interview

Tomohiro Yamaoka

Design Department Electric Design Sectionjoined the company in 2012

Main work description

I belong to the Electrical Design Section of the Design Department and I design electrical and radio equipment. I examine the generator combination arrangement, select lighting and wireless equipment according to our client’s requests. Since most ship equipment are connected to electric wires, it is also my job to check the proper signal connection of each equipment and to instruct the manufacturer to produce drawings for each equipment.
Each ship is made to order. My job is to build the best ship possible according to our client’s requests while complying to the rules.

I feel rewarded

When I started at the electrical design section, I thought that main job is about wiring and lighting only. I learned that most of the equipment on ships are connected to electric wires and in order to make an electrical design, it is necessary to understand the ship’s mechanism and the role of each device. It is a job that involves understanding all aspects of ship’s navigation, loading and unloading of cargo at port, comfort of the living quarters, and convenience of maneuvering. I feel a sense of accomplishment when the construction is completed successfully after a lot of hard work.
In most cases, ships are designed and built from scratch, and there are some parts that are close to being made to order. We start with a meeting with the client, then we obtain permission from the Maritime Association for the design drawings, and then we communicate with the workers at the site during the construction. One of the appeals of the job is that we are a part of a group involved in the process of making things that we can never make on our own alone.

What difficulties I face

I have been in the design department since I joined the company, but I used to belong to a different section. After moving to Electrical Design, I was appointed immediately to be in charge of a new shipbuilding project. I consulted with my superiors about things I didn't understand but I had a hard time. Because I was inexperienced, some unexpected troubles occurred.
However, in our company, each department is open and able to communicate with other departments smoothly. We were able to solve the problem efficiently.
We are a small and medium-sized company and the number of employees is small but each section is assigned with a lot of workload. Sometimes I feel a lot of pressure but after I finish it, I feel fulfilled. So, for those who want to challenge themselves and improve professionally, I think this job is perfect for you.

Future goals

Generally, every shipbuilding company has their own manufacturing standards. However, we have received a lot of orders that make us evaluate our flexibility to meet with the client’s proposals and requests. I would like to become the person who would be able to satisfy with the requests of the shipowner after consultation and be able to construct a better ship.

How I spend my holidays

Hakata is located in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido expressway and has easy access to both Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures. Therefore, on holidays, my family usually goes to either one of them. It is a surprisingly good location for those who like traveling and going out.
Also, I often go fishing because Hakata is surrounded by a bountiful sea. I think it is a fitting environment for those who like the outdoors.

Reason for choosing MURAHIDE

Hakata is my hometown but I studied Electrical Engineering in a university outside the prefecture. I returned home wanting to work and I found out about the job hiring in this company. I also knew that I can use my knowledge in the shipbuilding industry, so I joined the company .

Advice for job-seekers

Self-analysis is important before you start to look for a company to work for. It is best to do what you want to do and what you are good at, but that is not always the case. I think there are many people who do what they are good at, but not what they want to do.
First of all, know clearly what you want to do, what you like, and what you are good at. Then select a job type and industry, and do your best in job hunting.

Dan Nakabayashi

Sales Department, Newbuilding Business Sectionjoined the company in 2012

Main work description

My main job is the handling of paperwork and preparation for the ceremonies after the newbuilding contract signing, management of shipowner’s requests during construction and dealing with any problem after vessel construction.

I feel rewarded

From the start of the ship design, newbuilding construction takes more than a year. Seeing the delivery of the vessel that I was involved in its construction makes me feel deeply rewarded.
I also feel accomplished whenever a vessel returned to the shipyard for inspection and there were no major problems and that the vessel continues to operate safely a year after delivery.

What difficulties I face

A newly built vessel is an expensive purchase for a shipowner. Naturally, expectations for its completion are also high.
However, depending on the vessel’s construction stage, there may be some discrepancies between the shipowner’s request and what the shipyard can do. During these times, I have difficulty in making adjustments between the two. That is why it is important to have regular and detailed meetings with the shipowners in order to meet their expectations.

Future goals

In the business department, it is my current goal is to be able to facilitate a newbuilding contract signing. In order to do so, I am learning from the examples of my superior and studying about material prices and equipment specifications every day.

How I spend my holidays

I love spending most of my holidays at home with my family. My children and I also love cycling. Sometimes my children and I go cycling along the famous Shimanami Kaido route. The view of the sea and mountains are spectacular especially on a sunny day.

