A nut is a minor component, yet it plays a significant role. For instance, nuts can quickly become loose in high-speed trains that constantly rub against the tracks; thus, self-locking nuts are crucial. If this happens, it poses a considerable danger, potentially leading to catastrophic accidents. Therefore, the nuts must be guaranteed never to loosen.
Is there such a nut? Indeed, there is. The nuts used on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, known as “self-locking” nuts, are a prime example. Even more incredible is that these nuts are produced by a small company with only 45 employees. Many technologically advanced countries worldwide order these small nuts from this company.
Yoshihiko Wakabayashi founded Hardlock Industry Co., Ltd.. While an employee, he saw the business potential in nuts and decided to make the creation of never-loosening nuts his career. During market research, he discovered that the market had anti-rotation nuts that used stainless steel wires to prevent loosening. However, these were expensive and complex in structure and couldn’t guarantee 100 percent reliability.
The self-locking nut was not well accepted at first
The small nut kept Yoshihiko Wakabayashi awake at night, and he devoted all his energy to developing a new type of nut. His efforts eventually paid off, and he succeeded in creating it. However, when introduced to the market, it was not well-received. The nut’s structure was more complex, leading to higher costs, and its selling price was 30 percent higher than other nuts. As a result, the nut was ignored for a long time. But Wakabayashi was determined and persistent. When the company had no sales, he took on part-time jobs to keep the company running, insisting on his path.
Eventually, the value of his product was recognized. Many Japanese railway companies desperately sought nuts that could ensure safety. By chance, Wakabayashi’s self-locking nut gained their approval, leading to partnerships. From then on, the self-locking nut gained worldwide recognition.
Interestingly, this nut cannot be easily replicated. Even if you dissect its physical structure and have the blueprints, the processing technology, and various parameter configurations are not something ordinary workers can achieve. Only true expert craftsmen can reach this level.
Many companies embody shokunin-dashi, meaning “the craftsman’s spirit.” Many industries have artisans who pursue their work with near-obsessive dedication, are almost harsh about their product quality, take pride in their craftsmanship, and never tire of their work, always striving for perfection. The small nut offers profound insights; this spirit brings about many incredible things.
Many people mistakenly consider the Japanese craftsman spirit merely a specific work ethic. In reality, it transcends this; the craftsman spirit manifests only when work is elevated to the heights of philosophy and art. This is the soul of Japanese enterprises, reflecting a national ethos.
In truth, we are all ordinary people engaged in ordinary jobs, which might not even be considered careers. However, when we approach our work with reverence, break free from conventional thinking, and elevate it to the level of philosophy and art, we bring joy to ourselves and others and gain societal recognition, raising our lives to new heights.
Fame and fortune are not pursued; they naturally gather around effort and capability, representing a different realm and greater efficiency. Some people achieve nothing despite a lifetime of effort, while others accomplish much at a young age. This is the fundamental reason. May everyone reach such a realm and level, making the most of their lives.
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