Sushi and Ultra-high Precision Manufacturing

Ohori Grinding Company
Titanium components of a satellite for Saturn’s orbit, Inconel Formula 1 engine shafts, mechanisms for airplane flaps, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (CFRP) for wrist and clavicle implants, aluminum air bearings… These are just some of the breath-taking technologies processed under the roof of the Ohori Grinding Company in Japan.

I had the opportunity of completing an internship there as through the Greater Nagoya Initiative and ETH Zurich, which is the Leading House for the Bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Programme of Switzerland with China, Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN region.

Micro-scale Precision Manufacturing
As the taste of sushi changes drastically according to who prepares it, anything manufactured at a micro-scale precision is the realm of a skilled technician. Even with the most sophisticated equipment, Ohori Grinding Company strives for perfection through the skills of their experts and delicate attention to detail that only years of experience can offer. As a “chef’s secret”, the factory relies on numerous customized techniques to process a vast variety of materials, complex parts or individual customer requirements. All this is achieved thanks to the master of competencies that the company strives to keep and grow at home.

I was astonished by the vegetable factory the company created aside to keep veteran talents, that desire to keep working, in the company while offering them appropriate job options.

 Japanese Hospitality
Upon my arrival in Japan, I was quickly delighted by the overwhelming hospitality that every manager, coworker and even their families showed to me during my entire stay. Unconsciously, I easily forgot about any language barrier or cultural differences, and I became totally absorbed in the process of exploring my new setting. This ranged from techniques used by each department to process all kinds of technologies, to the explosive culinary and historical wonders that Japan has to offer. However, nothing would have had as much an effect on me as it did without the kindness, help, and support that everyone in the company offered me. Although there were times that my intuitive abilities were challenged to their maximum, in general, I was amazed by how I came to understand others, without actually understanding them.

Japanese Culture Introduction Days
I also experienced “Japanese culture introduction days” when the staff of the company introduced me to different world heritage sites while trying all types of activities. We made our own paper and bamboo fans at Mino city, visited the most famous samurai Castle in Gifu, tried a tea ceremony in Inuyama city, explored the traditional town of Shirakawago, ate Hida beef at Takayama, experienced a summer fireworks festival at Gifu city, visited the Kakamigahara’s air and space museum, and were amazed by the countless impressive historical wonders of Kyoto. Wonderful experiences that will remain clearly in my mind and hopefully someday I can revive again.