#Japan #Canon #Mechatronics #Tokoname #National Skills

Canon's Success at the 63rd National Skills Competition

At the 63rd National Skills Competition, held from October 17 to 20, 2025, at the Aichi Prefectural International Exhibition Center, esteemed competitors Toyama Mizuki and Komuro Takeru from Canon shone brightly by clinching bronze medals in the Mechatronics category. This accomplishment marks a remarkable streak of 21 consecutive years of awards for Canon since the 43rd event in 2005.

Understanding the Mechatronics Competition

The Mechatronics challenge is not just about precision; it's a comprehensive test of talent that includes the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of automation devices over two days. Competitors must assemble devices based on parts and blueprints revealed on the day of the event. They are tasked with calibration, wiring, piping, and programming control systems for the assembled devices. Additionally, enhancing functionality by introducing new components is a critical part of the competition. Skills such as reading specifications are essential, but so are teamwork and communication since the challenges are performed in pairs.

Canon's Commitment to Skill Development

Canon believes that nurturing talent is fundamental to manufacturing. Hence, in 1959, the company established its precursor to the current Manufacturing Promotion Center, known as the Skills Training Institute, focusing on developing skilled workers and technicians in manufacturing. In February 2016, Canon further enhanced its training capabilities with the establishment of the Toride Manufacturing Training Institute, regarded as the cornerstone of manufacturing human resource development, providing an advanced training environment and system.

Since 2004, Canon has actively participated in the National Skills Competition as part of its initiatives to develop young skilled labor. This year, the Canon Group was represented by eight competitors across four categories, earning one bronze medal and two commendations, totaling three awards. This success fuels Canon's commitment to grooming the next generation of skilled producers in manufacturing.

About the National Skills Competition

The National Skills Competition was initiated to inspire youth under 23, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills while emphasizing the importance of skill development to the general public. Established in 1963, this annual event has become a prestigious national-level skill competition covering a wide array of professions. This year's event attracted 1,025 participants across 42 categories, all competing to demonstrate their expertise.

The International Skills Competition occurs every two years, with the next event scheduled for 2026. Importantly, the preceding National Skills Competition serves to select participants for the international platform in associated disciplines.

Advancing Manufacturing Excellence

Canon's website,
Mastering Manufacturing, documents its unending evolution in product and service innovation. It highlights the automation and in-house production advancements and shares insights about vital skill cultivation through initiatives such as the National Skills Competition.

With an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, Canon exemplifies how the synergy between skill development and technological innovation can drive excellence in manufacturing.