Reason for choosing MURAHIDE

I spent my school days in Aichi and Gifu prefectures. I worked in many industries in Gifu City before we moved to Hakata. My wife is originally from Hakata and I have many friends here so I decided to join the company. I came from a different city but the company and the local community warmly welcomed and accepted me. I think Hakata is a wonderful and peaceful place to live in.

Advice for job-seekers

I think job hunting is one of the most crucial time to reflect on yourself. This is because you have to show your human power, which is different from the academic examinations in high school and university. Analyzing yourself and searching for many job industries many times, asking yourself, “What do I want to do?”, “What kind of work suits me?” may give you worries. But those times of doubt brings out the confidence in you. Believe in yourself and continue to move forward because it will lead to your growth in the future.

Ryosuke Yamaoka

Sales Department Ship Repairing Business Sectionjoined the company in 2014

Main work description

I am the contact person who deal with the client’s requests such as the ship’s regular inspections and general repair works. It is also my job to acquire ships to be scheduled for dry docking. My main job is to answer inquiries about repair works, provide quotations, make order negotiations, arrange vessel docking works, prepare agreements, make invoices, and compile repair costs.

I feel rewarded

In the business department, it is important to have many discussions with the clients in order to satisfy their needs.
During those discussions, some unexpected problems may arise. In this case, I will consult with my boss and colleagues and we will find a solution to the problem. I find it very rewarding every time the repair cost agreement with the client is successfully completed.

What difficulties I face

Since there are many types of repair work, I find it difficult to grasp every details.
For example, in technical terms, ship repair work is divided into 2 parts: deck part and engine part. For the deck part, I have to understand which part of the deck is requested to be repaired or remodeled. For the engine part, I must understand the different parts that must be replaced for each inspection.

Future goals

In any job, I think the most important thing is "trust", to be trusted by people around us. Basically, I would like to continue to build a strong relationship of trust by working with a sincere attitude towards our clients. Also, as I gain work experiences, in any case of trouble, I want to become a person who can be easily relied on not only by our clients but also by the people in the company.

How I spend my holidays

On holidays, I go to hot springs, watch movies, and go fishing. There are also many people who enjoy fishing especially in Hakata. I think there are quite a few fishing masters in the company.
Also, with a team of Murahide members and Hakata locals, we rent a gymnasium and enjoy playing soft volleyball and exercising on weekday nights, twice a week.

Reason for choosing MURAHIDE

I stayed in Hakata, my hometown, until high school.I gained work experiences when I worked in Matsuyama for about 5 years. But I felt like I want to contribute more to the local community of Hakata.
I returned home and chose to work in the shipbuilding industry which has connections with the local people. I heard from my acquaintances about the good working environment in the company. I chose this company because I have the impression that young people have many opportunities to play an active role in the company.

Advice for job-seekers

In looking for a job, I think you get worried, impatient and confused by searching around various work industries. Although it is important to know what kind of job you want to do, you have to set the goal of what you want to become.
It's really great when you get a sense of accomplishment with the work you have done on your own, with the support of the people around you. Please do your best, I support you.

Takanori Mutakami

Engineering Department Hull Divisionjoined the company in 2018

Main work description

My main work is to manage the construction process of blocks made by each subcontractor company. Since various blocks assembly and welding works are operating at the same time, it is important to supply materials to each area efficiently. Therefore, cooperation between the crane operators and workers is necessary.
My other jobs include checking the welded parts of each block, responding to any problem that may occur and creating a process chart. Recently, I have acquired a forklift operation license and I would like to help bring in and maintain materials in order to proceed with the construction process safely and accurately.

I feel rewarded

I feel rewarded every time I witness the launching and delivery ceremony of a vessel.
I played baseball from elementary to senior high school. Just as baseball cannot be played alone, a ship can never be built by one person. I learned by joining the company that the ability of each person is combined to create a large-scale structure such as a ship.
I can't have this feeling anywhere else whenever I see the ship launches safely or when the ship leaves for the ocean at the delivery ceremony. I experience a sense of accomplishment and excitement, and I am motivated to try my best again on the next job.

What difficulties I face

When I joined the company, it was difficult for me to understand the design drawings. The drawings have many varieties and there are many things to memorize such as the meanings of symbols and technical terms. Sometimes I was worried if I can do it in the future. But every time there are things that I do not understand or things that I am interested to learn, I can consult with my superiors and they teach me patiently. And also, because there was a training plan made especially for me, I was able to gradually acquire knowledge and skills through training (on-the-job training / OJT) and external education. My anxieties at the time of joining the company were immediately gone. I am still young and often face difficulties but I would like to steadily improve my knowledge and skills in order to mature and overcome those difficulties.

