The participants all looked more animated during field trips and practical training than during the lectures at JICA Kyushu. It was as if their firm intention to observe everything and convey it all to their workmates was written on their faces for all to see. Their expressions underlined how planning the field trips and practical training had all been worthwhile.

The weather was bad during the course and looked like it would snow. I still remember clearly how all the participants‚ particularly the one from São Paulo in Brazil‚ said that they had been looking at the snow-laden clouds hoping that the snow would settle.

The participants would assemble five minutes ahead of schedule or the time the lecture was due to start‚ and would all face the instructors and greet them in unison. At the end‚ they would all thank the instructors in unison. They would do the same at the places they visited for field trips or practical training too. They all scrupulously observed the deadline for submitting their action plan as well. Furthermore‚ they all completed their presentations within the time allotted.

The behavior described above made me feel that the fundamentals of monozukuri (such as meeting deadlines and being punctual) are part of the participants’ DNA. At the same time‚ I could be sure that the participants are fully capable of developing monozukuri upon their return to their home countries. This training course was a good opportunity to reconfirm that such DNA is an excellent Japanese legacy which is fundamental to monozukuri.