#Japan #Hiroshima #Mazda Roadster #Newton Works #Kijima Takao

Seminar Report: The Legacy of Wisdom

On April 21, 2026, Newton Works Co., Ltd. hosted a special seminar titled Legacy of Wisdom at the Hiroshima Information Plaza, focusing on emotional craftsmanship and CAE design. The event featured notable speaker Takao Kijima, former chief engineer of the Mazda Roadster and currently an honorary professor at Yamaguchi University of Science and Technology.

In a world marked by rapid transformation and economic uncertainty, the seminar gathered engineers from Hiroshima to share insights and experiences. Attendees were inspired by Kijima’s journey through challenges, emphasizing the spirit of '温故知新' (learning from the past), essential for paving the way for future innovations.

Key Insights from the Seminar

1. Dynamic Craftsmanship Behind “Jinba Ittai”

Kijima's discussion centered around the Mazda concept of Jinba Ittai, which emphasizes a deep connection between the driver and the car. He elaborated on transforming this concept from mere ethos to a measurable process in engineering. During the development of the third-generation Roadster (NC model), considerable attention was devoted to controlling yaw, roll, and pitch movements while achieving precise weight reductions. Through meticulous adjustments, such as altering the A-pillar angle, Kijima showcased how subtle changes could enhance driver experience and response, highlighting the importance of user-centric design in achieving a beloved open sports car.

2. Designing a ‘Hormonal Shower’

Kijima delved into the psychological aspects of driving, referring to the emotional joy derived from driving as experiencing a 'hormonal shower', a term inspired by insights from psychology and medicine. He illustrated how satisfaction, achievement, and flow—caused by a car's responsiveness—release various neurotransmitters, contributing to an enriching experience. Kijima’s assertion that a good car goes beyond mere ownership—it should foster an emotional connection—resonated deeply in today's technologically-driven environment.

3. Embracing the Spirit of “温故知新”

In concluding the seminar, Kijima reflected on Hiroshima's history and the relentless spirit of challenge instilled in its engineers. He shared how past struggles, from natural disasters to industrial innovation, have shaped Japan's engineering ethos. He encouraged contemporary engineers to look beyond specifications and connect with the human element of their work, fostering products that resonate with people's hearts.

4. New Horizons in CAE Design

Tanaka Tomokazu, from Newton Works' CAE Development Center, presented three innovative technologies aimed at effectively implementing human-centric design in engineering practices. He showcased tools like SimulationX, which connects vehicle dynamics to component influences, and OPTISHAPE-TS, which automates the creation of ideal shapes for product optimization. Furthermore, he introduced OptiY, which employs data science to visualize design spaces using accumulated CAE and experimental data.

Event Overview

Theme: Legacy of Wisdom - A Seminar on Emotional Craftsmanship and CAE Design
Date: April 21, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Venue: Hiroshima Information Plaza, Multipurpose Hall
Speakers: Takao Kijima (Yamaguchi University of Science and Technology), Tomokazu Tanaka (Newton Works)
Organizer: Newton Works Co., Ltd.
Support: Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Foundation, Automotive Technology Innovation Center

About Takao Kijima

Takao Kijima is a legendary figure in Japan's automotive industry with a remarkable track record as the chief engineer for the second-generation RX-7 and the renowned Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B. His leadership in developing the second (NB) and third (NC) generation Roadsters solidifies his status as a pioneer of Japanese sports car engineering.

The Vision Behind the Legacy of Wisdom

The initiative aims to create a platform where the wisdom, experiences, and insights of leading veteran engineers are shared with the current workforce, infusing the spirit of Japan’s manufacturing prowess into the next generation of engineers. It embodies a sense of gratitude from Newton Works towards the manufacturing sector that supports its operations, furthering Japan's global engineering influence.

This seminar not only left attendees empowered but also instilled a deep respect for the lessons of the past as a guide for future innovation.