Embodying “Banji-nissei”

I recently went on my fourth business trip to China this year.
One of the purposes of the business trip was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tokai Rubber (Dongguan) Co., Ltd. Dongguan City, China: hereinafter referred to as TRDG).
TRDG was initially established as a company that manufactured anti-vibration rubbers (dampers) for automotive CDs (compact discs) players, and other products.
Amid declining demand due to the shrinking automotive CD market, TRDG began manufacturing automotive connector seals in 2015, and these are now its core products.
We expect further increase in demand for our products in response to the major changes in the automotive industry, including “CASE*”, especially for C: Connected and E: Electrification.

*C: Connected, A: Autonomous, S: Shared & Services, E: Electrification

At TRDG's 20th anniversary celebration, I commented that TRDG is a very good example of a company that has successfully responded to the changing times and maintained and expanded its business.
Both the ceremony and the dinner after the ceremony was well organized and heartwarming for all the base directors, expatriates, and local staff. The next day, I headed for another destination of this business trip, a visit to Tokai Rubber (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou City, China: hereinafter referred to as TRG).

TRG's main products are rubber fuel hoses and anti-vibration rubbers for Japanese automotive OEMs.
In recent years, the market environment has changed dramatically, with Chinese OEMs rapidly expanding their market share.
Under this environment, TRG's Kaizen activities about productivity at factories are more active than ever, and I was impressed by the company's ambitious activities, including the use of AI and new tools.
Our Groups develop and receive orders for a variety of products for EVs.
I encouraged them, saying, “Productivity of new products will increase if they are manufactured at plants where Kaizen activities are active on a regular basis. Therefore, I would like you to continue your daily efforts, not limiting yourself to the contents of this report.”
Our Groups will continue to respond flexibly to changes in the business environment and create technologies and products that meet the needs of the new era with a sense of speed.
During this visit, I was able to catch a glimpse of the very heart of Banji-nissei*.

*The Sumitomo Spirit: (Banji-nissei)
Originating from the preamble of Monjuin Shiigaki, it speaks of the importance of sincerity in all human endeavors:
Do your sincere best, not only in business, but also in every aspect of your life.