MEETUP IKUNO！

Kunitoshi Yamaoka began working with 3D CADCAM during his university years to help his family business. At a time when 3D CAD was not widely used and with no one to guide him, he taught himself through trial. His younger brother, who majored in product design at art school, shared his interest in industrial design. Together, they dreamed of bringing their own products to market.

Traditionally, the mold manufacturing industry is reactive, creating items based on client orders, which made it challenging for Kunitoshi to realize his own ideas. However, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the influx of overseas products led to a decline in orders. In response, Kunitoshi decided to utilize the advanced processing technology developed in the mold manufacturing industry. In 2023, he partnered with local manufacturers in Ikuno Ward to launch their own brand, “molmena.”

https://yamaoka-metal-mold.com/
https://molmena.net/

Growing up in a family-run business, Seietsu Kanazawa often helped out in the factory located on the first floor of his home. Although he disliked carrying heavy vinyl during his childhood, he decided to join the family business at the age of 30. While finding fulfillment in processing soft PVC, he believed there was more he could achieve. He is determined to take on new challenges to ensure both he and the company continue to grow and reach new heights.

https://kanaby.jp/

Yanghee Lee previously worked for four years in sales and one year as a secretary at the Japanese branch of a Korean conglomerate. At the age of 31, he entered graduate school and graduated from the School of Management. Seven years ago, he joined the family business, Gendai Kogyo. Starting from scratch, he learned 2D and 3D CAD, spending four years developing and managing the production of architectural hardware. For the past three years, he has focused on management, continuously addressing the risks and challenges he analyzed during his graduate studies. Through trial and error, he has been leading various business improvement activities.

As the company celebrates its 34th anniversary, Yanghee is deeply committed to understanding the value of their renowned “bending” technology, which has been essential to their customers. Driven by the desire to use Gendai’s technology to benefit more people, he is dedicated to leading the company into its next stage by focusing on product development.

https://gendaikogyo.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gendaikogyo.1990

 Yukihiro Kuga has been working in the cosmetics industry for about 10 years. In his previous position, he was involved in manufacturer sales. At his current company, he is responsible for OEM production, sales of the company’s own brand, and overseas export operations. He specializes in selling hair care and skin care products, and he is well-versed in various distribution channels, including co-ops, beauty salons, and variety stores (such as Loft and Plaza). Yukihiro enjoys using cosmetics himself and regularly purchases and tests new products from other companies. He hopes to break away from the constraints formed over the past 10 years and engage in innovative product development without being bound by preconceived notions.

https://homei-nail.jp/
http://kitao.co.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/kitao_cosmetics/

Tomonori has a passion for manufacturing and aims to create an enjoyable and fulfilling environment at Sanei Metallic Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

https://sanei-1970.com/

Ikuno Ward is located in the southeastern part of Osaka City and is a vibrant, multicultural community where people from about 80 countries live. Before World War II, it began developing as a town for manufacturing everyday items such as mirrors, eyeglasses, matches, and food products. During the period of rapid economic growth, industries like metal processing and the manufacturing of rubber and vinyl products flourished. Despite facing challenges such as cost competition and a shortage of successors, the area is currently engaging in new manufacturing initiatives focused on IT, design, welfare, and the environment.

Ikuno Ward, Osaka City Website

Founded in 1948, Tomoyasu Seisakusho started with a single screw. Leveraging its strengths as a traditional manufacturing company, it develops and sells original products and operates an e-commerce business offering around 40,000 interior items. Additionally, the company has expanded into various other ventures, including a café, construction business, media business, rental space business, and town planning projects.

With the slogan “Play with Life,” Tomoyasu Seisakusho aims to continuously provide products and services that offer better lifestyle choices tailored to each individual’s personality. Their vision is to “Add Colors to everyone’s Life” – bringing vibrancy to the lives of people around the world.

https://tomoyasu.co.jp/en/