Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Art and Design. Orimoto Yamakuchi is currently engaged in cooperation with the municipal government to address the aging design concept of the electronic jacquard looms and their withdrawal from the market by their principal makers.

Dinner meeting with local government and business leaders at Konjakutei A dinner meeting was held at the Konjakutei Hotel in Aizu-Wakamatsu City attended by Ichiro Kanke (Mayor of Aizu-Wakamatsu City), Nikolay Mirenkov (Vice Chairperson of the Board of Executives, The University of Aizu) and Yasuhiro Miyamori (Chairman, Aizuwakamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry). Several officials from the Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry also attended the meeting.

DAY 3: Thursday, November 6

Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. On the final day, participants visited Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd., in Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Company president Asao Sakamoto explained the philosophy and history of this company and introduced its outstanding products, which are famous throughout the world. Participants were impressed how traditional products could be developed into modern products using technological skills and unique management ideas.

Established in 1900, the company was known as both a long-established wholesaler of urushi (Japanese lacquer) products and an urushi refiner. In 1978, Sakamoto became the company’s third president, and changed the company’s business from wholesaling to the production of unique products. Since then, the company’s urushi works have gained worldwide popularity, to the extent that some have been included in the permanent collection at the New York Museum of Modern Art, and the company has been awarded the Design Plus Award at International Frankfurter Messe and many other prizes. Top management executives from many world-famous manufacturers have visited the company’s main office to order limited-production products.

Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing was also chosen as one of the “300 Japanese Dynamic Monodzukuri SMEs Supporting the Japan of Tomorrow”.

Tsuruga Castle (Tsuruga-jo) On the way to Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd., in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, participants visited the famous Tsuruga Castle to learn about historical and cultural aspects of the city. Inside Tsuruga Castle Park is Rinkaku Teahouse, where feudal lords used to perform the tea ceremony. At the teahouse, which is surrounded by a small garden, visitors can sample green tea. Participants also took part in a tea ceremony at this historical place.

Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd. in Aizu-Wakamatsu City As the final destination on the tour, participants visited Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd., in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. They were briefed on the company and its products by company president Takashi Saito and had a factory visit to learn about the company’s advanced technologies.

Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd., established in 1970, specializes in the manufacturing of medical and industrial endoscopes, in which it enjoys the world’s top share. Factory visits are only allowed for special guests.

Day 1: Yamagata

Briefing of Tohoku Economy by Mr. Hiroshi KAZUI, Presentation of “Yamagata Koubou” Director-General of Tohoku Bureau of Economy, by Mr. Noriyasu KIKUCHI, Trade and Industry the president of Kikuchi Hojudo Inc.

Visit to Tendo Co., Ltd. in Tendo City Visit to Tendo Co., Ltd. in Tendo City

Speech by Ms. Mieko Yoshimura, Ms. Mieko Yoshimura, the governor of the governor of Yamagata Prefecture at Yamagata Prefecture and four ambassadors Dinner Meeting in Tendo Hotel and Mr. Koichiro AKATSU, vice president of IIST at Dinner Meeting in Tendo Hotel

Day 2: Yamagata and Fukushima

Listening to the explanation at Oriental Carpet Factory Visit of Oriental Carpet Mills, Ltd. in Mills, Ltd. in Yamanobe city Yamanobe city

His Excellency Mr. Ashraf-ud-DOULA, Listening to the explanation at Orimoto Ambassador of Embassy of Bangladesh Yamakuchi Co., Ltd. in Yonezawa city interviewed by TV company(NHK) for the news

Day 3: Aizuwakamatsu-city

Factory Visit of Orimoto Yamakuchi Co., Ltd. Participants with Mr. Ichiro KANKE, Mayor in Yonezawa city of Aizuwakamatsu City at Dinner Meeting of Konjyakutei Hotel

Day 3: Aizuwakamatsu-city in Fukushima

Listening to the explanation at Sakamoto Visit to show space of Sakamoto Urushi Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Aizu-Wakamatsu city in Aizu-Wakamatsu city

Enjoying Tea Ceremony at Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu city

Participants of Asian Diplomats in front of Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Aizu-Wakamatsu city

Results/Feedback This tour provided the opportunity for twelve Asian diplomats stationed in Japan to observe some unique attempts in Yamagata and Fukushima to introduce traditional products to the world, fusing traditional materials or methods with modern design to meet modern needs. Informal talks with officials in Yamagata Prefecture, the Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry and Aizu-Wakamatsu City, as well as with company representatives who were part of the program, provided an opportunity for the diplomats to cultivate a deeper understanding with regards to current local conditions, initiatives and themes.

