The clean room of "Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi". Clean rooms require a high level of functionality, such as ensuring dustproofing and air purification, and although there are not many examples of clean rooms built using wood, the building was realized by making full use of modern day technology, including lighting methods and air conditioning from the floor.The clean room of "Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi". Clean rooms require a high level of functionality, such as ensuring dustproofing and air purification, and although there are not many examples of clean rooms built using wood, the building was realized by making full use of modern day technology, including lighting methods and air conditioning from the floor.

Experiences

Spotlight

GRAND SEIKO's sacred place, Shizukuishi (Part 2)

2020.7.28

The future of Grand Seiko seen in the naturally nurtured “Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi”

The clean room of "Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi". Clean rooms require a high level of functionality, such as ensuring dustproofing and air purification, and although there are not many examples of clean rooms built using wood, the building was realized by making full use of modern day technology, including lighting methods and air conditioning from the floor.

Pursuing the essence of manufacturing and seeking the ideal beyond that

With Mt. Iwate in front, the glass-fronted wooden building has an open feel and continues straight on. Except for the lounge located in the L-shaped corner, the height is kept low and the blue sky spreads out. The roof, which seems to stretch toward the sky, is impressive. No one who visits Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi would think that it is a watch factory. The warm atmosphere makes it suitable to be called a studio. When you enter the entrance, the walls are covered in Yamato veneer. It continues into the hallway, inviting you into a tranquil space without compromising the sense of unity with the surrounding nature. Kengo Kuma talks about the intention of the design as follows.

A new studio designed by architect Kengo Kuma, with a roof raised above Mt. Iwate. A new studio designed by architect Kengo Kuma, with a roof raised above Mt. Iwate.

A new studio designed by architect Kengo Kuma, with a roof raised above Mt. Iwate.


"First of all, how do we relate the building to its surroundings? To achieve this, we raised the front roof to create a gesture that connects the building with the sky and Mt. Iwate. What was important was the texture of natural materials, as well as It's a rhythm that flows from the surrounding forest to the pillars of the building and the Yamato cladding on the walls.I wanted all of that to come together to create a rhythm inside the building that would make time tick." ).

 

The rhythmic presence of the wood harmonizes with the white walls with a Japanese paper-like texture, creating a beautiful contrast. "That's part of the rhythm. Different white patterns appear depending on the viewing angle and light, and by adding a slight texture, the rhythm resonates throughout the space. Even in wooden buildings, there are cases where the wooden structure can be shown to this extent. Not much.However, rather than emphasizing its strength, I added a slightly thin white pigment to the pine laminated wood.I was very careful in how I applied the white. Everything including the pillars and carpets are unified with this color tone, which blends in with the landscape of the area.'' (Kuma)

A panoramic view of the workshop's clean room can be seen from the landing of the stairs leading to the second floor, where the lounge is located. A panoramic view of the workshop's clean room can be seen from the landing of the stairs leading to the second floor, where the lounge is located.

A panoramic view of the workshop's clean room can be seen from the landing of the stairs leading to the second floor, where the lounge is located.

In particular, a new challenge for Kuma was the main clean room where clocks are assembled and adjusted. A clean room with dust-proofing and air purification is essential for the manufacture of delicate watches, but this has rarely been seen in wooden buildings.

 

``Clean rooms require a very high level of functionality, and it would be difficult to build them with wooden structures.Therefore, we pursued simplicity while making full use of modern cutting-edge technology, including lighting methods and floor-level air conditioning.In fact, this simplicity... That was the most difficult thing to do.It was possible because of our high level of technical ability, and while it was functional, it also brought out the goodness of the traditional material of wood.This is what I am aiming for and what Grand Seiko is aiming for. In fact, I feel that they are very close to each other, and while they make full use of cutting-edge technology, they are rooted in nature.I always think that it is possible to connect the two in a clever way. "We have put these thoughts into this building," says Kuma.

