Interview
Our Vision for “the NOx Think Tank”: Transcending Conventions to Forge the Future
A Challenge Akin to Finding a Grain of Sand in a Desert
Two months into my involvement with “the NOx Think Tank project”, I’m struck by how truly unprecedented this challenge is. Manufacturing pharmaceuticals in an environment where NOx is reduced to parts per billion (ppb) levels is like searching for a single, uniquely colored grain of sand in a vast desert—a domain where conventional wisdom simply doesn’t apply. In the initial experimental phase, our setup was quite rudimentary, consisting of cardboard ducts. I was constantly concerned, wondering if we could collect reliable data or if the system could even withstand long-term operation. Every morning upon arriving at work, I would check the status of the experimental equipment, take photos to share with the team, and meticulously inspect everything, hoping it was functioning without issues.
My Guiding Belief, Rooted in the Field: Every Mystery Can Be Solved
The foundation of my engineering philosophy, and my personal motto, is the “5-Gen” Principle. This means to:
・Go to the “Genba” (the actual place)
・Examine the “Genbutsu” (the actual object)
・Face the “Genjitsu” (the actual situation)
・Follow the “Genri” (the fundamental principle)
・Adhere to the “Gensoku” (the basic rule)
By applying the 5-Gen Principle, I am convinced there is no mystery that cannot be solved. I am a firm believer that “The shop floor is everything”. By going to the production site, I discover situations that differ from my assumptions, reminding me “what I think I know is not the whole story”. The Shop Floor is like a living organism: the same phenomenon can arise from different causes, and preconceived notions can prevent you from reaching the true root cause. That is why it is crucial to ask “Why?” repeatedly and to reason from first principles.
Overcoming Barriers by Assembling Diverse Expertise
This project's greatest asset is our outstanding teamwork, which allows us to notice things others might miss. Through close collaboration with our researchers, we dive deep into their ingenious solutions and move forward while determining the requirements for full-scale production. Because this is an unprecedented endeavor, we also prioritize communication with engineers from other fields to incorporate different perspectives and valuable ideas. It’s essential to foster an atmosphere where everyone can speak frankly, working together with deep respect for each other’s knowledge and experience. The “Passion”, “Bold Spirit of Challenge”, and “Deep Curiosity” of everyone involved are the engine for driving this project forward.
Becoming a Hub to Connect Technology, Nurture People, and Forge the Future
The NOx Think Tank project is a “Tremendously Exciting Endeavor”, breaking new ground to create something truly innovative. While staying true to our fundamental mission of contributing to people’s health, we want to show the world what “the Towa Pharmaceutical NOx Think Tank Team” is capable of. Implementing a filter is just one means to an end; we are constantly monitoring new technologies and searching for better solutions. My goal is to serve as a hub that connects Towa Pharmaceutical's outstanding research and development capabilities and analytical technologies with manufacturing and development processes, linking the unique talents scattered across various departments and specialized fields. I aim to build a compelling project that brings together diverse individuals, while passing on knowledge and experience to the younger generation and cultivating future talent with a mindset of innovation.
(Interviewed in June 2025)
Interview
