A Day in the Life of Kosuke Kaneda, Development Technology Department
[Behind the Scenes] Follow Kosuke Kaneda Through a Day in the Development Technology Department
Musashi Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. is looking for talented individuals to join our team.
Development Technology Department – Kosuke Kaneda
Self-Introduction
Hello, my name is Kosuke Kaneda. I joined Musashi Paint in 2007, and I am now in my 18th year with the company, working in the Development Technology Department. I worked in color formulation for two years and have been involved in product development for the past 16 years. I also spent three years on assignment in China before returning to Japan, where I currently serve as a section manager in the development team.
What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?
I am responsible for managing projects within the Japan-based development team, providing operational support, researching and evaluating new materials, and personally leading product development initiatives. My focus includes developing plant-based paints and low-energy paints.
The primary goal of our development team is to create new products that are widely accepted by the market. Since our work directly impacts both the company’s branding and sales, we must act with careful consideration, but sometimes bold decisions are required. This makes every day stimulating and rewarding.
A Day in the Life of Kosuke Kaneda
6:30 – Wake Up & Prepare for Work
I start my day by having breakfast half-asleep while seeing my eldest son off to school, then leave home around 8:00 a.m.
8:20 – Arrive at the Office
I begin the day with exercise, morning assembly, and cleaning.
9:00 – Team Status Check
I review the progress of ongoing projects within the development team. By having a general understanding of the team’s work, I can quickly respond if issues arise or anticipate potential challenges that may require attention.
10:00 – Experimentation
Product development follows three key steps:
① Material evaluation
② Formulation into paint
③ Performance adjustment
We identify and source necessary materials, evaluate them, and select the most suitable ones. Then we combine these materials to create the paint, ensuring it meets the desired performance specifications. If the product does not meet expectations, we will repeat these steps until the desired results are achieved.
12:00 – Lunch Break
Lunch is taken in the company cafeteria.
13:00 – Meeting with Overseas Sites
We hold regular meetings with development teams at overseas sites to report progress and share new technologies and materials. By understanding global trends and technological advances, we determine the direction for our own development initiatives.
14:00 – Meeting with Material Suppliers
We meet with suppliers to discuss new materials. Materials introduced or requested by suppliers are evaluated for suitability. This process is essential for sourcing high-quality inputs for product development.
15:00 – Experimentation
The afternoon is spent continuing experimental work started earlier in the day.
19:10 – End of Work
Work typically concludes between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., though if schedules are smooth or personal plans exist, I may finish at the standard 5:10 p.m.
19:30 – Arrive Home
Evenings are spent having dinner, bathing, talking with my children, watching TV, or playing games. Previously, I enjoyed table tennis or tennis with colleagues, but lately I have less time for these activities.
24:00 – Sleep
How Do You Spend a Typical Week?
Each month we are spent visiting clients to discuss projects, present products, and reviewing prototypes. Direct communication with clients is crucial for sharing ideas, discussing solutions, and gaining agreement, all of which contribute to developing high-quality products. While product development often involves focused laboratory work, engaging directly with clients is equally important.
What Do You Find Rewarding About Working at Musashi Paint?
The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing products I developed applied to home appliances, automobiles, and buildings.
Interactions with clients throughout the development process are always intense, but each discussion brings new discoveries. Resolving challenges step by step provides a strong sense of achievement and enjoyment. The company supports flexible assignments, including department rotations and overseas postings, giving employees diverse opportunities from an early stage. My three-year assignment in China was challenging but transformative, offering valuable exposure to foreign cultures and perspectives.
Message to Readers
Our team specializes in creating new products and innovative solutions. However, Musashi Paint also has a variety of other departments, each contributing their expertise to bring products to market.
There are many opportunities beyond product development. If you are even slightly interested, we encourage you to reach out and learn more. We look forward to meeting you.
This profile provides a glimpse into the daily work of a frontline development engineer at Musashi Paint. As a young section manager, Kosuke Kaneda continues to tackle challenging projects while developing products that meet client needs and contribute to society.
His proactive approach, dedication, and passion for product development demonstrate the excitement and fulfillment of working in development at Musashi Paint.