The continuation of generating worth through traditional Japanese artistry: Installment 2
In the heart of Toyota's manufacturing, the Takumi Kobo team is a testament to the company's commitment to creating fascinating cars and accessories. This team, a cornerstone of Toyota's artisanship, is dedicated to refining their skills and pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship combined with modern production techniques.
The Takumi Kobo, established in April 2022, is a team of master artisans, each specialising in various fields such as metalwork, painting, interior trimming, or component finishing. These Takumi Craftsmen have long-term experience and undergo rigorous training in both traditional craftsmanship techniques and modern manufacturing.
One of the team's recent projects is the creation of the Masame scuff plate for the new Century, Toyota’s flagship luxury sedan. The Masame scuff plate, featuring an elegant woodgrain-inspired finish, is a testament to the team's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
The process of creating the Masame scuff plate involves handwork, a practice that still plays an important role in today's car manufacturing. The design is hammered onto stainless steel plates, line by line, showcasing the team's meticulous attention to detail.
Yuto Tanaka, a Project Manager at the Technical Development & Prototype Division's Strategy and Planning Group, led the planning and development of the Century's optional Takumi scuff plate. Hitoshi Tsuchiya, a sheet metal master, also played a significant role in the project, helping Tanaka launch the Takumi Kobo.
Another member of the team, Jun Nitahara, joined Toyota in 2015 and has spent the past seven years honing his metalworking skills. After developing his sheet metal skills and assembling car bodies, he returned to Toyota in 2022 to become a member of the Takumi Kobo.
Yuko Murata, a technician at Toyota, coordinates all aspects of manufacturing with partners, ensuring the seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques.
The second part of this report delves into the journey of the Century scuff plate towards becoming a product. It's a testament to the spirit of monozukuri, the Japanese philosophy of manufacturing, that continues to guide Toyota's craftsmen and engineers.
This series is part of a larger effort to showcase the craftsmanship of Japanese monozukuri through interviews with Toyota's carmaking masters. It's a glimpse into the world of the Takumi Kobo, where tradition meets innovation, and where every component, from the smallest scuff plate to the grandest car, is a testament to Toyota's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
The Takumi Kobo, established in April 2022, has been involved in various projects, intertwining traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques. For instance, they collaborated with the finance division to streamline their budgeting process, harnessing the power of technology to optimize their financial management.
In the ever-evolving world of the automotive industry, the Takumi Kobo has also worked hand-in-hand with the transportation sector to investigate and develop innovative solutions for smoother transportation integration, leveraging technology to improve their production and transportation logistics.