The visits by the diplomats to companies in Yamagata and Fukushima prefecture aired on TV news(NHK), and stories about the tour appeared in various local newspapers.

Comments on the tour from participants were as below:

The factories we visited were very exclusive, showcasing the finest-quality products. Executives at the factories were also very keen to explain the manufacturing process for their products. (H.E. Mr. Doula, Bangladesh)

The expertise in metal, wood and textile and fusion of oriental with modern works is laudable. More impressive was the focus on quality than quantity and remaining realistic to maintain standards. The furniture making expertise, the 3-D carpet making with an oriental touch and the jacquard weaving are experiences that could be shared with the relevant industry in Pakistan. (H.E. Mr. Jadmani, Pakistan)

It was really excellent. Since we are a relatively new country of the millennium at just seven years of age, it was an excellent opportunity to learn about regional development experiences. (H.E. Mr. Alves, Timor-Leste)

I discovered a new enterprise philosophy and found myself thinking about models of industrialization. Additionally, visiting a modern enterprise like Olympus, which is a leading company in a specialist field, widened my vision. (Ms. Li, China)

Excellent examples of co-working of SMEs to remain competitive and to be the best by combining local heritage with modern needs. (Mr. Thaveesrit, Thailand)

It is IIST's sincere hope that this program will prompt further exchanges of information and mutual cooperation between the countries of the participants and Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures.

From IIST-Mail Magazine: December 2009

IIST Asia industrial Tour to Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures – from 4 -6 November, 2009

D.M.Ratnayake Minister(Commercial) Embassy of Sri Lanka, Tokyo

I had an opportunity to participate in the Asia Industrial Tour to Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures in November this year which was organized by the Asia Departmet of the Institute of International Studies and Training ( IIST). The IIST organizes Industrial Study Tours annually to provide an insight into industries, economies, commercial activities of different areas and regions of Japan. As a participant , in this year’s study tour for the second time, in my point of view, the study tours provide opportunity for the participants not only to learn about the economic, industrial and commercial activities of different regions but also to learn to some extent about culture, traditions , history and particularly experience delicious Japanese traditional food in different regions of Japan.

This year’s tours was participated by 12 senior Diplomats from 12 Asian countries including 4 Ambassadors. The programme was for 3 days from 4- 6 November 2009 to visit Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures of the Tohoku Region.

Tohoku Region is a geographical area of Honshu, the largest Island in Japan. Tohoku region consists of six prefectures namely, Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata. The total geographical area of the Region is 66,890 square kilometres which is similar to the total land area of Sri Lanka. The population of the Tohoku region is around 9.6 million.

The IIST had selected Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures for our visit because this year’s programme mainly focused on Japanese traditional industries succeeded in the local and international market in blending their traditional skills, natural beauty of Japan and Japanese arts with modern technology. When the traditional industries in Tohoku region are concerned, there are quite a number of traditional industries in Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures which have developed their products in line with the above concept.

Upon our arrival at Yamagata station by Sinkansen (Bullet Train) on 4th November we received a warm welcome from the Officials of the Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. After the lunch the programme commenced with two presentations, one made by Director General of Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry which was very informative to acquaint participants

with economic, industrial, commercial backgrounds of the Tohoku region and another presentation made by the President of Kikuchi Hojudo Inc. on “Yamagata Koubou”.

Yamagata Koubou is a project which has been created with the objectives of bringing together foundational craftsmanship, with the beauty of Japanese arts, to blend the ancient and modern worlds, and to share these ideas with an international audience. The Yamagata Koubou has successfully implemented its concept under the brand concept of “ Modern Vintage of Japan” in combination of modern designs and technology with the high skilled traditional craftsmanship, hand weaving, casting work and woodwork that are considered as backbone of the Yamagata’s traditional industries.

In the first day afternoon we were taken to Tendo Co. Ltd., a member of the Yamagata Koubou which manufactures wooden furniture for contract market, carved plywood furniture and wooden parts/accessories for automobile industry. The company produces furniture for the high end markets designed by outstanding designers. The company has been awarded the prestigious Mainichi Design prize in 1964 for its contribution to the Japanese furniture industry. During our visit to the factory we were able to see a few designs of furniture items produced by the company in line with the Yamagata Koubou concept.

