New Graduates Toyota Design Department Joined KOITO in 2021｜K.D.
INTERVIEW Creating the “eyes” of a safe mobility society.
Lighting the way for our bright future.
Q.Why did you choose KOITO Manufacturing?
I was impressed by how KOITO develops and manufactures everything themselves, from light sources to electronic components, and how persons in charge can oversee the entirety of the product. KOITO is also a company with number one global share as a manufacturer of automobile lamps, and it has provided people with safety for over 100 years since its foundation. From these facts, I knew that KOITO was a company where I can work for many years to come. Furthermore, in an age where automotive industry is entering a once-in-a-century revolution, KOITO is working to create lamps that are compatible with autonomous driving and AI. So I applied to KOITO Manufacturing to contribute to the future of traffic safety.
Q.Tell us what kind of work you do.
I’m in Toyota Design Department. Here, we oversee series of steps leading up to mass production. This includes listening to our customers’ requests, deciding on lamp design and function, drawing up the design, and testing visibility and thermal resistance performance. As a product manager, I hold meetings with customers and relevant departments in our company, and I manage design data and schedules of various managers from each department that’s involved in the lamp design.
Q.Can you share a memorable experience?
Automobile lamps need high durability so they will not be damaged by vibrations and impacts they may receive while the vehicle is being driven. However, the first product that I oversaw after joining KOITO did not meet the company standard of impact resistance.
I was still new at work, and my product failed meeting the standard. But people around me gave me various advice. I worked along with people in other departments and our supplier to find out the cause, and after much trial and error, I was able to improve the lamp. I still remember how happy I felt when that lamp passed the impact resistance test.

Q.What kind of company is KOITO to you?

It’s a company that offers work with important responsibilities, and it’s a company where I can grow.