Future goals

There is little I can do now, and I still have to learn a lot of knowledge and skills but I have a goal. In order to reach that goal, I always think about "WHAT, WHY, HOW", take the initiative in what I can do, and gradually increase what I can do.
Also, as mentioned earlier the shipbuilding industry can never be established by one person. That is why teamwork and communication are very important and I want to be a part it. I want to be a person who can be trusted by the people around me and be a leader in the company someday.

How I spend my holidays

Because Hakata is surrounded by the sea and mountains, I go out for a drive or go fishing on holidays. There is the Shimanami Kaido expressway and I can easily go for a drive. I also enjoy gourmet food and scenery.
And since there are many fishing spots in Hakata, I often go fishing with my friends to refresh my mind.

Reason for choosing MURAHIDE

Since I grew up in Hakata, I am used to seeing many ships sailing in the sea.
I personally like making (fabricating) things, and when I was thinking about finding a job locally, I was introduced to the company by an acquaintance. When I researched about the company, I became interested in the shipbuilding industry.
I also joined particularly because I was attracted to the phrase "I want to start by myself, I want to take the challenge" described in the recruitment page of the company.

Advice for job-seekers

I think the shipbuilding industry is perfect for those who want to start on their own and take on challenges. I did not graduate from an engineering department and I am inexperienced in the industry but with the help of the personalized training plan and guidance from my superiors, I am sure that I can learn more about the shipbuilding industry. I think it's a rewarding job because you can really see the results of your hard work.
After all, because we build the large structural ship through teamwork, it also becomes more attractive on a large scale. I hope that you can witness the launching ceremony so you can also feel the grandeur and excitement.

Natsumi Murakami

Design Departmentjoined the company in 2019

Main work description

My main job in the design department is correcting drawings using CAD software as instructed and desk paperwork using Microsoft Word and Excel software.
In addition to this, I also assist in the company recruitment process and company online Social Networking Service operations (mainly Instagram).

I feel rewarded

I feel a sense of accomplishment after completing a detailed drawing revisions. Ship drawings are very complex. One drawing may take me almost a whole day to correct because I am still slow but I still feel rewarded anyway. I think that how accurately you can finish the task makes it rewarding.Also, by contributing to the company SNS, I feel accomplished when I respond to the reactions and comments of the followers and the people around. In this way, I will do my best to share to many people more about shipbuilding and the charms of Hakata.

What difficulties I face

I was a liberal arts student and had never operated CAD. At first, I struggled with CAD operations and how to read drawings. Once I got used to operating CAD, I was able to use it to some extent within a month. But because ship’s drawings are complex and there are still many symbols I do not understand, I am still studying every day.

Future goals

As a CAD operator, I want to be a dependable person in the department. Building a ship requires a lot of cooperation and work sharing. As much as possible, I want to improve work efficiency and reduce the overall burden.
In the recruitment process, I would like to create many opportunities for younger generations to know more about the company and shipbuilding through SNS. I will continue to challenge myself by changing the circulating method and content editing of the company SNS to create a more realistic and effective approach.

How I spend my holidays

On holidays, I go out to Imabari and Matsuyama with my high school friends or I stay at home and watch Netflix. Even if I live in the countryside, I can watch movies at home and shop online. It has also become more convenient now because I can drink virtually (online) with my friends who live far away from me.I am also enjoying cooking at home because I often receive fresh fish and vegetables from my neighbors.

Reason for choosing MURAHIDE

Hakata is my hometown but I lived in Okayama from when I was a university student until my 3rd year of employment in a business position. After spending about 7 years away (four years of college and 2 years of employment), I feel that I have not given enough to my family and so I decided to come home. I wanted to give back in some ways, not only to my parents but also to the people who took care of me, so I chose this company because most of them are here.

Advice for job-seekers

When I was searching for a job, I didn't select a particular industry. If there is a company I am interested in, I went to its orientation meetings. If I liked the working environment of the company, I applied for an interview. I went to varied work industries such as the beauty products industry, food manufacturing industry, education industry, etc. I was the type who decides on things intuitively, but then I thought to myself, is this really the way I want to do my first job hunting? Sometimes I felt lost. But in the end, it was a very good experience for me to go to those orientation meetings. If anyone is struggling to focus in one industry, I encourage you to try and expand your interests in other industries. And if you feel that you really want to join a company, you should express your eagerness immediately. In doing so, the company will surely feel your enthusiasm.