The dinner meeting with the local business community at the Tendo Hotel at Tendo City on 4th November provided a great opportunity for an interaction between the participants and some leading entrepreneurs in the area and representatives of local authorities. More importantly, the dinner meeting was attended by the Governor of Yamagata Prefecture Ms. Mieko Yoshimura as a honoured guest. Mr. Hiroshi Kazui, Director General of Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry also attended the dinner. I am certain that every participant enjoyed the dinner tasting Japanese cuisines which offered a great verity of dishes and regional specialties.

Second day of our visit began with a visit to the Head Quarters and the factory of the Oriental Carpet Mills Ltd., an another member of the Yamagata Koubou, which is located at Yamanobe-cho, Higashi Murayama-gun in Yamagata. The company has been established in 1935 in the name of Nippon Jutan & Co. and later the company changed its name to Oriental Carpet Mills Ltd. in 1946. The company produces handmade carpets using both traditional and contemporary Japanese designs. The company is one of the 300 companies which have been selected as Japan’s Dynamic Monodzukuri SMEs supporting the Japan of Tomorrow. The visit to the Oriental Carpets Mills Ltd. showed us a good example of the traditional industrial heritage in the region which is blended with contemporary art and the natural beauty in Japan to produce high quality products for the local market and international market as well. The company produces expensive high quality carpets and tapestries with unique technology, some of which are already used in Vatican Palace, Imperial Palace, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, State Guest House Akasaka Palace, Prime Minister’s room of the Diet Building etc..

The second visit of the day was to Orimoto Yamakuchi Co. Ltd. at Yonezawa City which has successfully developed jacquard weaving style by combining digital technology with the traditional weaving techniques. Mr. Yamakuchi, the President of the company has created his own technique which is called Phototex for Jacquard loom. The new technique is used to control yarn with computer instead of punch cards for Jacquard looms whereby photographic data fed into the computer is woven by the loom into the fabric as printer. The company’s new products created by applying innovative technology to traditional technique have an increasing demand in both in Japan and overseas.

During the visit to the Orimoto Yamakuchi, the participants were impressed by the products which are produced by the company using Phototex technique.

The second day dinner meeting attended by local government officials and business leaders in Konjakutei at the hotel Higashiyama Hot Spring was an enjoyable occasion. Higashiyama Onsen is one of the finest hot spring resorts in the Tohoku region which history goes back to Eighth Century AD.

The Attendance of Mr. Ichiro Kanke, the Mayor of Aizu-Wakamatsu cityat the dinner meeting as a special guest added an extra value to the meeting. Mr. Kanke, welcoming the participants stated that the visit of Diplomats including Ambassadors from different Asian countries to Aizu Wakamatsu city is an honour for them. Further, he stated that, the participants would make use of this opportunity to link up with local business community in the region.

The last day of our tour began with a visit to Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co. Ltd., one of the oldest companies in the region which engaged in wholesale of Urushi refine since 1900. Mr. Asao Sakamoto who become the third president of the company in 1978 has further expanded the company’s business activities for production of unique lacquer products. Currently, the company has a recognition worldwide as a high quality producer of Urushi products and some products are displayed in the New York Museum of Modern Art. Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing company also has been selected as one of the 300 companies of Japan’s dynamic Monodzukuri SMEs Supporting Japan of tomorrow.

Besides the visits to factories and companies, the organizers also had made arrangements for the participants to visit Tsuruga-jo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu city. The Tsuruga-jo Castle is one of the biggest Castle in eastern Japan which has an enormous historical value. The Tea Ceremony attended by the participants during the visit to the Castle was very interesting and it might be a first hand xperience for some the Diplomats.

The last visit of the day to the Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd, endoscopes assembling plant in Aizu was very interesting. The tour in the assembling plant guided by a technical team of the company explained the participants the processes of assembling different type of endoscopes by highly skilled workers using state-of- the-art technology developed by the company.

During the IIST – Asia Industrial Tour to Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures we learnt a lot of industrial heritage and activities in these Prefectures, which we found very interesting and inspiring. The tour also paved the way for the participants to establish contact with important bussiness leaders and Government officials in the region.

