Employee introduction

From Saga to Shiga—starting out in quality control

“It’s hard for me to talk or smile naturally, so I’m sorry in advance,” said T.M. nervously at the start of our interview. Despite her modest demeanor, she’s recognized as a future managerial candidate, thanks to her skill and commitment on the factory floor. Surprisingly, she recalls her encounter with DAIHO as “pure chance.”

“I graduated from a technical high school in Saga. I saw a job listing for DAIHO and decided to apply. I did some research, but even though it was said to be top-class in injection molding, I honestly didn’t grasp what that meant at the time.”

Encouraged by her school, T.M. joined the Kansai Company and was soon assigned to the Konan Factory, the company’s mother plant, where she underwent training and eventually started her career in quality control.

“My first assignment was to monitor the machines and check product quality. I had to compare finished parts against reference samples, and if there was any deviation, stop the line immediately and work with others to resolve the issue. I also observed workers and provided guidance when needed to maintain product standards.”

Relocating alone from Kyushu to Shiga Prefecture was a big leap.
“At the time, I was the only female new hire at the Konan Factory. There were dormitories for men, but not for women, so they set me up in a nearby apartment.

Even though I came from a technical background, my major was in machining and electronics—not plastics—so everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming.”

Taking initiative and transitioning into molding
Despite the initial confusion, T.M. gave it her all. In her early 20s, she decided to switch from quality control to the molding department, the core of DAIHO’s manufacturing.

“I knew how important quality control was, but I wanted to be directly involved in making the products. I heard that the molding team was short-handed, so I asked to transfer and was able to switch departments in about one or two months.”

Leveling up with new skills

Many imagine plastic injection molding as simple—just press a button, and the product pops out. But in reality, it’s a highly technical process where experience and calculation make all the difference.

“As a woman, there were times I thought I might not be able to handle the physical demands, especially when setting molds. Some factories still rely on manual tightening, which requires strength. But at the Konan Factory, we use hydraulic clamps, so it’s more manageable.

The work is tough, no doubt about that. But the sense of accomplishment is worth it. When I see how the product quality changes based on my technique, it motivates me to keep improving.

There’s also so much to learn. Even within plastics, there are so many types—ABS, polypropylene, polystyrene—and each one requires different molding conditions. If you get it wrong, you could damage the mold. So I learned everything on the job from my supervisors, step by step.”

Eventually, T.M. was asked to transfer to the technical group.
“I think I was around 25. I can’t remember exactly how it came up, but I was told they wanted me in the technical group. I was excited—more learning opportunities!

Molding involves operating machines with existing molds, while the technical group handles mold repair, adjustment, and even design. It’s not necessarily more difficult, but it requires deeper knowledge.”

Investing in herself—on and off the clock

Although she’s humble about it, T.M.’s initiative and continuous learning played a key role in her transfer.

“Moving here alone at 18, I had a lot of free time. At first, I was excited—Kyoto and Osaka were nearby! But the novelty wore off fast.

I found a school in Kusatsu (about 20 minutes by train) that taught 3D CAD. Since I had some design experience in high school, I decided to enroll and study in my spare time.

Now, I’m preparing for the national Level 2 Injection Molding Technician exam. It involves both written and hands-on components, like setting the mold and producing 20 products within a time limit. You work with two materials, so adjusting the temperature correctly is key. I really want to see how far my skills have come.”

On top of that, she’s studying Chinese.
“There’s a language school nearby, so I go when I can. Many of our molds are made in China or Korea, so I thought it might be useful. After six months, I’m starting to understand some words and can kind of get the gist of written sentences.

I like learning, so I plan to keep taking on new challenges for self-improvement.”

Certifications as motivation—plus a little bonus

T.M. is passionate about passing on what she’s learned. What kind of people does she hope will join DAIHO? “People with drive. It might feel overwhelming or physically demanding at first, but the more skills you gain, the more fun the job becomes. Stick with it for at least three years. If you’re willing to learn, you can gain as much knowledge and skill as you want here. Job difficulty varies by department, but there’s very little gender bias. Don’t assume the factory world is just for men—jump in! Automation is progressing, but in the end, craftsmanship still relies on learning from others. You don’t need to know anything about injection molding when you start—just ask questions and learn from your seniors like I did. This isn’t a job you can leave to machines alone, and that’s why it’s so fulfilling. And honestly, I love the work! If you’re someone who always wants to improve and make better things, come join us and aim to be Skilled, Top Class, and Number One at DAIHO.”

A message to future female engineers

T.M. is passionate about passing on what she’s learned. What kind of people does she hope will join DAIHO?

“People with drive. It might feel overwhelming or physically demanding at first, but the more skills you gain, the more fun the job becomes. Stick with it for at least three years.

If you’re willing to learn, you can gain as much knowledge and skill as you want here. Job difficulty varies by department, but there’s very little gender bias. Don’t assume the factory world is just for men—jump in!

Automation is progressing, but in the end, craftsmanship still relies on learning from others. You don’t need to know anything about injection molding when you start—just ask questions and learn from your seniors like I did.

This isn’t a job you can leave to machines alone, and that’s why it’s so fulfilling. And honestly, I love the work!

If you’re someone who always wants to improve and make better things, come join us and aim to be Skilled, Top Class, and Number One at DAIHO.”