Revolutionary Industries Kyoto

HORIBA - A Pioneer in Technology
When asked to think about manufacturing industries and craftsmanship typical of Kyoto, it is likely that products made of pottery, fabric or bamboo spring to mind. However, in the heart of this so-called ancient and traditional city, there are some very successful modern companies applying advanced technology to create sought-after products in a wide range of industries. HORIBA Ltd. is a good example.
At its headquarters located to the southwest of Kyoto Station, 800 people are employed producing analytical instruments and measuring devices for the automotive, semiconductor, medical/diagnostic, energy and environmental industries. For half a century, HORIBA has managed to stay ahead in this field with its modern approach to manufacturing and ability to target key industries at each stage of its development. The origin of HORIB Revolutionary Industries Kyoto A is a story in itself - the result of an innovative and inspirational leader, HORIBA Masao. The son of a professor in the Department of Science at Kyoto University, Masao naturally followed in his father's footsteps and became a researcher, choosing to specialize in nuclear physics. However, his ambitions were temporarily put on hold after the war ended and Allied Occupation forces destroyed all public nuclear testing facilities. Not to be deterred, Masao decided to establish his own research center. Masao's Horiba Radio Laboratory was more than likely one of the first venture businesses in Japan to be started by a student. His business acumen, combined with a strong sense of self-motivation and a tough, never give up approach were to form the foundations of the present HORIBA Ltd.
Looking back at the development of HORIBA, the company had to overcome several setbacks and unprecedented postwar inflation before marketing a successful pH meter in 1950. Good fortune played its part with a growing demand for Japanese exports in the 50's and 60's and an increased need for pH meters in the chemical industry. HORIBA then began to produce motor exhaust gas analyzers and vehicle emissions test systems for the automotive industry, and later, in response to a huge leap in semiconductor sales, further expanded into analyzers for the semiconductor industry. In recent years, HORIBA has developed high-tech analytical instruments and control equipment for the healthcare, energy and environment industries, including automatic blood cell counters, X-ray analytical microscopes and spectrophotometers, to name but a few.
Although the company's success undoubtedly stems from the quality and precision of its custom-made products, it can also be attributed to the positive working environment created by its founder. As a born entrepreneur, Masao has instilled in his workforce the importance of enjoying work. Each employee is actively encouraged to set and achieve individual and group goals whilst challenging their full potential. Thus the company's slogan "Joy and Fun" (Omoshiro-okashiku), although an unusual motto for a Japanese company, seems appropriate. Visiting the company's headquarters in Kyoto we were given a guided tour of the factory and the R&D laboratories by Mr. Jimba, a team leader of the Corporate Communications Office, who also provided us with valuable information. We were welcomed with smiles and a friendly, easy-going attitude. Hard workers they must be, but it was clear that enjoyment and work are intertwined, in line with HORIBA Masao's belief that such an attitude results in a highly productive and satisfied workforce. After just two hours at HORIBA, we were ready to submit job applications!
S. White, S. Sakae and Y. Matsuda

Water-World Series: Hydroponics
Hydroponics or suikousaibai may be unfamiliar to some people. It is an agricultural technique where plants are grown and cultivated without using soil. Unlike soil gardening, with hydroponics there is no need for a shovel, hoe, or plough for planting and harvesting crops. The word "hydroponics" is derived from ancient Greek, formed by the words hydros (water) and ponos (labor).
While many of us think of hydroponics as a relatively new method in agriculture, it has actually been in existence since ancient times. The Egyptian, Inca, Aztec, and Babylonian civilizations all practised hydroponic gardening. The term "hydroponics" however, is much more recent. It was coined in 1935 by the modern father of hydroponics, Professor William Gericke. Nowadays, hydroponics are used worldwide to cultivate a wide variety of plants.
There are many different methods of hydroponics. These include suspending a plant's root system in water - Water Culture, in a mist of humid air - Aeroponics, embedded in inert or non-biodegradable substrate (growing medium) - Substrate Hydroponics to name but a few. You may be wondering what the benefits of these methods are. There are several excellent reasons for replacing soil with a sterile medium. Soil-borne pests and diseases are immediately eliminated, as are weeds. The labor involved in tending plants is also markedly reduced. More important, raising plants in a non-soil medium will allow you to grow more plants in a limited amount of space. Food crops will mature more rapidly and produce greater yields. Water and fertilizer are conserved, since they can be reused. In addition, using hydroponics allows you to exert greater control over your plants, to ensure more uniform results. To find out more on the subject a visit was paid to the Joyo City Hydroponics Center in Kyoto Prefecture.

