Ironworks Plays Key Role in Fukuoka’s Water Gate City
Old & New video By Ryuzo Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior PhotographerAt Tsukuru Fes, an employee of Noridomi Iron Works Co. instructs attendees during a welding experience at the company in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Sept. 13. Those as young as first grade elementary school students can take part. When completed, the welded items become …
In Fukuoka, Yanagawa's Noridomi Iron Works played a pivotal role in the "Tsukuru Fes" event held on September 13, 2023. The company, established in 1948, is the largest water gate manufacturer in the prefecture. However, it faced a labor shortage due to the retirement of its older workers, who were eager to continue their craft in other projects.
Young employees at the company, inspired by the joy of creation, organized the event, which started as a small open factory gathering in 2023 and grew to a community-building endeavor. Seven young employees took the lead in planning and executing the festival, handling tasks from budgeting and design to negotiating with exhibitors.
The event attracted 1,600 visitors in 2023, showcasing activities like welding lessons and a shooting game challenge with rubber guns. The festival, known as "Tsukuru Fes," has now become a beloved autumn event in Yanagawa. Noridomi Iron Works, committed to community development, participates in initiatives like the Norinori Project, which creates outdoor gear with designers and university students.
As a result of opening its gates to others, the company has regained pride among its tradesmen, attracting more young talent to the firm. With around 80 employees, Noridomi Iron Works now operates with the motto "Open the Gate," emphasizing its role in building a gathering place for the community.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
