Production Department – Color Technology Section – Takashi Kanazawa

“You can make an effort to love your work!”

Production Department – Color Technology Section – Takashi Kanazawa

Self-Introduction

After graduating from high school, I had the opportunity to join Musashi Paint, and this year marks my 14th year with the company. I was born in 1991 and enjoy baseball and strength training. I live with my wife, daughter, and son—a family of four.

What kind of work do you do at Musashi Paint?

I work in the Production Department’s Color Technology Section.

My role is to mix colors to match the approved color requested by our customers, and to make adjustments if the color does not match.

Color mixing is an extremely delicate task—small differences, even as little as 0.1 grams, can lead to significant color changes. This precision makes the work very rewarding and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.

Why did you choose Musashi Paint?

The company was close to my home, and the strong employee benefits made it a place where I could see myself working long-term.

What do you find appealing about Musashi Paint?

The biggest appeal is that the results of our work are visible throughout the city. Also, having worked here since high school and built a family along the way, I have come to appreciate how easy it is to balance work and personal life.

When do you feel most fulfilled in your work?

Color mixing is said to be discouraging until one master the technique, so maintaining a positive mindset always was not always easy.

However, when I see the colors we created in the city, I feel proud and all the effort and challenges feel worthwhile. Discovering the joy in mixing color has given me a sense of mental ease and broadened my perspective. I have also learned the importance of considering our customers, even those we never meet directly, not just focusing on the colors in front of me.

What do you look for in your work?

I always seek progress and growth.

Approaching work with sincerity helps me grow personally and also contributes to delivering high-quality work by respecting my colleagues. I also believe that taking on tasks that feel interesting, but intimidating is essential for personal development and moving to the next stage.

What kind of colleagues do you want to work with?

I want to work with colleagues who are grateful and maintain a constant desire for self-improvement.

Message to readers

Work takes up a significant portion of our lives.

Therefore, enjoying what you do is most important.

Not every task is easy or fun, but how we perceive and approach it can make the experience enjoyable. I believe Musashi Paint is a workplace where you can make the effort to love your work.

Comments from colleagues and peers

What kind of person is Mr. Kanazawa?

• From my perspective as a senior, he is truly a “gentleman of color”. Everyone knows he is good-looking, but his character is equally impressive. He is responsible, considerate, and consistently positive. Honestly, he seems almost without flaws. What particularly impresses me is that he never complains, grumbles, or speaks ill of others. In my long life, he is the only person I have met who maintains this mindset. Nature has blessed him with many gifts (if only I could borrow his looks!).

• When I first met him, I thought he might be a little intimidating, but working alongside him revealed that he is bright, positive, and occasionally a little clumsy. He has a unique ability to lift the atmosphere around him. He values his children and has played with mine, even getting soaked in a sudden rain shower while watching fireworks—memories I will never forget.

• We also share a connection through the company baseball team, where I, as the manager, have entrusted him with the cleanup batter position. The cleanup batter is a crucial role, and I chose him because he swings fully in any situation, without worrying about the result. His courage and composure are remarkable, and seeing him swing with full effort is inspiring, regardless of the outcome.

What do you respect about Takashi Kanazawa?

• I respect that he accepts challenging tasks without hesitation or complaint, showing remarkable composure and dedication.

What are your expectations for him?

• I hope he will nurture considerate colleagues like himself. Great products can only be created in a great workplace. Helping others in need and solving problems together are essential. Superiors and subordinates are all teammates. I look forward to him building a collaborative and united work culture as a future manager.

Message to Takashi Kanazawa

• I hope we can continue to work together as good colleagues, improving and supporting each other while strengthening the Color Technology Section.

• He is also the leader of the NIJI Project, which promotes the Musashi Color philosophy throughout the company. He is thoughtful, supportive, and always reaches out to new colleagues, showing both kindness and leadership. I look forward to seeing him continue to foster Musashi Paint’s culture with his brightness and consideration.