A Farm or a Factory?
Kan-non-do, a farming area in Joyo City that has always had an abundant underground water supply where hydroponic floriculture has prospered. However, with population growth and urbanization the agricultural environment has increasingly suffered as a result. In 1983 the Joyo City Hydroponics Centeriι—zŽs…‹CkΝ”|ƒZƒ“ƒ^[: Joyo-shi Suikiko-Saibai Center) was established to promote local economy and industry. Since then the Center has been producing 20 tons of high quality tomatoes each year (three species: Japanese Momotaro, Italian San Martzarno, Dutch Midi). Facilities like this make possible farming in a confined space with minimal labor, yet stable high productivity. It seems the future of agricultural production in built-up suburban areas like Joyo City is assured. However, the high start up and running costs of the Center should also be taken into account.
I visited the Center for an interview with Mr. MORISHIMA, a technical expert in charge of the green houses. He explained how their system works. Air and nutrient solution are supplied to the roots of plants in the tanks so that soil and other environmental effects can be eliminated and the best conditions for growing can be achieved. Vegetables which have their leaf, stem or fruit consumed are most suited to hydroponic gardening. These include lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and melons.
In the greenhouse, around 2700 tomato plants are growing under central control. For a moment I wondered if this was more like a vegetable factory than a farm. Under the greenhouse 50 tons of water containing various chemical elements and air are pumped into a pipe and constantly circulated. The amount and type of solution is determined according to plant conditions (stage of development etc.). Electrolytic water is sprinkled on the plants to prevent disease and mold. This can also minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. Pruning is regularly carried out. In the flowering season 10-15 bumblebees are turned out to pollinate. The bees are mild-natured. In the closed environment of the greenhouse they help to pollinate at the best time and thus help achieve perfect-shaped good quality fruit.
The Center is busy cultivating and harvesting tomatoes twice a year, from April to July, and again from October to December. Now in the high season, fresh fully ripened tomatoes are delivered daily to the Kyoto Wholesale Market. Direct sales and delivery are also available from the Center.
Sales Period: Until July 8th, Tues. Thurs. Sat. and Sun.
Time: 11:00 - 17:30
Inquiries: Tel. 0774-53-3750
Mr. Morishima's career path is somewhat unique. He majored in Botanical Pathology at Tokyo University of Agriculture and returned to his hometown to work for JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperative). He was engaged in supervising farming as a technical official for 20 years. However, in his current job at the Hydroponics Center he has switched to a more hands on role. "Raising tomatoes is almost like bringing up children, it's exciting and a daily challenge", he said.
Going on a field trip to the Hydroponics Center I realized just how much agriculture has been changing. Yet no matter how advanced our society becomes, we must not forget that food production is essential for our livelihood. We should pay more attention to changes that are taking place. Today's agriculture is becoming more intensive and scientific.
M. Matsushita

Japanese Anime Series
SAZAE-SAN: The Dynamic Housewife
As one of the oldest and longest running Japanese newspaper comic strips and animation, Sazae-san is familiar to almost every Japanese person, both young and old.
Created by HASEGAWA Machiko (1920-92), it was first published as a comic strip in a local newspaper in 1946, later appearing as a series in the Asahi Newspaper between 1949 and 1974. At that time, it was an interesting caricature of post-war life, providing
a reflection of how the average Japanese family lived after the devastation of WW II. Due to its enormous popularity Sazae-san was soon published as a comic book (manga), and later in 1969, as a television anime series. It was also adapted for big screen movies and TV dramas. Today, Sazae-san is still shown on TV and published in comic book form. Although the story and illustrations have changed over time, you can still relive some of Japan's olden days.
So, what is Sazae-san about and why has it become the huge hit it has with Japanese audiences? Humorously encapsulating the generational changes, fads and general issues of the time the stories are centered on the everyday life of Sazae-san, a cheerful 24-year-old housewife, and deal with the problems of living in a three-generation household. In the early postwar words like haikyuu, meaning "rationing", frequently appear, as do commentary and observations about the university campus disputes of the 1960's.
"Sazae-san" the character, while arguably not the most distinguished looking person (at least not of the "cute" genre), plays the role of a charismatic good-natured housewife,
while remaining the lady 'next door' - someone we can all relate to. Can you guess where her name, "Sazae", comes from? The names of each character are derived from sea life or things associated with the sea. Let's introduce Sazae-san's family.

Family name: ISONO (Iso - beach) & FUGUTA (Fugu - blow fish)
Father: ISONO Namihei (Nami - wave)
Mother: ISONO Fune (ship)
Younger brother: ISONO Katsuo (bonito fish)
Younger sister: ISONO Wakame (seaweed)
Husband: FUGUTA Masuo
(Masu - trout)
FUGUTA Sazae (turban shell)
Son: FUGUTA Tarao (Tara - codfish)

Are you wondering why everyone is named after marine life? Well, the inspiration for the characters supposedly came to the author while she was taking a walk along the beach one-day. My favorite character is Katsuo, Sazae-san's younger brother. He is good at baseball, but not very academically inclined. His most treasured item is a test sheet on which he scored 98.
Just how popular is Sazae-san? Like other manga/anime cult-heroes (eg. Doraemon), Sazae-san has a mania following all of its own. The Tokyo Sazae-san Academy, made up of various editors, members of academia, and others in the literary world was formed in 1981. They published, The Enigma of the Isono Family, a book based on an examination of the culture created within the cartoon strip in December 1992. Topics included in the book are the Isono family's attitudes toward general education, neighborhood relations and work activities/relations to name but a few. While the book sold explosively, it outraged some. In response the Setagaya Sazae-san Research Association was formed, resulting in the publication, The Secrets of Sazae-san, which accordingly 'set the record straight' on the true nature of Sazae-san. It is the innately Japanese aspects of Sazae-san that most people find endearing and have helped sustain its popularity over the past 50 years.
Why not visit a bookstore and check out the Sazae-san collection, you will surely be entertained. Bilingual comics of Sazae-san are also available in English. However, if it's the anime that is more to your liking --- either way, both provide a chance to step back in time and bathe in the glow of a nostalgic Japan.

HASEGAWA MACHIKO MUSEUM
Established in 1985 in the writer's old neighborhood, you can view a miniature model of Sazae-san's house and many early manga and anime.
Location: 1-30-6 Sakurashin-cho, Setagawa-ku, Tokyo
Inquires: 03-3701-8766
C. Okajima