Tetsuo Arikawa: Staff Weddings Gives Harmonious and Touching Atmosphere of Family Unity

lifeofguangzhou.com: What impressed you most during your working period in Guangzhou?

Guangzhou is developing every day. Highways and metros are spreading, museums and luxury hotels are appearing. Actually, the developing speed of Guangzhou is ten times faster than that of Japan.

lifeofguangzhou.com: Are there any touching stories that happened during your working time here?

During my working time in Guangzhou, what impressed me most was the spirit of the staff. They always do their best to solve problems, and their serious and responsible attitude towards work is also moving. Also, the lives of staff after work is varied and full of emotion. I have occasionally attended staff weddings. The harmonious atmosphere of family unity was quite touching.

lifeofguangzhou.com: As a foreign expert in Guangzhou, what are your biggest achievements? What has made you feel proudest?

When I first arrived at Guangzhou Toyota Corporation, the factory was still under construction. After working hard for one year, we completed a model Toyota factory overseas and trained a group of young competent employees. Their average age was only 20 and they could produce high quality motors. I think the biggest achievement I have had so far was to participate in this process with these young people.

The Camry (car name) was popular as soon as it appeared to the public. As of now, it has been first among national middle-class and high-class monthly motor sales 15 times. This makes me very proud too.

lifeofguangzhou.com: Are there any difficulties when working with your Chinese staff? How did you deal with these differences? For example, cultural difference?

The time period for Guangzhou Toyota Corporation from construction to sales is very limited. With the support of local government, the construction, import of equipment and installation run smoothly. Training staff however, takes more time and energy, as we are not only teaching them working methods, but mastery of the Toyota way.

In order to reach our aims in a short period of time, we have an efficient plan for skills study to solve problems. Employees learn hard and help others to, which has made our training performance better than expected.

lifeofguangzhou.com: Why did you come to work in Guangzhou?

I was requested to come to Guangzhou by the company. This is the first time I have worked overseas. I like the living environment in Guangzhou, it's very comfortable. 

lifeofguangzhou.com: How long do you plan to work in Guangzhou?

I came here in February 2005 and planed to stay until February 2008, I have been here for 3 years now. It is not a long time, but from this experience I have learnt a lot. If there is a chance, I will come back to Guangzhou in the future. But there are no detailed plans concerning this.

lifeofguangzhou.com: Do you have any suggestions for Guangzhou?

As in manufacturing, concern for the environment should be cultivated; resources such as water, electricity and gas should be managed efficiently. With the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games just around the corner, Guangzhou is developing much quicker. Price and labor costs are rising at the same time. So the cost of manufacturing will rise as well. However, I hope that Guangzhou's manufacturing will continue to develop.

(Translated by Luna Yang and Alan Devey)

Source: lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Jessie Hwang