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On January 8, 2020, the Prime Minister attended the award ceremony and celebration for the Eighth Monodzukuri Nippon (Japan’s Manufacturing) Grand Award held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his address at the award ceremony,
 
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award.
 
This is the eighth award ceremony since it was first held in 2005. Today, we are joined by those who support the frontline of Japan’s manufacturing with cutting-edge technologies and skills from all across the country at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
All of the products that have received awards are befitting of Japan as a major power in manufacturing excellence.
 
The skills of a small factory in Osaka with about 40 employees are changing medical practices around the world today. The world’s first seamless catheter is the fruit of the tenacity and painstaking efforts of the factory staff over 25 years. This technology that originated in Osaka is bringing hope to patients around the world who are suffering from cerebral infarctions and other ailments. The high level of safety and operability, which even European and American manufacturers have never reached, significantly reduces the burden on doctors working on site. This product truly proves the capability of ‘Made in Japan’ products to the world.
 
Speaking of the world, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in Japan this year at long last; Japan will draw attention from around the world. I have high expectations of the Japanese team’s medal rush; today, we are joined by medalists from the Monodzukuri Olympics (WorldSkills Competition). Of course, the events in the Monodzukuri Olympics change with the times, reflecting the changes in manufacturing. First and foremost, the keyword in recent years is automation. In the category related to this automation, Mr. Sakamoto won Japan’s first gold medal last year. The skills of young engineers are being updated, steadily evolving in response to the evolution of manufacturing. I find this very reassuring.
 
Going forward, changes in the world will happen at an increasingly fast pace. Even in such circumstances, the importance of manufacturing remains unchanged. In that sense, I want all of you to continue to take the lead in Japan’s manufacturing. I also hope that you will produce innovation. In closing, I would like to express my high hopes for your further success. Congratulations to everyone here today.”
 
Furthermore, the Prime Minister said in his address at the celebration,
 
“I once again offer my congratulations to you on receiving the Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award.
 
Earlier, I had the opportunity to see some of the products and technologies on display, and listen to the explanations about them from the respective awardees. I once again felt the strength of Japan as a major power in manufacturing excellence, and the strength of you who support the manufacturing sites in various places.
 
We have arranged for a modest celebration today. We will make a toast after this, but as we have minors here with us today, we will toast with tea.
 
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students of Omiya Technical High School for winning a prize in the International Rocketry Challenge for the second consecutive year. I am deeply pleased that the young people who will shoulder the next generation of Japan’s manufacturing are growing and succeeding on the global stage. I have heard that you made your presentation in English since this was an international competition. It is already very difficult to explain rocketry in Japanese; you made the presentation in English and awed the world. That is truly wonderful and encouraging.
 
With the rapid advancement of the globalization of the economy, there are now no longer any preliminary competitions held in any domestic field. You are all now living in a world where you have to compete internationally from the very beginning. If you possess the fundamental strength of Japan’s manufacturing, however, I am confident that you will have nothing to fear, even when competing with the rest of the world. I hope to create a Japan that is a major power in manufacturing excellence in the world together with everyone, from young people to veterans, including small and medium-sized enterprises, bringing together their strengths as ‘one team.’
 
Before I entered the world of politics, I was working in the steel manufacturing company Kobe Steel. At first I was in charge of process management at a steel mill in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture. Everyone in the factory worked hard and racked their brains day and night, with the sole purpose of producing good products. They regularly held a meeting known as the ‘QC Circle,’ and were always engaged in various discussions, even during their lunch breaks; through these discussions, they improved the productivity of processes, created even better products, reduced the number of defective products, and refined their respective skillsets. I was constantly impressed when watching them. As I have had a little experience in manufacturing, I always feel that Japan’s strength truly lies in manufacturing. Seeing everyone here today reinforces that belief. Going forward, I hope that you will all enjoy even greater success in the world, and spread Japan’s reputation as a major power in manufacturing excellence to the world.
 
Once again, congratulations on receiving the award today.”