General Manager, Production Department Yasuhiro Tanaka
“Musashi Paint’s future requires new energy and flexible thinking.”
Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. is looking for colleagues to grow together with us.
Please Briefly Introduce Yourself
Hello everyone. My name is Yasuhiro Tanaka, and I work at Chongqing Musashi Paint Co., Ltd. I am originally from Saitama Prefecture. I was born in 1981 and am currently 43 years old. I joined Musashi Paint as a mid-career hire in 2006, and this year marks my 18th year with the company.
What Kind of Work Do You Do at Musashi Paint?
Since joining the company, I have spent my career mainly in production-related roles, including color matching, clear coat manufacturing, and base color production.
In 2020, I was assigned to Chongqing Musashi Paint, where I currently work. This is now my fourth year living and working in China. Leveraging the experience, I gained in the Production Department at Musashi Paint in Japan, I am currently responsible for management duties across production, production planning, quality assurance, and procurement.
Why Did You Choose Musashi Paint?
Originally, I was dispatched to Musashi Paint as a contract employee before being officially hired. I have always enjoyed making things, and as a hobby, I used to refinish guitar coatings and paint motorcycle fuel tanks. During my company visit before joining, I watched the color-matching process and became deeply fascinated by it. That experience made me want to work here.
What Do You Find Appealing About Musashi Paint?
Without a doubt, it’s the people. Both senior and junior colleagues have strong and unique personalities, and I truly feel a strong sense of connection with them—not only as coworkers, but also as peers in both professional and personal settings.
What Is Appealing About Working at an Overseas Location?
Do you know where Chongqing is located in China?
Many people in Japan are not very familiar with it. To be honest, when my boss first told me, “We’re building a factory in Chongqing, so please go,” my reaction was, “Wait… where is that?”
Chongqing is located in southwestern China, next to Sichuan Province. It used to be part of Sichuan but became China’s fourth directly governed municipality in 1997. It is a massive city, with an area roughly the size of Hokkaido and a population of about 30 million.
The climate is often cloudy, and in summer, temperatures close to 40°C (104°F) can continue for about a month. The people of Chongqing are talkative and caring—much like people from the Kansai region in Japan—and in many ways, it is one of the “hottest” regions in China.
As for food—let me say, it can be tough.
I intentionally use the word “tough” because Chongqing cuisine is famously spicy. Hot pot is especially well-known, and most local dishes are intensely spicy. However, it’s not just spicy in the way Japanese people imagine—it’s a numbing, mouth-tingling heat that makes your lips and tongue lose sensation. In my case, the day after eating authentic Chongqing food, I often can’t leave the restroom. For those who want to experience the real thing, I highly recommend visiting Chongqing!
What Is It Like Working There?
Work-wise, it is a continuous series of challenges.
Chongqing Musashi Paint is still a relatively new site, now in its fourth year since launch, and expatriates currently play a central role in driving operations.
First of all, there is the language barrier. When communicating through an interpreter, the process of explaining, confirming, and then conveying information takes roughly three times longer than usual.
Additionally, cultural differences mean that even fundamental ways of thinking can be very different. To achieve the same goals together, it is essential to find a balance between each other’s perspectives.
It takes time to truly understand one another. While this may sound like nothing but hardship, the reality is that even small achievements bring three times the sense of joy because of the effort involved.
In daily life as well, everything feels new and interesting, including culture shock.
With the spread of YouTube and social media, information is easy to obtain, but as the saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” What is common sense in Japan is often not common elsewhere, and there are many things you can only experience by actually living here.
I have lost count of the number of times I have thought, “What!?” while living in China—but those experiences eventually turn into entertaining stories to share back in Japan, so I enjoy them as valuable life lessons.
When Do You Feel a Sense of Fulfillment at Work?
I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment when we accomplish something together as a team.
Additionally, when I introduce the products, we are involved in and see people react with surprise, I feel proud of the work we do.
What Do You Look for in Your Work?
I value an environment where I can take on a wide range of challenges.
Being given the opportunity to pursue what I want to try greatly increases my motivation. Even within limited responsibilities, working through trial and error and eventually achieving success brings a strong sense of accomplishment.
I hope to continue building such an environment together with my colleagues.
What Kind of Colleagues Would You Like to Work With?
□ Curious and eager to learn
□ Sincere and honest
□ Someone who appreciates humor
A Message to Our Readers
Thank you very much for reading until the end.
The future of Musashi Paint requires new energy and flexible thinking.
I truly believe this company offers fair and equal opportunities for those who want to take on challenges, with strong support from supervisors as well as colleagues across departments.
Since joining the company, I have been given many opportunities to challenge myself, and now I am working overseas, something I had long hoped for.
If you want to challenge yourself or are interested in working abroad, I would be delighted for you to join us at Musashi Paint.
We look forward to working with you!
Comments from Seniors and Colleagues
What Kind of Person Is Mr. Tanaka?
- If I had to describe him in one phrase, it would be: “a hard worker with a wonderful smile.” I began working closely with him in 2015 when I transferred to the Production Department. At that time, he was already playing a key role on the production floor. He is extremely serious, dedicated, and never loses his warm smile—even in the most challenging situations.
- In 2017, I was assigned a mission to support manufacturing operations at Musashi Paint India. I selected Mr. Tanaka as one of the on-site support members because I trusted that he would see the task through, even in the demanding environment of India. Although English was not his strong suit, he entered the factory floor with an English Japanese dictionary in hand, communicating through gestures and determination. He stayed on-site until I personally went to check on him, and I was deeply impressed by his commitment. He is someone who truly gives his all and always finishes what he starts.
Additional Reflections
- When I first met Mr. Tanaka during my initial business trip to India, I was very anxious, as it was my first time. Despite the language barrier, I saw him enthusiastically teaching local staff on the production floor, and I felt reassured that he was the right person to be there. Later, he took full responsibility for on-site instruction, and I felt he was extremely dependable. This experience made me confident in his future global success. One memorable moment was that during the first week he enjoyed curry quite happily, but just before returning to Japan, his stomach finally gave in. I believe that Mr. Tanaka played a key role in building the foundation for our current cross-over training program between global sites, enabling training exchanges between India, headquarters, and other overseas locations.
What Are Your Expectations for Mr. Tanaka?
| ・ | Now, as the General Manager and Production Department Head at Chongqing Musashi Paint, our roles have changed, but we still work together closely. What I expect most from him is his ability to bring departments together. I believe he should do so in his own unique way—one that plays to his strengths. Even in China, where language, culture, and customs differ entirely from Japan, his positive attitude and dedication will surely resonate with local staff. Perfection is not required. Starting with 60 points is fine—praising good efforts with his trademark smile and encouraging growth is what matters most. |
A Message to Mr. Tanaka
- You’ll be just fine. Believe in yourself, don’t fear failure, and keep moving forward. Results will follow.
- I believe you will spark a new revolution in Chongqing. Take pride in contributing to society in both India and China—two of the world’s most populous countries—and continue down that path.
- I look forward to traveling together in Nepal someday.