Last but not least, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the IIST staff for arranging a excellent programme for the Diplomats of the Asian countries this year too. The all participants had a fruitful tour due to untiring efforts taken by the IIST staff in combining hard working and careful planning to make this tour a success. All the efforts of the IIST staff and the officials of the METI Tohoku Bureau, whom we accompanied through out the tour, to make our travel and visits more comfortable and convenient are commendable.

Participants with Ms. Mieko Yoshimura, the governor of Yamagata Prefecture at Dinner Meeting in Tendo Hotel

IIST メールマガジンより：２００９年１２月号掲載

在日アジア外交官交流事業山形県・福島県の産業事情視察－2009 年 11 月 4 日～6 日

スリランカ民主社会主義共和国大使館公使（商務担当）ラトナヤカ・ディッサナヤカ氏

今年 11 月に（財）貿易研修センターが主催する「在日アジア外交官交流事業に」参加し、山形県と福島県を訪問する機会があった。このツアーは毎年、（財）貿易研修センターが、日本各地の様々な地域や地方を訪問することにより地元経済やビジネス活動について理解を深める目的で実施している。この研修旅行に参加するのは今年で 2 回目となる私の個人的な見解ではあるが、このツアーの参加者は異なる地域の経済や産業、商業活動についてだけでなく、その地域特有の文化、伝統そして歴史を学び、またその地域特有の伝統的かつ美味な日本食を楽しむことができると思う。

今年のツアーには、アジア 12 カ国の大使館から 4 名の大使を含む 12 名の外交官が参加し、11 月 4 日～6 日にかけ、2 泊 3 日で東北地域の山形県と福島県を訪問した。

東北地域は、日本で最も地理的に大きい本州に位置し、秋田県、青森県、福島県、岩手県、宮城県、山形県といった 6 つの県を有している。東北地域の面積は 66、890 平方キロであり、スリランカの国土とほぼ同じ大きさにあたり、人口は約 936 万人である。

貿易研修センターが今回の訪問先として山形県と福島県を選定したのは、今年のプログラムテーマが、伝統技術と日本の自然美、最新近代技術と日本の芸術性を融合することにより国内のみならず世界の市場で成功している日本の伝統産業であったからである。東北地域の伝統産業の中でも、とりわけ山形県、福島県ではこのようなコンセプトに基づいた製品開発を行なう数多くの伝統産業が存在するとのことである。

11 月 4 日に新幹線で山形駅に到着後、まず私達は東北経済産業局の方々によって歓迎された。昼食の後には、２つの講義が行なわれた。まず、東北経済産業局局長より東北地域の経済、産業、商業事情を知る上で大変役に立つ情報提供があった。その後、「山形工房」について、菊地保寿堂の社長より講義が行なわれた。

「山形工房」は、ものづくりの職人技と日本の美しい芸術文化を一体化し、伝統とモダンの世界を融合し、こういった考えを国際的に広めるために設立されたプロジェクトである。そして、山形工房は、山形の伝統産業の中でも基幹ともいえる、手織りや鋳物製造、木材工芸などといった高い伝統的職人技と近代的なデザインや技術と組み合わせることにより成功裏に「MODERN VINTAGE OF JAPAN」というブランドコンセプトを作り上げた。

初日の午後、私たちは山形工房のメンバーであり、受注ベースの木製家具(訳注：一般市場向けもある）、成形合板、自動車木製内装部品などの生産を手がけている株式会社天童木工を訪問した。この企業は、優れたデザイナーのデザインで高級品市場をターゲットとした製品作りをおこなっている。また、1964 年には、その日本の家具業界における業績を認められ、栄えある毎日産業デザイン賞（訳注：第 10 回）を受賞している。工場視察を通して、私たちは山形工房のコンセプトに基づいて製作された幾つかの家具のデザインを実際に見ることができた。

また、この日（11 月 4 日）の夜には天童ホテルにて、地元の経済界の方々との夕食懇談会が実施され、参加者は、この地域の重要な経営者や地元政府関係者代表と交流することができた。とりわけ山形県知事の吉村美栄子氏や東北経済産業局局長の数井寛氏が会に参加されたのは意義深かった。また、参加者がこの夕食会において、地域特産の様々な食材を生かした素晴らしい日本の食事を味わったのは間違いない。

