Two years ago I got a chance to go to Atlanta, Georgia and assist my boss as he captured the gum manufacturing process for Wrigley. With that under my belt, I somewhat knew what was expected and how a factory worked. The Japanese experience, however, felt very different and foreign to me.
When we arrived we got greeted by quite a few people and the bowing competition began!
Konnichiwa! (bow)
Please take off your shoes (bow)
Please sign in (bow)
Please wash your hands (bow)
I was taken back by how respectful everyone was to each other and how spotless the factory was. No shoes were allowed, we changed into slippers and got escorted to the upstairs bathroom to wash our hands (yet again) and gargle. Yup, gargle! I just followed the lead! Next came a meeting with the president of the company as well as two advisors that were showing us around. Tea was served, presents exchanged and small talk started. I couldn't understand a word but smiling and nodding will definitely get you by. I have to admit I felt a bit out of place at times ( I'm sure my lack of understanding Japanese played a huge role in that) but everyone was extremely friendly and kind to me. I was also secretly praying that I wasn't breaking some Japanese business customs. Plus, note to self, always bring a gift!
After a short meeting we were escorted to a changing room where we changed into white suits, masks, hair nets, and shoes. We all looked like Frosty the Snowman's distant cousins that were perhaps doctors. Our gear in hand we each took turns going through an air shower! Great way to clean the dust off my camera! The factory tour consisted of going through the manufacturing process from beginning to end. I was in awe to see how clean and sterile everything was. Most of the manufacturing process was done by hand! (Very impressive!) Anything from weighing, bottling and putting the labels on the product. I wonder how many US factories still operate this way. I've never seen such care being put into making a product. These products were not just being massively pumped out but instead were perfectly inspected to guarantee the consumer was getting the best product possible. The Japanese are known for being perfectionists and this was clearly visible at this perfectly run factory.
After the grand tour we came back to the conference room where more tea was served as well as a Tokyo Banana. The factory president, the two advisors as well as some of the staff walked us out.
Thank you (bow)
Arigatou gozaimashita (bow)
Please put on your shoes (bow)
Thank you very much (bow)
As our car pulled out I looked back and everyone was still standing by the door, waiting for our car to dissapear into the snowy mountain path. I have never seen such hospitality on a business trip! Overall, I couldn't be more astounded on how the factory operated and the quality of the products they produced. I definitely add this to my "never thought I would experience" list.