 

Visitors can witness the creation of a Grand Seiko in this clean room, along with the rich nature that spreads out beyond the hallway. "I think you can understand the essence of Grand Seiko's manufacturing when you see it in action.The spirit of craftsmanship that the Japanese have cultivated over many years is alive and well. It is a very Japanese thing.Japanese nature nurtured Japanese craftsmen, and in this studio you can experience the process of creating watches by demonstrating the skills of craftsmen nurtured by beautiful nature. I'm sure you'll get it.'' (Kuma)


The area where Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is located has long been a rich forest. Morioka Seiko Industries is proactive in preserving biodiversity and is also active in sustainability activities. The area where Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is located has long been a rich forest. Morioka Seiko Industries is proactive in preserving biodiversity and is also active in sustainability activities.

The area where Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is located has long been a rich forest. Morioka Seiko Industries is proactive in preserving biodiversity and is also active in sustainability activities.

Yoshiaki Hayashi, president of Morioka Seiko Industries, explains the importance of coexistence between watches, which are precision instruments, and nature. ``Our 50-year history at Morioka Seiko has been with the nature of Shizukuishi.In recent years, we have particularly focused on utilizing biodiversity, and have been slowly maintaining the company's green spaces, preserving as much of its natural form as possible. In addition, we are working to reduce CO2 emissions in our production activities, including installing energy-saving monitoring equipment, and as watches require precision and are made of delicate parts, such an environment is essential. This is the origin of manufacturing, and in order to create products, it is important to coexist with the nature around us.'' (Hayashi)

Yoshiaki Hayashi, president of Morioka Seiko Industries, says that revitalizing production activities while protecting Shizukuishi's nature will contribute to the local community. Yoshiaki Hayashi, president of Morioka Seiko Industries, says that revitalizing production activities while protecting Shizukuishi's nature will contribute to the local community.

Yoshiaki Hayashi, president of Morioka Seiko Industries, says that revitalizing production activities while protecting Shizukuishi's nature will contribute to the local community.
Photography by Kenichi Shimura

Although watches may be precision instruments, it is the beautiful nature that supports their creation and flows through their blood, providing inspiration to humans throughout the seasons. ``Clocks are objects that are so close to humans that they reflect our feelings.In particular, Grand Seiko, which has a philosophy of ``THE NATURE OF TIME,'' is wondering how far it can pursue its essence in nature.Through manufacturing. I would like to make this a reality.'' (Hayashi)

Yukinori Kato, vice president of Morioka Seiko Industries. He says that Grand Seiko will grow if each person working in this studio has a sense of meaning and confidence in their work. Yukinori Kato, vice president of Morioka Seiko Industries. He says that Grand Seiko will grow if each person working in this studio has a sense of meaning and confidence in their work.

Yukinori Kato, vice president of Morioka Seiko Industries. He says that Grand Seiko will grow if each person working in this studio has a sense of meaning and confidence in their work.
Photography by Kenichi Shimura

"Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi" is preparing for full-scale operation, but when you look at the people, working here means creating products on behalf of the brand, which leads to the development of the workers. Yukinori Kato, vice president of Morioka Seiko Industries, says:

 

“In terms of making things, there has been no major change in what we have been doing at this base, as we have always done.However, the purpose of establishing the studio was to help as many people as possible understand our work more deeply. This is of great significance, and working with this awareness will help increase individual motivation.The pride and confidence that comes with knowing that you are the one making something is a great support.'' Kato).

 

In Kato's words, ``a brand is something that is supported by people.'' “We are proud to work here, and we will pass this on to the next generation.We believe that having this awareness among each and every person at the studio will lead to our own growth and our reputation as a brand. I think so” (Kato).

 

 

(Titles omitted)

 

 

→To the sacred place of GRAND SEIKO, Shizukuishi (Part 1)

 

 

◆Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi
61-1 Itabashi, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

 

 

Text by Mitsuru Shibata
Photography by Takashi Sekiguchi

In addition to informing you of the latest information via newsletter, we also plan to inform you of exclusive events and give away special gifts.

scroll top