ツアー2 日目は、別の山形工房のメンバーであり、山形県東村山郡に本社と工場を構えるオリエンタルカーペット株式会社を訪問した。この企業は 1935 年に日本絨氈製作所として設立後、1946 年にはオリエンタルカーペット株式会社と名称を改めている。この会社では、伝統的文様のみならず､日本の現代的なデザインで手製の絨毯を製造しており、経済産業省より『元気なモノ作り中小企業３００社』の１つとして選定されている。この会社を訪問することにより、私たちは近代美術と日本の自然美を融合したこの地域の伝統的な産業の蓄積が、いかに国内だけでなく世界市場でも認められるような高い品質の製品を生み出すことに貢献しているかという素晴らしい例を知ることができた。この特殊技術を生かした非常に高価で高い品質をほこる絨毯やタペストリーは、すでにバチカン宮殿や、皇居、帝国ホテル、赤坂迎賓館、国会の首相室などで利用されているそうだ。

この日の 2 つ目の訪問先は、米沢市で伝統的な機織技術とデジタル技術を組み合わせ、電子ジャカード織の開発に成功した株式会社織元山口であった。社長の山口氏は織物山口では独自の特許技術による写真のようなジャガード織りを実現する「PHOTOTEX」の技術を開発した。この新しい技術は、ジャカード装置で、紋様のパターンを制御するパンチカードのをあけるかわりに、写真データーがコンピューターで糸を制御することにより、コンピューターの中に取り込まれた電子データーがそのまま糸で織り込まれ、まるで写真のような織物の作成を可能にするというものである。伝統的な技術に新たに革新的な技術を導入して作り出された、この会社の生み出す製品の数々にはいまや日本のみならず海外でも大きな需要があるとのことであった。

訪問を通じて、参加者は「PHOTOTEX」の技術を利用して製造された製品を実際に目にして、大変感銘を受けていた。

この日、ツアー2 日目の夜には、東山温泉にある旅館今昔亭にて地元政府関係者や経済界関係者との夕食懇談会が行なわれ、参加者も楽しんでいた。東山温泉は、西暦 8 世紀にまでさかのぼる東北地域で有数の温泉観光地だそうだ。

会津若松市長である菅家一郎氏が夕食懇談会に参加することにより、より一層特別な会となった。菅家氏は、大使を含め様々な国のアジア外交官を会津若松市に迎えることは大変名誉であると歓迎し、またこの機会をぜひ地元経済界の方々との関係作りに役立てて欲しいと述べていた。

最終日（ツアー3 日目）は、会津若松市で最も古い歴史ある企業の１つであり、1900 年より創業している老舗の漆精製・漆製品問屋である株式会社坂本乙造商店を訪問した。1978 年に、三代目社長に就任して以来、坂本朝夫氏は問屋業から独自の製品づくりへと経営方針を転換し、漆工芸の枠を超えた作品作りを手がけ、企業活動をより一層拡大した。現在、坂本乙造の製品は世界でもその漆工芸製品の高い品質を認められ、ニューヨーク近代美術館にもコレクションとして収められているとのことである。また、この企業も経済産業省より『元気なモノ作り中小企業３００社』の１つとして選定されている。

貿易研修センターは、我々のために、工場や企業訪問以外に、会津若松市に鶴ヶ城への訪問も準備していた。鶴ヶ城は東日本で最も大きい城の１つで、その歴史的な価値も大きいとのことであった。お城の訪問中に、参加者である外交官は実際にお抹茶体験もすることができ、とても興味深かった。

この日の最後の訪問先は、会津若松市で医療用内視鏡の製造をてがける会津オリンパス株式会社への訪問で、非常に面白かった。組立工場を技術チームが案内する中、参加者は熟練した技術者が同社開発の最先端技術を駆使して製造する様々なタイプの内視鏡の組み立て行程を学ぶことができた。

貿易研修センターが主催するこのツアーを通して、山形県や福島件にある様々な非常に興味深くインスピレーションを与えてくれる産業蓄積や産業活動について学ぶことができた。また、この事業は地元の政府関係者や経済界の重要なリーダー達との関係づくりの布石となった。

最後に、今年このように素晴らしいプログラムをアジア諸国の外交官に手配してくださった貿易研修センターの方々に感謝を申し上げたい。参加者が皆、有意義なツアーを過ごせたのは、このツアーを成功へ導くために入念に計画を立て、熱心に働いたセンター職員の努力の賜物ともいえる。また、ツアーに同行された貿易研修センターの方々や東北経済産業局の方々のおかげで、このツアーがより快適かつ有益なものになったことを付記しておきたい。

"Yamagata Shimbun" Thursday 5, November 2009 (fifth page)

(Photo) Group of diplomats from Asian countries visiting Yamagata Prefecture to study local industries (at Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata in Yamagata City).

