Why we don't let you step on the pedal immediately after joining. The philosophy of mastering a lifelong skill from the ground up [Training for beginners at a Mikawa machine shop]

1200-degree heat, the roar of a giant hammer falling.
This is the scene that first overwhelms those who come to tour Howa Tanko.

The star of our factory is the 'air drop hammer.' It is a dynamic machine that drops a massive hammer with a single operation of the foot pedal to shape red-hot iron.

Many visitors say this:
'It looks cool, but I wonder if I could handle that kind of power.'

That anxiety is justified. That is precisely why Howa Tanko has a rule to protect both you and our quality: 'Never let a new hire step on the hammer pedal immediately.'

Step 1: The first month after joining, start by learning the 'shape of the product'

For the first month or so after joining, the first machine work you will be assigned is 'trimming' (removing flash).

Products that have just been forged still have excess material (flash) on them. This is the task of using a press machine to cleanly cut it off and bring it to its intended shape.

You might think, 'Is this where I start?' However, by removing flash with your own hands, inspecting the products, and helping out with various associated tasks, you will unconsciously absorb the 'correct shape of the product' into your body.

Step 2: Cultivating your 'eye' over the course of about a year

Days spent repeating 'trimming' and 'inspection.' Here, what you will face thoroughly is 'measuring' and 'looking.'

The essence of forging work is not just operating a machine.
'Strike -> Inspect -> Fine-tune'. Carrying out this cycle is the true essence of a craftsman.

If the dimensions are off, or if it is even slightly different from the perfect product made by a senior, you stop your hands there and think about it together with your senior. 'Why did this happen?'

Spending about a year cultivating your 'eye'.
Understanding 'what is correct' down to your bones. It is because of this run-up period that you can build a foundation for accumulating a lifelong skill.

Step 3: Your first 'step' with a pounding heart

About a year after joining, at the words from your senior, 'Alright, shall we give it a try?', you finally stand in front of the hammer.

I still remember how new employees look at that moment.
Everyone steps on the pedal with all their might, heart pounding, and 'afraid in a good way.'

The impact transmitted from that one step.
That tension is proof that over the past year, you have correctly understood the difficulty and the weight of responsibility of the job called 'forging.' We value that 'feeling of fear' more than anything else. Because that caution is what leads to safe and reliable work.

'I used to do that a lot back in the day too' — Failure is a baton that leads to gratitude

Of course, even with a year of preparation, you won't be perfect from the start. Sometimes you might make a big mistake, such as not stepping on the pedal firmly enough or mistiming it and damaging the mold.

At times like that, what flies around our worksite is not angry shouting.

Our seniors share these words, often weaving in stories of their own past mistakes.
Because I was helped, I will help you next.
Training at Howa Forging is not just about passing on skills. It is a time to pass on the baton of gratitude—of helping and being helped.

In closing

We are not looking for someone who can skillfully operate machines from day one.
We are looking for the tenacity to start by carefully "observing" through trimming and inspection.
And we are looking for "you," who possesses the "honesty" to value the advice of your seniors.you.

At Howa Forging, we are prepared to embrace your mistakes and patiently wait for your growth.
Why not join our warm team and acquire a lifelong skill together?

Your support is a great source of strength for us.
Please be sure to follow us on our various social media channels.
X: https://x.com/howatankou
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howa-tanko/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585297065324
Howa Forging Company Website: https://howa-forging.co.jp/