For Mazda, a car is not just a huge chunk of metal; a car has a life of its own. That’s why Mazda is committed to making cars with varieties of expressions and strong vitality, both of which are signs of life. This concept is translated to a design language called “KODO Design” which is revolutionizing car design in the 21st century.

KODO Design is realized by many parts which are an accurate reproduction of designer’s drawings thanks to metal stamping based on intricate calculations. The quality of metal stamping depends on the precision of “metal molds”, which directly affects beauty and the quality of car’s body.  In other words, designers are a heart of KODO Design while metal molds form a backbone.

“Metal mold finishing requires abilities to see subtlest changes in mold (detection and restoration skills (welding, grinding and polishing capabilities).  Comparing to a dentist, my job is to spot early symptoms of dental disorder by looking at an overall picture and treat the symptoms before they develop into a full disorder”, says Dojo.

Mazda’s challenge is to pass Dojo’s masterful skills to the next-generation of skilled experts. In the old days, it generally took 10 years to qualify as an expert, and another 10 years to acquire sophisticated finishing skills, and another 10 years to qualify as a “master”.  Eiji Matsushima is currently working on a “master training system” to assist in this process.  Dojo is helping recording his “masterful skills” inherited from his seniors in writing and in a video format.