(Translation)

Asian Diplomats to Japan Tour Yamagata Inspect Yamagata’s Manufacturing Capabilities

A group of diplomats from Asian countries stationed in Japan visited Yamagata Prefecture on November 4 to deepen their understanding of local economy and industries. After being briefed on the Yamagata Carrozzeria Project, which is actively transmitting information on Yamagata’s traditional technologies worldwide, the diplomats visited a number of local companies known for their outstanding technological capabilities.

The visiting diplomats representing 12 countries included Ambassador Ashraf-ud-Doula of Bangladesh, Ambassador Rentsendoo Jigjid of Mongolia, Ambassador Noor Muhammad Jadmani of Pakistan, Ambassador Domingos Sarmento Alves of Timor-Leste and Charge d’Affairs, ministers, and senior diplomats, from such countries as China, Korea, and Vietnam.

A seminar was held on the Yamagata Carrozzeria Project at the Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata in Yamagata City where a presentation was made by President Noriyasu Kikuchi of Kikuchi Hojudo Inc. (Yamagata City) featuring 18 products developed by a total of seven companies. The presentation showed how sales of these products are growing, including in overseas markets. The diplomats asked such questions as whether these companies had “plans of growing to become global companies by expanding their market size,” to which President Kikuchi responded as follows. “Growth is important, but so is co-existing with other companies. We want to preserve our positions in markets that are no larger than 1 billion yen, and to develop exciting products within such markets.”

On the same day, the group visited Tendo Co., Ltd. (Tendo City). On November 5, the group will be visiting Oriental Carpet Mills, Ltd. (Yamanobe Town) and Orimoto Yamakuchi Co., Ltd. (Yonezawa City) from where they will be moving to Fukushima Prefecture on November 6. The tour is organized by the Institute for International Studies and Training.

“The Fukushima Minyu Shimbun” Saturday, 7 November 2009 (fifth page)

(Photo)

Diplomats at Sakamoto Urushi

Manufacturing observing manufacturing techniques.

(Translation)

Tour of Manufacturing in Aizu Ambassadors and Other Diplomats from 11 Asian Countries

A group of diplomats from Asian countries visited Aizu Wakamatsu City on November 6 in an industrial exchange program with Japan. The group inspected various manufacturing technologies in the Aizu region.

The program is organized by the Institute for International Studies and Training and is supported by the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry. The aim of the program is to present the carefully honed management qualities established in local companies for use in overseas industries. This marks the first visit of foreign diplomats to Fukushima Prefecture as part of a program hosted by the Institute. Eleven ambassadors and diplomats from 11 countries, including China, Korea, Malaysia and Mongolia, participated in the program.

While in Aizu Wakamatsu City, the group visited the Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. where they observed lacquer ware and lacquer refining techniques. This was followed by a tour of Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd. where the group inspected state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“The Fukushima- Minpo Shimbun” Saturday, 7 November 2009 (sixth page)

Ambassadors and others listen to

the presentation by President

Sakamoto (left).

(Translation)

Asian Ambassadors to Japan on Inspection Tour in Wakamatsu Diplomats from 11 Countries Study Local Industries

A group of Asian ambassadors and other diplomats stationed in Japan visited local companies in Aizu Wakamatsu City on November 6 to inspect current conditions in local industries.

The tour is part of an exchange program for Asian diplomats in Japan organized by the Institute for International Studies and Training. Participants consisted of 11 ambassadors and other diplomats from 11 Asian countries, including Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.

During the group’s visit to Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. , President Asao Sakamoto explained how traditional lacquer techniques are being used in various new industrial and commercial fields and introduced f a creative line of products. At Aizu Olympus Co., Ltd., the group inspected state-of-the-art medical endoscopic technology.

IIST Institute for International Studies and Training

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