Hands reflect one’s occupation. A craftsman’s hands are dirtied from metal shavings and oil. Their skin is thickened from working every day, making them look massive. I love these kinds of hands.

Many people believe the age of factories that led us into a rapid economic boom is a story of the past. That generation is over, and jobs that can be completed with the click of a button are on the rise. Comparatively, jobs using your hands are old-fashioned, right? I don’t think so. They support our daily lives: from household goods to electronics, from buildings to transportation. The people who made these things were, and continue to be, the craftsmen.

The goods that are made in Japan also make their way out into the world. The factories in Ōta-ku and the people that work in them are making the lives of people around the world better and more convenient. This is a fact that I think Japanese people should be proud of.

If you listen to this guide and feel inclined to go visit the factories, head on over.

They periodically have an open factory event that you can participate in. Who is being supported by Japan’s manufacturing industry? By hearing the stories of the craftsmen, and seeing these machines, we hope you come face to face with the real world of Japanese craftsmanship.